A Taste of Youth

Written and photographed by Joni Yu

Unhappy – forget it in 5 seconds,
Smile – the IVs do not rule.
Bareheaded – even I think it’s cool.
Wearing a long-hair wig – everyone says it’s a
look only I could pull.
From a young girl to a young lady,
Every day, I greet the cancer cells hello.
But I don’t panic, nor have fear.
Because the energy of my heart,
Is within my soul.

Ya-Ting was diagnosed with bone cancer at age 13. She passed away at age 19 in the spring of 2010. Knowing her for six years, we have realized the limitation of medicine. Yet, her brilliant smiles and grace encourage the medical team to move forward, and walk the last mile with every patient.
It only takes 1/60 of a second to capture a picture, but it takes many years to prepare for this final moment. This is the end of a footnote of my six-years of acquaintance with Ya-Ting. Ya-Ting is off the bus for now.
Let us continue our bittersweet journey of life, accompanied by her smiles.

About the Author

Joni Yu is an author, a senior media professional, and a Tzu Chi volunteer. Presently he works as a public relations specialist at Dalin Tzu Chi Hospital, doing what he loves.
In his student years Yu was praised by his teacher, “I can smell his talent.” With pen in one hand and camera in another, he captures big and little things happening around the hospital with passion.
Since volunteering in the hospice unit, Yu has been accompanying patients and recording their beautiful and radiant expressions so people can witness the vitality and love inside the hospital ward.