By Tan Ean Nee

Dr. Zheng Ru An from Taiwan visited Tan Cheng Guan once again, and as soon as they met, they embraced tightly, creating a heartwarming and touching scene. Cheng Guan emotionally said, "During the most painful moments of my illness and the loss of my son, I wouldn't have made it without Dr. Zheng's encouragement." To her, Dr. Zheng is like her own child.

Their connection dates back to 2018. At that time, a volunteer named Cuijiao accompanied Tan Cheng Guan while she painted and interviewed her about her life story. Cuijiao was a student of Dr. Zheng, and she treated the interview as a school assignment. Unexpectedly, that casual act fostered a deep friendship between Dr. Zheng and Tan Cheng Guan.

Through Cuijiao's project, Dr. Zheng took notice of Cheng Guan and even followed her life updates on Facebook. Tan Cheng Guan’s first self-portrait was also collected by Dr. Zheng. Over the years, they have kept in touch frequently and have gradually become close friends who confide in each other.

They have known each other for six years now, and this visit marks Dr. Zheng's fourth special trip to see her. This meeting was particularly special, as Tan Cheng Guan personally taught Dr. Zheng the making of handmade noodles and cooked a bowl of fragrant noodles for him to taste.

Sitting together, Tan Cheng Guan shared her picture book stories and gave Dr. Zheng two of her paintings.

Knowing that Dr. Zheng loves Bak Kut Teh, Tan Cheng Guan specifically asked me to buy ten packs of authentic Bak Kut Teh spice packets for him to take back to Taiwan, showing her sincere affection.

Dr. Zheng also prepared gifts, giving Cheng Guan a blessed Buddha bead bracelet and a book on play therapy.

This rare cross-generational friendship has made them cherish each other's companionship and every moment they spend together. Meeting someone in this world is already a rare occurrence, and they have turned their bond into a touching story through genuine care and sincerity.