Despite facing physical pain, they still persevere and make constant efforts to prove that: They are not "disabled" people, but people who live with an iron will, never giving in to any challenge.
Thuan Thanh War Invalids Nursing Center (Bac Ninh) is a unit that cares for and treats seriously wounded and sick soldiers. The unit has the largest number of wounded soldiers and the most serious level of disability. Currently, the center is managing and implementing policies for 91 wounded and sick soldiers of level 1/4, with a disability rate of 81% to 100%. Up to 90% of the wounded and sick soldiers here have problems with spinal injuries, of which about 48 people are also infected with toxic chemicals.
Returning to a peaceful life is the greatest happiness.
With a disability assessment of 82%, Mr. Le Van Quy (from Hai Duong) is currently a 1/4 disabled veteran and has been with Thuan Thanh Disabled Nursing Center since the end of 1977 until now.
Recalling his years of fighting to protect the Fatherland, Mr. Quy emotionally shared: “I joined the resistance war in 1971 in Quang Tri. During my duty, I had to face injuries twice. The first time in 1972, the injury was less severe, but the second time in 1976, I suffered a severe spinal injury, leaving lifelong sequelae.”
Mr. Quy considers the center his second home, where he has friends in the same situation, overcoming difficulties together. Every day, he often goes to the neighboring rooms to chat and encourage everyone to stay optimistic. Despite his poor health, he always tries to do everything himself, such as cooking and washing. Only when his illness becomes serious does he ask for help from nurses and doctors.
Although life is not easy, Mr. Quy still maintains a strong spirit: "I encourage myself, because many comrades who joined the army with me have sacrificed and cannot return. As for me, although I am not healthy, I can still live in peace, see my homeland develop every day, that is very precious."
For him, peace is a great gift that every soldier like him cherishes. The small daily efforts and simple joys with friends at the nursing center help him find peace of mind, overcoming the trauma of war.
Optimism of female war invalid with only 8% health left
Ms. Mai Thi Huong (from Ha Tinh) is one of five female war invalids at Thuan Thanh War Invalids Nursing Center. In 1965, she joined the youth volunteer team. During an enemy bombing, she was seriously injured and her legs were completely paralyzed. Since then, all her activities have been associated with a wheelchair. Although she only has 8% of her health left, she is always strong and thinks positively.
With the spirit of “disabled but not useless”, Ms. Huong is always independent in her daily activities, from cooking, bathing to other small tasks. These tasks seem simple but they are proof of the extraordinary willpower of this female war invalid.
“Every day, the wounded soldiers and I here often sit together, encourage and ask about each other’s situation. For me, those conversations are joy, an indispensable source of spiritual encouragement in life at the center,” Ms. Huong confided.
Mrs. Huong’s life at Thuan Thanh War Invalids Nursing Center is a testament to the power of optimism in difficult circumstances. The stories, laughter and sharing between her and her teammates always make the atmosphere here warm and full of love.
The wounded soldiers consider each other as brothers.
Mr. Phung Van Hoa (from Thai Nguyen) suffered a spinal injury and was paralyzed in both legs while on duty during the period of national defense and construction in 1986. Mr. Hoa has been at Thuan Thanh War Invalids Nursing Center for 34 years now. That long period of time has helped him gradually adapt and get used to the new environment, overcoming all the difficulties and challenges in life.
Although he has to use both hands to perform daily activities, Mr. Hoa always tries to do everything by himself. For him, the simplest happiness is being able to cook meals by himself every day and take care of himself even though his body is no longer as healthy as before. Besides, he always feels the care and love of the people around him, which becomes an invaluable source of motivation to help him maintain his faith and optimism in life.
“Every day, the brothers in the center always encourage each other to take care of their health. Each of us carries the wounds of war. But no matter what our bodies are like, just being able to meet and see each other is enough joy,” Mr. Hoa emotionally confided.
The war is long gone, but its traces still remain in every wounded and sick soldier. They are the ones who sacrificed to regain independence, freedom and happiness for the Vietnamese people.
“I just hope that today’s young generation will always respect and promote the patriotic tradition of their ancestors. You should study hard, build a strong economy, contribute to the development of the country, to be worthy of the sacrifices that the previous generation has made,” Mr. Hoa confided.
Dr. Nguyen Van Huong - Director of the War Invalids Nursing Center - has been here for 25 years. Understanding the pain and difficulties of wounded and sick soldiers, Dr. Huong is always dedicated to caring for and treating them.
“I remember when I first came to work at the center, there was a wounded soldier who had low blood pressure and a serious prognosis, so he had to be transferred to the 103 Military Hospital for emergency treatment. Therefore, a colleague and I had to stay there for 15 days to treat and care for him. There were nights when we had to stay up all night to give him IV fluids and bronchial inhalation. After more than 10 days of emergency treatment, he had made good progress and was able to return to the center for care,” Dr. Huong confided.
As the years have passed, the lives of the wounded and sick soldiers at Thuan Thanh War Invalids Nursing Center have always been filled with warmth and hope. It is the love and sincere care from the staff and doctors here that has given them strength, helping them to firmly overcome difficulties. That affection not only helps them overcome physical pain, but also lights in them the fire of determination and will to rise up, regardless of all challenges in life. The wounded and sick soldiers here are shining examples of resilience, courage and will to overcome fate for today's young generation to follow.
