In a small house in Hoa Binh residential group, Yen Nghia ward, Hanoi, at nearly 80 years old - the age to be cared for and supported, but Mrs. Van Thi Ly (born in 1947) still circles around taking care of her son born in 1986 who was infected with Agent Orange every day.
As a single mother, for nearly 40 years, Ms. Ly has been single-handedly carrying the burden of raising her children. According to Ms. Ly's sharing, her son is affected by Agent Orange, and his health and ability to work are limited. Over the years, all daily life and food in the house have depended on the mother's hands.
Life was already difficult, but in recent years it has become even more difficult as the child has contracted more diseases, including diabetes and gout. Medication treatment has become an indispensable monthly expense.
Old age, increasingly declining health, Ms. Ly currently has no ability to work to generate income. The main source of livelihood for the two mothers and daughters is allowances with a total amount of about 2.5 million VND per month.
That meager amount of money has to cover from food, electricity, water to medicine. Every time an additional expense arises in the house, Mrs. Ly has to save other expenses. Her younger brother also regularly supports her and her nephew within his ability.
For many years, the two mothers and daughters have also received the care and help of villagers. Some give some food, some ask when they are sick. These sharing helps Ms. Ly have more support in the long journey of taking care of her children.
What makes the nearly 80-year-old mother most worried at this time is not her own shortcomings but the next days of her son.
I'm just worried that I'm getting older and weaker. Later, if I die, I don't know how my child will live, who will take care of him," she couldn't hold back her tears when mentioning the fear waiting every day.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Dieu Hue - Head of the Women's Union of Hoa Binh residential group (Yen Nghia ward, Hanoi) said that the situation of Ms. Ly and her children has been known by the people and local authorities and for many years people have regularly cared for and supported them. "Ms. Ly is gentle, her son is sick but also obedient, neighbors all love and create conditions to help in all aspects. In addition to the existing support policies, we also hope for more community participation to make family life less difficult," Ms. Hue shared.
Knowing the circumstances of Mrs. Ly's family, Mr. Mai Thanh Tung - General Director of the program "Gratitude for Birth" contacted the local authorities to visit and encourage the mother and daughter.
Mr. Tung said that Ms. Ly's situation sometimes forces those who are children to look back at themselves, to further appreciate the silent sacrifice of their parents.
There are mothers who spend their whole lives just to take care of their children. Ms. Ly's story has moved us very much and we want to contribute a small part to share with the family," Mr. Tung said.
According to Mr. Tung, this is not only material encouragement but also an opportunity to spread the message of filial piety and gratitude to parents. That is also the spirit that the "Gratitude for Birth" program aims for.
All help for life situation LD26205 please send to Tam Long Vang Charity Social Fund - 51 Hang Bo, Hoan Kiem Ward, Hanoi. Account number (STK) 113000000758 at VietinBank Hoan Kiem Branch, Hanoi; Account number: 0021000303088 - at Vietcombank Hanoi Branch; Account number: 12410001122556 at BIDV Hoan Kiem Branch
