A few years ago, the oldest woman in our village, once frail and illness-stricken, passed away peacefully at the age of 106. As a child, I would often ask her age, and with a gentle smile, she would always say: “Over eighty.” She kept that answer until her passing. While many marveled at her longevity, her transformation—from weakness to quiet strength—held an even more profound story. Her journey became a testament to resilience, kindness, and the power of a peaceful heart.
A sickly young bride
In her youth, she was a fragile woman, often ill and plagued by weakness. She married into one of the wealthiest families in the village, and on harsh winter days, while many struggled to stay warm, she would sit on a heated coal bed, inviting other women to join her so they, too, could escape the cold. Though surrounded by comfort, her delicate health and lack of activity caused her to grow weaker. Her whole body ached, bending became impossible, and she seemed frailer each day. After giving birth to a son, she could barely stand; her strength had all but vanished.
As her condition worsened, the villagers quietly doubted she would live much longer. But then, in a turn of fate, her strong and healthy husband passed away suddenly. With him gone, her life descended into chaos, yet, to everyone’s surprise, this was the moment she changed.
Becoming an ‘Iron Lady’
Her husband’s death, swift and unexpected, shook her life. Yet soon after, she rose from the bed and took charge of the household. She began to do chores and even worked in the rice fields. Though she had never done such work before, she learned quickly, proving herself more capable than many women who had labored all their lives. Despite her husband’s absence, she upheld her family’s stability and maintained her home.
Her kindness never wavered; she couldn’t bear to see others suffer and was always willing to help. If a child was sick or a family lacked food, they could turn to her for aid. Though her family’s wealth had dwindled, she found joy in giving and became a reliable presence the village could count on. She raised her son alone, gradually growing poorer, yet remained untroubled. Her spirit of selflessness and strength became a source of inspiration for everyone around her.
She sought no reward for her kindness. When another woman lost her husband, she would offer comfort and even share her bed until her friend found peace again. Despite her own struggles, she was a steady support, always thinking of others.
Do good and seek no reward
Over the years, her gentle smile and giving heart endeared her to everyone, especially the children. We would visit and listen to her stories, delighted when she offered us sweets. She would watch us with a quiet smile, taking joy in these simple moments.
As I grew older, she continued to sit by her door, outliving those who had once doubted her. She lived with modest but sustaining daily meals. Her mind stayed sharp, and the entire village gathered to honor her when she passed. As we shared stories about her life, I realized her secret to longevity was rooted in her peaceful, giving nature.
Her life’s lesson? Living with kindness and a peaceful heart, embodying the wisdom of “Do good without expecting rewards, and always keep a kind heart.” Once frail and dependent, she had become an iron lady, living to 106. Her life taught us that true strength lies not in the body but in the heart’s unwavering commitment to give freely, live humbly, and find joy in lifting others.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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