Years ago, a young man chose love over comfort, marrying his girlfriend despite the challenges of her disability. The couple’s bond, built on deep devotion, stood the test of time. Decades later, when he became bedridden, she remained by his side, honoring their vows with unwavering care. Together, they embodied the true meaning of “in sickness and in health,” showing the world what real love looks like.
Beyond physical imperfections
In 1978, 26-year-old Liang Xin’ai from Xi’an met and fell in love with Miao Detai, a man who was two years her senior. Their romance flourished, full of promise — until tragedy struck. While working at a local factory, Liang suffered a severe workplace injury that damaged the nerves in her left arm, leaving it permanently paralyzed.
Fearing she would become a burden, Liang tearfully proposed ending their relationship. Miao responded resolutely: “I will take you to every hospital until you are healed. Even if we can’t find a cure, I will care for you for the rest of my life.”
True to his word, the young couple spent their days traveling between hospitals in different cities, seeking every possible treatment, from surgeries to acupuncture. Despite their efforts, the damage proved irreversible. Yet, Miao’s determination never wavered.
In 1979, against all odds, the couple married. Their love soon brought them a son and, later, a daughter. With Miao’s unwavering support and the warmth of their growing family, Liang found joy again, her smile returning after months of despair.
A reversal of roles
In 2000, Miao’s job as an electrician at Xi’an Steel Plant suffered due to declining business, reducing his income to just a few hundred yuan per month. The burden of providing for his family weighed heavily on him, though he never voiced his worries. Looking back, Liang blamed herself for not noticing its toll on him.
On the night of August 31, 2000, their lives took another unexpected turn. Around 3 a.m., Miao uttered a piercing cry that startled their neighbors. Drenched in sweat and unresponsive, he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors diagnosed him with a brain hemorrhage. Thankfully, prompt medical intervention saved his life. For six months, Liang cared for him tirelessly, and against the odds, he made a remarkable recovery.
Yet, their relief was short-lived. In early 2001, a follow-up surgery led to a devastating setback — Miao suffered a postoperative hemorrhage that left him permanently bedridden, unable to speak, smile, or perform even the simplest tasks. From that moment on, Liang went from being cared for by her husband to becoming the unwavering pillar of their family.
A lifetime of care guided by love
Miao lay in a single position for years, utterly reliant on Liang for his every need. She took meticulous care of their home, ensuring it was clean and well-equipped with essentials like an oxygen machine and medical supplies for his oral hygiene. Against all odds, Miao never developed bedsores — the extraordinary result of Liang’s tireless dedication, all while managing with only one functioning arm.
Liang’s devotion illustrates the sacredness of marriage vows, a powerful reminder of the strength and resilience that true love can bring. Her story inspires all couples, proving that we can endure life’s most challenging trials together through love, patience, and commitment.
The journey of Liang Xin’ai and Miao Detai isn’t just a tale of hardship; it’s a celebration of faithfulness, sacrifice, and unbreakable bonds. Their lives demonstrate that even in the face of adversity, love and commitment can serve as guiding lights, inspiring others to honor the vows “for better or for worse” with courage and grace.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana
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