Helping handicapped or disabled brothers for one month or one year seems acceptable. However, if it takes over 25 years, consider the work of washing, cooking, and patience required to meet the demands of those with disabilities. We see the kindness of human nature shine in those families. We can’t do much to help them, but we will sing in praise of the woman’s dedication to the handicapped.
Qiao Huiqiong, a woman from Chongqing, has devoted 25 years to caring for her three intellectually disabled brothers, earning widespread admiration. Her story sparked online discussions, with some believing she should be recognized as one of the “Top 10 Most Inspiring People of 2010,” while others argued that cases like hers highlight the need for stronger social welfare systems.
The family’s struggle
According to the Chongqing Evening News, Qiao Huiqiong, now 47, works as a dormitory caretaker at a vocational education center in Qianjiang District. She and her husband earn less than 2,000 yuan monthly, making financial struggles a constant challenge, especially with two children to support.
She originally had four older brothers, but her eldest brother passed away in 2004. Villagers recall that the brothers were smart in childhood, but after their mother died in 1985, they began to experience cognitive decline. Due to limited financial resources, their conditions worsened over the years, and eventually, they struggled to communicate. Last year, her second brother, Qiao Huiyu, suffered from severe headaches and was diagnosed with brain atrophy.
From misunderstanding to support
Qiao Huiqiong became her brothers’ primary guardian, ensuring they had clothes, daily necessities, and household care. She visited them every few days to check on them. However, this dedication initially caused tension in her home — her husband, Jiang Tianfu, often returned from work to find that dinner had not been prepared while he and their children were waiting to eat, as Qiao was at her brothers’ house. This led to frequent arguments, straining their marriage.
One evening, Qiao returned home late after caring for her brothers, sparking another dispute. But at that moment, their eldest son, Jiang Yong, tugged at his father’s sleeve and said: “Dad, don’t be angry. If you ever become disabled, I will take care of you just like Mom does.”
These words struck Jiang deeply. That night, he lay awake, realizing that Qiao was setting an invaluable example for their children — one of kindness and familial responsibility. From then on, he fully supported her dedication to her brothers.
“I believe that if you act with kindness, good things will come in return,” Qiao says. “The only reason I have been able to keep going all these years is my family’s support.”
Translated by Ciz and edited by Amanda
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