A story of an 88-year-old mother and her cerebral palsy daughter

"I never feel tired of looking after my daughter for the last 66 years," said Hao Shuqin, an 88-year-old mother.

Hao lives in northeast Chinese city Mudanjiang. Chinese women at her age normally enjoy retired life and are well cared by their offspring. However, Hao has to feed her daughter every day and now her hands start shaking when she holds the spoon.

Zhu Huali, Hao's only daughter, suffers cerebral palsy since she was born, and has no self-care ability. Zhu also has difficulty with talking and her words can only be understood by her mother.

Hao is skinny and nearly deaf. She has been taking care of her daughter for 66 years and she is still willing to do everything for her daughter with a lifetime promise.

Hao's husband passed away 10 years ago and she has to shoulder the heavy burden of the family alone. The family’s income comes from government's allowance and sometimes Hao collects scrap and sells to recyclers. After social welfare workers learned her difficulties, they send basic foodstuffs frequently, such as rice, flour and cooking oil to support this fragile family. Moreover, they promise to take care of Zhu Lihua, and plan to find a nursing home for Zhu.

Edited and translated by Wang Xin, People's Daily Online