BEIJING: An 81-year-old Chinese woman dubbed “the strongest Chinese mother” was born without limbs and managed to raise three children.
The octogenarian who has moved many people online sewed with her mouth and used her elbows to hold chopsticks while looking after her family.
Wang Yushi, 81, from Baiyin in Gansu province, northern China, was born with a congenital disability and has had no limbs since birth.
She did not even have an official name until her late 20s.
"My mother was born without hands or legs, and for more than 20 years she did not even have a name.
"It was not until she married my father at 27 that a registration officer gave her the name Wang Yushi, and that is what everyone has called her since," said her youngest son, Zhang Lihu, 38.
After starting her own family, Wang gave birth to three children: an eldest daughter and two younger sons.
Farming was the main source of livelihood in their area so her husband often had to work away from home, leaving Wang to shoulder almost all the responsibilities of childcare and housework.
Despite her condition, she took on these duties almost entirely on her own.
Her youngest son said she was remarkably efficient as she could wash clothes, cook and even mend clothing.
While cooking, she would first move herself onto a stool, then use her body for support while kneading dough and cutting vegetables.
She used her mouth to sew clothes and when eating, she would hold chopsticks between her elbows.
“At that time, I was the only one taking care of the children. Life was really hard, but I was still content. At least we never went hungry,” Wang told Jimu News.
Currently, her three children have all gone on to start their own families.
Her husband died more than a decade ago and she now lives with her youngest son’s family, where he and his wife take care of her daily.
She now suffers from high blood pressure but her overall health remains stable.
Zhang has also documented their daily life, sharing moments on social media under the name “A Great Mother,” which has currently amassed 440,000 followers.
“Being able to stay by my mother’s side is the greatest happiness. As long as my mother is here, home is here,” he said.
Wang’s story has deeply moved and inspired many Chinese netizens.
One person said: “Fate gave her a hellish start, yet she lived like a warrior.”
Another added: “So moving. This is truly remarkable and brought tears to my eyes.”
A third person wrote: “The greatest mother. It is unimaginable how she raised her children. Their filial devotion is truly a blessing in return.” - South China Morning Post
