Repaying kindness -- a 14-year story of great devotion
- By Li Jingrong
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail China.org.cn, December 17, 2013
|
|
| Song fulfilled the promise he made to Hans many years ago that he would look after him in his later life and give him a proper burial after he died. [file photo] |
![Song fulfilled the promise he made to Hans many years ago that he would look after him in his later life and give him a proper burial after he died. [file photo]](http://images.china.cn/attachement/jpg/site1007/20131217/8c89a590f56e141a06a02e.jpg "Song fulfilled the promise he made to Hans many years ago that he would look after him in his later life and give him a proper burial after he died. [file photo]")
Song lived in London for eight years, during which he went back China six times, and each time he took Hans with him. Song and his family members accompanied Hans on trips to Beijing, Shanghai and Hainan.
In 2007, Song finished his studies and returned home. Before leaving London, he asked one of his schoolmates to take care of Hans. Within several months, Hans lost more than 20 kilograms in weight, and then his old problem of necrosis of his thighbone recurred and needed immediate surgery.
Although Hans could enjoy free surgical treatment in the UK, he had to wait a long time on a waiting list for the surgery. He would have to be discharged from the hospital very soon after the surgery, which would have been difficult for him, because he had no one to help him.
Song went back to London and took Hans to China. He arranged for him to be admitted to a local hospital where he received surgery. "Hans was in hospital for more than a month. Song visited him and looked after him every day. All the 60,000-yuan medical fees were paid by us," said Song's father.
Since then, Hans has settled in Song's home in Zhengzhou. Song transferred himself from a big hospital to another post in a medical school closer to home. Every day after work, Song spent time with Hans, reading books and newspapers, watching TV, and chatting. Song's wife, a nurse, went to great efforts to care for the elderly Swiss man.
Hans was happy, too, after Song's son was born. He taught the boy English, as well as Spanish and German. He was a volunteer English teacher for the children of his residential area. He often took part in local welfare activities and was even appraised as a "model worker" by the local community committee.
On Dec. 2, Hans died of heart failure in a local hospital in Zhengzhou. On Dec. 15, his funeral was held. Participants included Song's family, representatives from the Swiss Embassy in China, leaders from the Zhengzhou municipal government, medical workers of the hospital and many citizens.
Hu Xiaofeng, a representative from the Swiss Embassy in China, delivered a memorial speech, saying "Due to the meticulous care of Song and his family, Hans spent the happiest time of his life in China. Song fulfilled the promise he made to Hans many years ago that he would look after him in his later life and give him a proper burial after he died."
"Hans' sudden death made me fall into a deep sorrow," Song said in his memorial speech.
"It seems that our happy fate has been to meet each other in times of difficulty. Hans helped me and looked after me. In return, I am responsible for taking care of him too. He was like a meteor flashing across in my life. I will always remember him."
The embassy said that Song would take care of Hans' ashes until it becomes possible, if ever, to find any of his relatives in his hometown.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)