Mr. Nguyen Van Tan (born in 1939), Mrs. Mai's husband, participated in the resistance war against the US, receiving a 4/4 disability pension, and was exposed to Agent Orange. In 2002, after her husband's death, Mrs. Mai became the family's breadwinner, caring for her four sons who were also affected by Agent Orange.
Ms. Mai said that all four of her children were healthy at birth, but around the age of 3 or 4, they began exhibiting unusual behaviors. They spoke incoherently and often looked dazed. Thinking their children were developmentally delayed, the family worked hard to save money to take them for examination and treatment. However, all four children were found to have been exposed to Agent Orange.
Because she lacked self-control, Mrs. Mai took care of everything for her four children, from personal hygiene and meals to bathing and laundry. Of her four children, Nguyen Van Ngan and Nguyen Thanh Phuoc were the most severely affected. Ngan would often smash things and run around wildly. Phuoc, on the other hand, frequently suffered seizures, refused to eat, lay listlessly, and didn't speak.
Now 86 years old, Mrs. Mai suffers from diabetes and high blood pressure, and she relies on her youngest daughter, who lives nearby, to help care for her children. "At my age, with the end of my life approaching, every time I lie down, I worry about my children's future. This anxiety causes me constant insomnia and mental distress," Mrs. Mai confided.
Mr. Nguyen Van Tuong, Chairman of the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin in Chau Thanh District, and also a resident of the same hamlet as Ms. Mai, said: “Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai is elderly and suffers from many illnesses. We admire her love and care for her children even more. For over 20 years since her husband passed away, she has strived and devoted herself every day to taking meticulous care of her children.”
Ms. Le Thi Nha Phuong, Head of Vinh Hamlet, An Co Commune, shared: “The good news is that Ms. Mai and her children receive a monthly allowance. Local authorities, the Association of Victims of Agent Orange/Dioxin, and kind-hearted people also regularly show concern, visit, and give gifts to help the family alleviate some of their difficulties.”
In her twilight years, Mrs. Mai only wishes for good health so she can have more time to care for her children. For her, this wish is perhaps the most precious thing she can give to her children.
Ha Quang - Phuong Thao
Source: https://baotayninh.vn/nghi-luc-cua-nguoi-me-a190037.html
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