Despite the physical challenges and the demands of round-the-clock care, Xuan has continued to support her daughter-in-law and help her recover as much as possible, reported The South China Morning Post. Caring for a loved one through years of illness requires patience, strength and dedication. In eastern China, 68-year-old Xuan Fengying has spent 17 years looking after her daughter-in-law, Xu, who suffered severe brain damage after being hit by a truck just one month after her wedding.
Xu fell into a vegetative state in 2009 after the accident in her village in Qingyun County, Shandong province, according to Shandian News.
Since then, Xuan has taken responsibility for her care, treating her as her own child.
Along with providing physical care, Xuan continued to interact with Xu. She spoke to her about news from their family and village, played her favourite songs and repeatedly called her name. Several years after entering a vegetative state, Xu regained some awareness. However, the severe brain damage caused by the accident left her with cognitive abilities similar to those of a four-year-old child.
Because she had married her son, xuan explained that she could not abandon Xu simply.
She said that once Xu became part of her family, she considered her one of her own children.
