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The Honbay's 20-year story
By Lei Xiaoxun (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-04-27 15:40  It seemed destiny had decided not to show mercy on Marziya, as she was later diagnosed with congenital epilepsy. The illness caused spasms several times a day, torturing both the girl and her poor parents from time to time. The Honbay’s spent 17 years trying to heal their ever-plagued daughter. They have visited almost every hospital and even went bare-foot to see doctors in neighboring villages. To save every penny on their hunt for an ideal cure, the couple brought dried Naan with them as their source of food wherever they went. Whenever they heard news about a good doctor, they saw a glimpse of hope. To reach remote areas where there was no road for a vehicle, they would walk with Marziya on their shoulders. In the past 20 years, the underprivileged Honbay’s spent 33,000 yuan to save Marziya. They still owe a 10,000 yuan debt to others. However, they have never felt regret for having such a burden. During our interview, Marziya leaned on her mother’s shoulders for some time. Mr. and Mrs. Honbay looked tired. I was told the couple, both in their 60s, has suffered from arthritis，rheumatism and heart attacks. Their health condition has been deteriorating during the time they have spent searching for a cure for Marziya. “Raising Marziya has made me more exhausted than feeding the other six kids all together,”Biyitayhan acknowledged. . Perhaps it is the Honbay’s heart-felt love that finally helped, as Marziya’s epilepsy has miraculously healed. However, she still can’t talk, stumbles when she walks, and can’t take care of herself except for eating. However, she can understand some Kazak words, and she rewards her parents’ love with a child-like giggle. Marziya formed the habit of sleeping with her mother when she was young, and continues to share a quilt with Biyitayahan at bedtime. She likes to touch her mother’s ears when they’re in bed. Although life is getting better and Marziya has become an adult, the old couple worries about what will happen when they are gone. “Who will take care of my little girl Marziya?” Mr. Honbay wonders. All of their other children are now working out of town, therefore, “It is uncertain who can and who will take good care of Marziya,”said Mr. Honbay. Authorities of Qibuku town and Qitai county have offered substantial help to the Honbay’s. The federation of handicapped people in Xinjiang subsidized 6,000 yuan in 2005 for the family, helping them to build a new bungalow. In addition, the government of Qibuku town, where the Honbay’s live, has pledged to house Marziya in a rest home. “The Honbay’s and people who are concerned with them can be rest assured, we will do our utmost to help the family,” said Xue Jianping, a town official. The Honbay’s 20-year story has greatly moved the village folks. From daily cooking to consulting with doctors, the villagers generously offer a helping hand when the family is in need. “We are honored if we can be of any use to the Honbay’s,” said the family’s neighbor Nahaxibay. “I was one of the people who opposed Honbay’s adoption decision, but their conscience is marvelous. We give two thumbs up for such perseverance; they are our role models,” he proudly said. China Daily Xinjiang Bureau
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