Wife's devotion awakens husband from vegetative state after 10 years

Sun Hongxia's unwavering dedication has yielded a remarkable outcome. For the past decade, Sun has tirelessly cared for her husband, Wang Mingfeng, who slipped into a vegetative state following a sudden illness in 2014. Doctors offered little hope, but Sun refused to give up.

Sun's daily routine for Wang is meticulous. From sponge baths and massages to regular repositioning, she ensures his physical well-being around the clock. This unwavering commitment, reported by Dawan News in Hefei, Anhui province, on Tuesday, has gradually brought Wang back from the brink.

Childhood sweethearts, Sun and Wang had built a happy life together. Wang's illness shattered their normalcy, but Sun's resolve remained unshaken. She sought medical attention from various hospitals, even learning acupuncture and massage techniques to enhance Wang's care.

Her perseverance paid off in remarkable ways. Wang, initially unable to swallow, regained the ability after two and a half years thanks to Sun's innovative methods. She used Q-tips dipped in stimulating substances like mustard, bitter melon juice, and lemon juice to trigger his swallowing reflex. He can now consume puréed food.

Medical professionals acknowledged the rarity of Wang's muscular and joint health after years of being bedridden. This, along with his gradual recovery, further fueled Sun's hope.

Sun confided in reporters about moments of despair. Raising their two daughters (15 and 7 at the time) while caring for her husband and elderly father-in-law took a toll. At one point, overwhelmed by hopelessness, Sun considered a drastic step. However, the sight of her daughters sleeping sparked a renewed sense of purpose. She channeled her emotions into written affirmations posted near Wang's bed, a constant reminder to persevere.

Sun's strength has inspired her children. The elder daughter is now a teacher, and the younger one attends high school. With their lives progressing positively, Sun found a way to contribute financially and manage stress. She shares daily videos and occasionally live streams on social media platforms, connecting with kind-hearted individuals who offer support and encouragement.

Looking ahead, Sun's unwavering resolve remains her guiding principle: "persevere to the end, and never give up."

quanzhanfu@chinadaily.com.cn