Chalk it up to great courage
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Jiang has learned how to write and teach without arms by using chalk tied to his protrusions from his shoulders. |
Life is hard, but looking back, Jiang says he has survived and become a living example that anything is possible.
After the incident in 1996, Jiang nearly lost his ability to work and spent all his savings on hospital treatment. To compound matters, Jiang's wife ran away from home and their newborn baby.
To survive, Jiang went out in rags to beg on the streets of big cities like Guangzhou and Chongqing, leaving his son with his mother.
But one disaster came after another - his mother died several years later, driving his life to the last ditch.
As a result, he had to leave his son with his elder brother and sister-in-law. To save money, Jiang had to tighten his belt and ate only one meal a day.
Things changed when his elder brother retired from the local school and Jiang was recommended to teach there to fill the vacancy.
Although his salary is far less than a qualified teacher's, and he receives no welfare benefits, his dedication is without question.
Since then, he has learned how to write without arms.
Jiang says the early days were difficult. He not only had to deal with the physical challenges but also struggled with depression and loneliness. He questioned the purpose of his life and if he even had a purpose. He contemplated suicide.
But then he thought of his little boy.
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| Keepers of the flame |
