In the border commune of Son Hong, the name Pham Van Hoc (born 1963) commands respect. Among the forested highlands, he is the only person who lives in complete darkness, yet he excels in making a living.

Born with optic nerve atrophy, Hoc has never known what light looks like. His childhood had no colors, no letters - just the sounds that guided his careful steps around his small home. His parents once took him everywhere seeking a cure, but eventually had to accept the darkness and help him adapt.

A life-changing bond with bees

In 1990, Hoc married a woman from his village through an arranged introduction. They had two children - one son and one daughter.

That same year marked a turning point. He joined the Blind Association of Huong Son district, where he learned Braille and was introduced to beekeeping.

For someone who had never seen light, reaching into a hive of honeybees was a tremendous challenge.

“I kept it simple,” Hoc said. “Being blind is already a disadvantage. If I gave up too, it would only make things harder for my family. If my eyes can’t see, then my mind and hands have to ‘see’ better than others.”

At first, he was stung constantly, often swelling up or falling over in the garden. But his exceptional memory allowed him to mentally map every tree, every beehive’s location.

Without sight, Hoc “sees” his bees through sound and the sensitivity of his hands.

Over time, he became a true expert. Now, he confidently dons his white protective suit and tends to each honey-filled hive among swarms of bees, astonishing onlookers with his skill.

More than bees: a self-sustaining life

In addition to beekeeping, Hoc raises chickens and cattle to earn extra income.

Today, he manages a mixed farm with 50 beehives, water buffaloes, and poultry. His hard work brings in about 60 to 70 million VND (approximately 2,500 to 2,900 USD) each year.

The golden jars of fragrant honey - rich with the essence of the forest - are the fruits of his tireless effort.

A pillar of strength for his ill wife

But hardship did not stop at blindness. In 2000, his wife Nguyen Thi Minh (born 1961) developed depression and her health deteriorated.

Most recently, in October 2025, she underwent a painful series of surgeries, ultimately having her gallbladder completely removed.

In this darkness, Hoc remains the family’s sole pillar.

While tending bees and cutting grass for the buffaloes, he also runs the household and carefully tends to his wife - preparing every meal and medicine dose with quiet devotion.

He keeps the house neatly organized based on memory so she never needs to exert herself.

“Sometimes, I get tired,” Hoc admitted. “I’m already blind, and my wife is sick and weak. But no matter how exhausted I feel, I can’t give up - because my family is behind me. I constantly remind myself to keep going, to be her support.”

A symbol of resilience

His nephew, Phan Van Vu, shared: “My uncle never wants to rely on others or be seen as disabled. He always says, ‘As long as I still have strength, I will keep working. I want to feel useful.’”

Trần Van My, chairman of the Son Hong Commune Farmers’ Association, affirmed that Hoc is the only completely blind person in the area to build an economically sustainable life.

His refusal to surrender to fate and his determination to keep learning have deeply inspired the community.

Thien Luong