From online customer to life partner

In early 2019, Nguyen Thuy Truc (born in 1990, residing in Phu Tuc Commune, Vinh Long Province) happened to buy an item online from Nguyen Chanh Tin (born in 1987, from Gia Lai Province), who became quadriplegic following a traffic accident. Moving from a buyer-seller relationship, the two began exchanging messages and found strong intellectual harmony.

Fully aware of Tin's condition, Truc still decided to commit to him because of his resilience and positive worldview. In mid-2020, she resigned from her office job and relocated with Tin to Ho Chi Minh City.

During their first three months, Truc stayed at the hospital with Tin for his physical therapy while learning how to care for a paralyzed patient. Having never cared for a sick person before, she had to master every small task - turning his body, managing personal hygiene, preparing meals, and providing physical assistance.

These seemingly simple tasks required immense patience and sacrifice.

Recalling their early days living together, Truc shared that she had virtually no personal time because everything revolved around Tin. She woke up early to prepare food, assist with physical therapy, brush his teeth, and feed him. While Tin worked, she prepared lunch, did laundry, and scheduled his medication.

Because Tin suffered from stomach issues, his meals were divided into multiple small portions throughout the day, supplemented by fruit, yogurt, or milk between main meals. Beyond nutrition, Truc bathed him, handled personal hygiene, and repositioned him every few hours to prevent bedsores.

"During the first days, everything felt overwhelming, keeping me confined indoors. Minutes after stepping away, he would call, and I had to rush back immediately. Caring for him consumed almost all my time, leaving no personal space," Truc recalled.

Teaching yoga while caring for quadriplegic husband

In 2023, after overcoming opposition from both families, the couple held their wedding, establishing a more stable routine. Truc organized her tasks efficiently, streamlining caregiving duties to create time for rest and work.

Lifting and supporting her husband daily caused Truc frequent back pain. She took up yoga to maintain her physical health, which unexpectedly opened a new career path as a certified yoga instructor.

Daily, after meals and exercise, Tin sells products online and writes books, while Truc teaches yoga. This setup generates income while offering the schedule flexibility required to care for her husband.

"Caring for Tin means I cannot work at a company or leave home for extended periods. Teaching yoga is the most suitable path to remain by his side," she explained.

Long-distance travel presents the greatest difficulty, requiring Truc to pack essential medical equipment and medication alongside clothing.

However, these trips bring her immense joy. Watching audiences listen intently and applaud Tin during his motivational talks lifts her fatigue. "I feel happy and proud of my partner," she said.

Reflecting on six years together since moving to Ho Chi Minh City, Truc acknowledges the physical demands of marrying a quadriplegic partner. Nevertheless, she emphasizes that she feels continuously happy and has never regretted her decision.

"Life presents many hardships, but I am content with my choice. Many assume I am constrained, but in reality, I live happily and comfortably, traveling alongside my husband and enjoying my own personal space," Truc shared.

For Tin, the greatest blessing of his life is not public recognition, but meeting Truc, the woman who chose to walk beside him through every hardship.

Tran Hoan