Steadfast in love

Over the past four years, since they started living together, Kim Ngan (24) has remained devoted to Thien Tien (26, also from Hue), her disabled husband who has only one leg.

Ngan fell in love with him at the age of 17, when he was still physically intact. Even after a tragic accident left him severely disabled, she remained devoted and determined to marry him.

Ngan said she met and developed feelings for Thien Tien during a trip with friends in Da Nang. The love of a 17-year-old girl was both intense and somewhat naive.

After nearly two years together, Tien suddenly had an accident. While setting bird traps, he accidentally touched a power line and was electrocuted, causing his limbs to contract. Although he was taken to the hospital in time, he still had to have both arms, one leg, and part of his skull amputated.

When she received the news, after returning from work, Ngan immediately rushed to the hospital. Knowing her boyfriend’s condition was critical, she sat crying uncontrollably outside the emergency room, fearing the worst and that she would not be able to endure such a shock.

“Tien was hospitalized for nearly a year. During that time, I worked during the day and went to the hospital at night to take care of him, day after day,” Ngan said.

Tien is a strong person. Despite going through painful surgeries, his spirit did not collapse. However, when it came to his girlfriend, he found it hard to face her.

At one point, Tien took the initiative to cut off contact so that Ngan could find someone better, at least someone healthy and whole to rely on for life. However, Ngan insisted on finding him and told him: “Try to get through this period, I will be your arms and your legs.”

Ngan said: “My family was not as harmonious as many others, so I always felt a lack of affection. Meeting Tien and receiving his meticulous care and attention made me grow accustomed to his presence. To me, he is both a lover and an irreplaceable habit.”

Ngan confessed that when Tien had the accident, she was terrified of losing the most important person in her life. She remembered the days they rode together on an old motorcycle, sometimes stopping at a sidewalk eatery but only daring to order one portion of rice. Tien always gave the food to his girlfriend, saying: “I’m not hungry. Seeing you eat makes me full.” That simple lie stayed with Ngan forever.

She decided that no matter what the future held, she would marry Tien. Initially, Ngan's parents opposed the union, fearing their daughter would have a hard life, while Tien's family hesitated thinking about her youth. Only when Ngan firmly affirmed her choice did both families agree to the marriage.

The moving marriage

In 2022, the couple held their wedding and officially moved in together. On the wedding day, the groom sat in a wheelchair to pick up his beautiful bride. The couple's wedding caused a stir throughout the countryside.

Currently, the couple has two children: a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old. Ngan works at a manufacturing factory in Hue, while Tien stays home to care for the children and manage the household.

Ngan said that in the early days after marriage, she managed the household while assisting her husband with personal activities. However, Tien's subsequent efforts surprised and earned her respect.

Pitying his hardworking wife, Tien gradually taught himself to do everything with just one leg. Once accustomed to his new life in a wheelchair, he helped his wife with many household chores.

Ngan admitted that at times she feels tired and under pressure having to shoulder the family. However, every day after work, seeing her husband and children waiting for her at the door brings a sense of peace and warmth that washes away her exhaustion and sadness. 

Tien cannot perform heavy labor or contribute much financially, but he is Ngan's spiritual pillar. Four years have passed, and she still feels she chose the right person.

“It's true that I work hard, but in return, I am loved and cared for by my husband. He is not good at flowery words, but the way he resiliently tries to accompany his wife and children is what I cherish,” Ngan said.

Ha Nguyen