16 thg 5, 2024

From Grief to Hope: The road to overcome adversity of a 15-year-old boy

Having to face the sudden loss of both his parents, Hoang Anh still strives to maintain his spirit to care for his grandparents and little sister.

A TRAGIC ACCIDENT

Tran Hoang Anh and his sister Tran Hoang Thu Ngan lost both parents in a traffic accident. The unfortunate event occurred on January 20, 2024, when their parents Tran Quoc Toan (1982) and Hoang Thi Them (1988) got into an accident on their way to work. The mother passed away on the spot, while the father was taken to the hospital by the villagers. Their family had to borrow close to 800,000,000 VND to pay for his medical treatment, but unfortunately he also passed away shortly after.

The house now feels empty without his parents. (Photo: The Outsider)

The sudden passing of both parents had left two elderly grandparents and two young siblings with not only a heavy financial burden but also a great emotional toll.

Hoang Anh confided in his teacher: "When my mother passed away, I had hoped that my father would live, even if he was just lying there, I could still see him every day. But now that he's also gone, I don't know what to do".

A CLOSE-KNIT AND SUPPORTIVE COMMUNITY

Hoang Anh's family have received overwhelming support from various organizations and individuals. Lam Son Youth Union, the local Women's Union Association, and others have joined force to raise support and donations for the family.

Hoang Anh's family received much support from the Lam Son Youth Union. (Photo: Lam Son Youth Union)

The Women Union Association also brought assistance to Hoang Anh and his family. (Photo: Ngo Hoang Lan)

Teachers at Tu My Secondary School, where Hoang Anh is currently studying, also provided him with both material and spiritual assistance, giving him the motivation to continue on his journey.

The principal and teachers of Tu My Secondary School has provided invaluable support for Hoang Anh. (Photo: The Outsider)

"I CONSIDER MYSELF AS PARENTS TO MY SISTER NOW."

Grateful for the considerable support from his community, Hoang Anh’s family still has many challenges to face. When his mother just passed away and his father was being treated at the hospital, Hoang Anh had already been greatly affected.

"The few weeks after the incident I spent a lot of time thinking and contemplating everything. There were many nights I couldn’t sleep, all I had were negative thoughts", he confessed.

Hoang Anh had to go through great emotional distress after his parents' passing. (Photo: The Outsider)

Not only do they have to endure the pain of losing their loved ones, but Hoang Anh’s family now also has to face the crippling debt.

"I’m worried about how we will pay the debt. We have no income sources, and both of us are old. What are we going to do?" said Mr. Tru, Hoang Anh’s grandfather.

Along with the financial burden, they also expressed a growing concern for their grandchildren’s future.

"Hoang Anh is somewhat grown up, while Ngan is only 6 years old. Even if I live for another 10 years, Ngan will only be 16 years old, she'd still be a child. That's what I'm most worried about", Hoang Anh's grandmother shared.

Hoang Anh's grandparents expressed their great worries about the children's future. (Photo: The Outsider)

Thu Ngan is too young to understand the situation, his grandparents are of age. Responsibilities now fall on Hoang Anh's shoulder, making him the supporting pillar for the whole family.

"Of course I can continue studying further (to university) with my determination. But in the meantime who is going to be at home, taking care of my grandparents, taking care of my little sister", he expressed his worry.

Thu Ngan waits for her brother to go home after school. (Photo: The Outsider)

A BEACON OF HOPE AGAINST ADVERSITY

It seems as if Hoang Anh would collapse in the face of hardship. However, he keeps moving forward with everyone's support, and his own determination.

Hoang Anh has made an effort to resume his normal life. He sets his heart on achieving high result in the upcoming highschool entrance exam. (Photo: The Outsider)

When asked about Hoang Anh's studying, Mrs Quynh, his homeroom teacher, described him as a good and obedient student, who studies well in all subjects, especially English.

"In spite of his great loss, Hoang Anh still achieved the Third prize in the provincial IOE (Internet Olympiads of English) exam", she said.

Hoang Anh has collected numerous merits during his study at school. (Photo: Hoang Anh)

Although busy with schoolwork, Hoang Anh tries his best to spend more time with his family. To him, it is of utmost importance that his grandparents are healthy, Thu Ngan gets to go to school, and he has time to be with his family.

To Hoang Anh, the most precious thing in a family is the peace of being together everyday. (Photo: The Outsider)

Hoang Anh also deeply appreciates the help from his friends, teachers, and the community when his family faces such difficulties. He promises to become a person willing to help others, the way his community has wholeheartedly assisted his family.

The future surely holds obstacles, but with the support of his grandparents, the community and his own determination, hopefully Hoang Anh will keep a heart full of passion, love and faith to thrive on his own journey.