The strong bond between two brothers who are not related by blood
In 2001, 25-year-old Song Xiaoping moved to Yichang, Hubei Province, China, and married a girl named Zhang E. In a large family of eight, in addition to taking care of his elderly grandparents and disabled uncle, the couple also had to take care of his wife’s elderly parents. As the only healthy man in the family, Song Xiaoping shouldered all the burden.
Chen Haiqing was the godson of Zhang E’s parents and often visited their home. After many conversations, Song Xiaoping and Chen Haiqing gradually became close and considered each other as brothers. When faced with an opportunity to make money, Song Xiaoping never forgot his sworn brother.
Song Xiaoping has always been the pillar of the large family.
Song Xiaoping wanted to develop further, so he decided to go out to work far away. Chen Haiqing had a disabled father at home so he couldn’t go with him. The day he sent his “big brother” away, Chen Haiqing looked at Song Xiaoping and said:
“I’m at home, you can go far away and work with peace of mind!”
In 2018, Chen Haiqing’s wife unfortunately got lung cancer. When Song Xiaoping, who was living far away, heard about it, he called his wife and asked her to come over and help his brother’s family take care of his elderly father and wife. In 2019, Chen Haiqing’s wife passed away.
In June 2022, Chen Haiqing discovered that he had late-stage esophageal cancer and his health was deteriorating day by day. When Song Xiaoping heard about it, he rushed home from Hunan.
“He has become my relative,” Song Xiaoping said.
Because of his illness, Chen Haiqing had to follow a special treatment and diet regimen. As his condition worsened, Song Xiaoping took care of his brother day and night while Chen Haiqing was in the hospital. In December 2022, Chen Haiqing passed away. Before he left, he asked his brother to take care of his elderly father and young daughter.
On my behalf, fulfill your duties as a son and father.
Song Xiaoping kept his promise to his brother and took care of the family for Chen Haiqing. Wanting his brother to rest in peace, Song Xiaoping took the initiative to go to Chen Haiqing’s deaf-mute father’s house to take care of him from meals to sleep. Chen Haiqing’s daughter was studying in town at that time.
In October 2022, the old man was diagnosed with terminal liver cancer. The disease struck, the old man quickly lost the ability to move and could not take care of himself, and had to lie in bed.
Since the day the old man fell ill, Song Xiaoping stayed by his bedside day and night. To help ease the old man’s pain, Song Xiaoping learned how to massage and apply hot compresses. Changing diapers, turning him over, bathing him, washing his clothes, and cooking for him became his daily chores. Thanks to his dedicated care, although the old man was bedridden, his body did not have even a single sore.
Mr. Song’s kindness was highly praised by the villagers, but some people wondered why he did it.
“As brothers, if we can help, we should do so. Your son has passed away, and I want to accompany you on your final journey.” he said
Mr. Song Xiaoping’s family meal.
In 2023, Chen Haiqing’s father passed away, and Song Xiaoping took the initiative to arrange his funeral. Three relatives passed away one after another, leaving behind a daughter, Chen Meiling. Song Xiaoping kept his promise to his brother and decided to adopt the girl.
So Mr. Song and his wife’s house had an extra room reserved for Chen Meiling. Mr. Song also told his wife to prepare everything carefully so that Chen Meiling could quickly adapt to the new living environment.
“My aunt and uncle can remember what I like to eat. My grandparents and aunts are very good to me. I also have an older brother,” Chen Meiling said.
Mrs. Zhang is teaching her adopted daughter Chen Meiling to cook.
Because of her poor academic performance, Chen Meiling wanted to stop studying many times to go to work. Knowing this, Mr. Song Xiaoping arranged for a car to take her to school every day, creating conditions for Chen Meiling to study with peace of mind. Under the careful care of her foster parents, Chen Meiling’s studies have improved a lot.
Now that Chen Meiling is about to enter vocational school, Mr. Song is worried about whether she will be able to adapt to the new environment. Mrs. Zhang has prepared many daily necessities for her daughter, encouraging Chen Meiling to always remember that her family is by her side.
“I want to study hard and become a kind person like my aunt and uncle when I grow up and help people in need,” Chen Meiling said.