The Willpower of a Man Who 'Lies on His Back Looking Up at the Roof' for Nearly 50 Years

Mr. Nguyen Hai Yen (born in 1950) in Nhan Hau village, Nam Son commune, Do Luong district (Nghe An) suffered a spinal injury due to a work accident when he was over 15 years old. Since then, Mr. Yen has been able to lie on his back on the family bed, requires help for all activities, and is rarely allowed to leave the house. With a desire for a happy life, he always tries to do simple tasks to support his family members. In the photo: Mr. Yen gets water to prepare to wash rice to cook. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

His hands are cramped and his fingers cannot be straightened, but Mr. Yen still tries to do things within his strength, such as picking green tea leaves to make water. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

A few years ago, Mr. Yen worked as a wickerworker to earn an income. The products he made such as baskets, trays, trays, and trays were considered durable and beautiful, and were favored by local people. But now that most people have switched to using plastic items, Mr. Yen only weaves to serve his family's needs. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Mr. Yen's disabled hands are still skillful in weaving, creating products that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

For nearly 50 years, Mr. Yen has been tied to a bed. Recently, a benefactor gave him a modern wheelchair, helping to make his life less boring. Without any help, Mr. Yen can slide from the bed to the wheelchair. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

The wheelchair runs on electricity, the movement and operations are controlled by buttons. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

With a wheelchair, Mr. Nguyen Hai Yen is really happy because he can go out by himself to see the village scenery, visit relatives and friends and expand his relationships. Photo: Dinh Tuyen

Nearly 30 years ago, feeling sorry for Mr. Yen's situation, Ms. Le Thi Dan (born in 1962) agreed to marry him. Mr. Yen and his wife have 3 children (2 girls, 1 boy), life is still difficult but they always love and share to build a happy home. Photo: Dinh Tuyen