Pity the old mother who raised her child in a cage for 14 years

Leading us through the winding road leading to the Khe Tro forest of Vinh Kim village (Hoa Son, Anh Son), Village Chief Luong Van Thai pointed to the empty house and could not help but say sadly: That is the home of Mrs. Ngan Thi Phuong, commonly known as Mrs. Thuong, and her son Luong Van Quy.

Mr. Quy was born in 1987, and was once a healthy, gentle young man. With his outstanding singing ability, Mr. Luong Van Quy was loved by the people of Vinh Kim village at that time.

Ms. Ngan Thi Phuong sadly watched her son live in a stream cage for the past 14 years, since he became mentally ill. Photo: Phu Nam

Life went on peacefully until 2004, when Mr. Quy turned 17, when a storm came. The gentle boy suddenly changed his personality, did not like to communicate with strangers, could not control his behavior, and repeatedly destroyed the property of his family and the people in the village.

Seeing her son's condition getting more and more critical, Ms. Phuong immediately took him to the doctor and was shocked to receive the doctor's final conclusion, that Mr. Quy showed signs of schizophrenia.

After a period of treatment, her son's condition did not improve. All the money she had saved for a long time was used up to cover the cost of medicine and living expenses. Mrs. Phuong was forced to take her son home, still believing in her heart that he would become healthy again, and would be the obedient, healthy boy he was before.

However, the mother had to face the painful truth that her son's illness was getting worse and worse, he often assaulted his parents and destroyed property, and was ready to fight with anyone. Mrs. Phuong's family had to lock him in a cage in the backyard. Since then, 14 years have passed, and his life has taken place in a cage less than 2m wide.² that

Mrs. Phuong's house in Vinh Kim village (Hoa Son commune, Anh Son). Photo: Phu Nam

Wiping away the tears that ran down her wrinkled face, Mrs. Phuong sadly said that in 2010, her husband had a stroke and had to stay in bed for 5 years. Life was already difficult when only relying on a few fields, now having to pay for her husband's medical treatment has completely exhausted the family. Now that her husband has passed away, the house is even more empty as she is the only one taking care of Mr. Quy.

Although he wanted to take his son to a mental hospital for treatment, he was helpless because he had no money. Every day, all his activities such as bathing, eating, and personal hygiene were confined to that crib.

Mr. Nguyen Van Linh, Chairman of the Farmers' Association of Hoa Son Commune, said that Ms. Phuong's family is a "long-standing" poor household in the commune. Her 6 other children also have difficulties and hardships. She is now nearly 75 years old but still has to bear the burden of making a living..."

The story was interrupted by Mr. Quy's naive, aimless singing and screaming. Feeling sorry for her son, Mrs. Phuong could only sigh sadly: "If only my son had not been sick, perhaps now he would have a wife, children, and a family like his peers...!"