While some children may be “unfortunate” enough to become orphans, left alone at birth, fate often has a way of compensating, blessing them with wonderful adoptive parents who give them a life beyond their dreams.
The story of a disabled girl, abandoned at birth and adopted by a poor elderly woman.
The story of Cao Lộ Ân, a girl abandoned as a baby, once caused a stir in the Chinese media. From what seemed like one of the unluckiest starts in life, through her own determination and the kindness of her adoptive mother, she achieved a remarkable transformation.
In 1995, baby Cao Lộ Ân was found abandoned in a cardboard box at a garbage dump by Ms. Cao Chiêm Tiêm, a poor elderly woman who made a living as a trash collector.
Illustration photo
Ms. Tiêm was shocked to discover that the baby had only one arm but possessed a beautiful, angelic face. Despite objections from others, she decided to adopt the child and named her Cao Lộ Ân. Ms. Tiêm had lost her own daughter to a congenital heart condition and found solace in adopting Lộ Ân.
A life of hardship for mother and daughter
Ms. Tiêm recalls that from a young age, Lộ Ân was well-behaved and rarely cried or demanded anything unreasonable from her mother. Despite their age difference, she insisted on calling Ms. Tiêm “mother,” even though Ms. Tiêm preferred to be called “grandmother.”
Every day, Ms. Tiêm would take the baby to neighboring villages, begging new mothers to allow Lộ Ân to breastfeed.
Due to their difficult circumstances, the local government provided support by classifying them as a low-income household, offering subsidies and reducing school fees.
Ms. Tiêm continued to make a living by collecting trash, and Lộ Ân grew up to be a very understanding child, helping her mother with household chores and even joining her in trash collecting to earn extra income.
When Lộ Ân started middle school, she ran to school every day instead of taking a vehicle due to their financial situation. This habit helped her develop a passion for running, and she eventually joined the school’s athletics team and later the national team.
Following her mother’s advice, Lộ Ân pursued athletics while also focusing on her studies. She learned to write with her feet, and her once clumsy handwriting gradually improved.
A PhD and a Silver Medal in Athletics
In 2013, Cao Lộ Ân was admitted to the Medical School of Shanxi University with excellent grades. Ms. Tiêm was worried about the high cost of tuition, but with the help of the school and charitable organizations, Lộ Ân was able to begin her studies. She worked part-time to support herself and excelled in her academics.
For several years, she received scholarships, easing the financial burden on her and her mother.
Eventually, Cao Lộ Ân earned her master’s degree and pursued a PhD while working. She became an advisor at the university and excelled in athletics, winning a silver medal at the 2021 National Paralympic Games.
“I have the most wonderful grandmother in the world”
Not only did Cao Lộ Ân succeed academically, but she was also praised for her filial piety.
Throughout her studies and work, she never forgot her primary duty of caring for her mother.
As Ms. Tiêm’s health declined with age, Lộ Ân made sure to visit her often, proudly showing her the medals and degrees she had earned. Ms. Tiêm’s heart overflowed with joy and gratitude for her adoptive daughter’s accomplishments.
Appearing on a TV show, the pair, then 29 and 77 years old, respectively, moved the audience with their story. Lộ Ân calmly shared, “I’ve never met my biological parents, and I don’t need to know who they are because I have the most wonderful grandmother in the world.”
The disabled athlete continued, her voice choking with emotion: “You are my mother. No matter who comes to find me, I will not accept them. You are the only mother in my life.”
Ms. Tiêm, overcome with emotion, remained silent. However, it was clear to all that her happiness came not from her adoptive daughter’s success or wealth but from Lộ Ân’s heartfelt filial piety.
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