Happiness from strong will

Tran Huu Phuc (born in 1982, in Hung Tan hamlet, Bu Dang commune, Dong Nai province), regardless of his suffering from muscle atrophy in both legs since childhood and having weak health, has used his own hands and determination to overcome adversity, succeed in economic development, and support his children through university.

Tran Huu Phuc walking with crutches while clearing grass in the garden. Photo: Quang Minh

Phuc became paralyzed at the age of three following a severe fever. Although physically disabled, he demonstrated remarkable determination. In 2005, Phuc applied for a job as a laborer in Ho Chi Minh City, where he later married Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh, who also suffers from muscle atrophy in both legs.

Phuc shared, “Fortunately, our children were born completely healthy. After my daughter was born, I decided to move our family to my wife’s hometown in Hamlet 1, Minh Hung commune, Bu Dang district, formerly part of Binh Phuoc province (now under Bu Dang commune, Dong Nai province), to build a life. Our new life has gradually taken root, with more good things growing each day.”

The small-framed man, weighing just 45kg, has never complained or felt self-pity about his circumstances. On the contrary, his proactive approach to life has forged a strong will and unwavering determination to overcome every obstacle. Years ago, Phuc relied on a wheelchair and took on various jobs to make a living, repairing motorbikes, selling ice cream, selling fried beef balls, raising breeding cows, and grafting rose plants for sale. In recent years, he has focused on cultivating durian and coffee on seven plots of land behind his house.

Through his careful daily care, the durian garden has grown stronger. Each harvest has produced more fruit than the last, like a reward for the resilient man.

Phuc shared, “The durian garden has been growing for six years. The previous harvest was just an early yield, producing only 1.5 tons. However, in the most recent season, thanks to learning how to pollinate the flowers at night and apply fertilizer and water at the right time, the yield exceeded 5 tons, worth nearly 300 million VND. Our whole family was overjoyed, thinking the trees had not betrayed the care we put into them.”

In the early years, when the durian trees were still young, he promptly intercropped coffee to make use of the empty space between the rows. According to him, coffee plants are low-growing and yield quickly. Intercropping does not block the sunlight needed by the durian trees. Caring for coffee is not too difficult, and when fertilizing the durian trees, the coffee plants also benefit, helping reduce overall costs.

Ngoc Anh wanted to contribute alongside her husband, so she built a pigsty. She now takes primary responsibility for raising five breeding sows. Each litter is raised to market weight as meat pigs. She estimates that if pig prices are favorable this year, the family’s income could reach several hundred million VND.

Anh Phuc shared: “My eldest daughter is now in her second year at university, and my youngest son has just entered grade 9. To afford their education, we must continue to strive.”

Nguyen Thi Lien, chairwoman of the Association for the support of the people with Disabilities, Orphans, and Poor Patients of Dong Nai province, said: “Phuc is an example of resilient willpower and optimism. In April 2024, he was chosen as one of the province’s representatives to attend the 6th National Conference honoring people with disabilities, orphans, and exemplary benefactors, organized by the Ministry of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs (now the Ministry of Home Affairs).”

By Quang Minh

Translated by Minh Hanh - Minho