Growing up is not always easy.When facing difficulties,courage and a spirit of independence can be more useful than crying for help.That's what Hong Zhanhui's story of growing from boy to man with family hardships tell us.
Hong was born in 1982 in a poor family in Xihua County,Henan Province.When he was only 11,his father became mentally ill and one day came back with an abandoned baby girl.A year later,Hong's mother and younger brother both left home because of poverty and pressure from his ill father.
Their burdens fell onto the 12-year-old's shoulders:to treat his father's illness,bring up the adopted sister Chenchen,and to go on to study.
Hong didn't give up.Since a young age,he has worked in part-time jobs to feed his family.At the same time,he has studied at college.To take care of Chenchen,he worked hard to rent a room near his campus for her,and send her to school.
After Hong's story went public,people were moved to tears by his selflessness.Hard as his life was,Hong didn't abandon his father and the adopted sister,because they needed his help.With his hard-won money,he even aided other students struggling against misfortunes.
Today when many tend to worry more about their own happiness,Hong's deeds remind us of what we usually neglect:love and care for others.Without these,none of us could survive.
Hong turned down donations from others.He said he felt encouraged by kind offers,but he could depend on his own work.
Short of money to buy food,the boy climbed tall trees to get birds' eggs for his baby sister.He walked two hours at weekends to buy different things to sell around his school to earn money.
Through his hard life,the boy developed an ability to rise above misfortune that made him a hero in people's eyes.
Hong's story shows that with love and willpower,no hardship can defeat a person but himself.
So when facing difficulties,don't complain about bad luck.Consider what more you could do for your family and society and you'll find the world smiling back.