An 81-year-old woman from northern China, known as “China’s strongest mother”, has reached many people online with her life story. Born without arms and legs due to a congenital condition, she overcame immense difficulties in raising three children.
Wang Yushi, from Baiyin in Gansu Province, didn’t even have an official name for most of her early life.
“My mother was born without arms and legs and didn’t even have a name for more than 20 years. It wasn’t until she married my father at 27 that the registration officer gave her the name Wang Yushi, and since then everyone has called her that,” her youngest son Zhang Lihu, 38, told the South China Morning Post.
Raising a family against the odds
After marriage, Wang had three children – an older daughter and two sons. Since farming was the main source of income, her husband often worked outside the home, leaving her to take care of the household and children alone.
Despite her condition, she handled everyday tasks with intense determination. According to her son, she could cook, do laundry and even mend clothes.
As she prepared the food, she moved onto a stool, using her body to balance herself as she kneaded the dough and cut the vegetables. She pursed her mouth and held her chopsticks between her elbows as she ate.
“At that time, I was the only one taking care of the children. Life was really hard, but I was still satisfied. At least we never suffered from hunger,” Wang told Jim News.
A quieter life today
Now all three of her children have families of their own. Her husband died more than ten years ago and she lives with her youngest son who takes care of her along with his wife.
Although she suffers from high blood pressure, her overall health is stable.
A story that touched millions of people
Zhang shares moments of their daily life on social media under the name “Cool Mother” and has gained over 440,000 followers.
“Being able to stay by my mother’s side is the greatest happiness. As long as my mother is here, home is here,” he said.
Her story struck a chord with many online. One person said, “Destiny gave her a hellish start, yet she lived like a warrior.” Another wrote: “So touching. This is truly remarkable and brought tears to my eyes.” A third added: “The best mother. It’s unimaginable how she raised her children. Their filial devotion in return is truly a blessing.”
