Tong Phuoc Phuc from Vietnam has shown the world what true
selflessness is: He has saved the lives of more than 100 children over the last
15 years. It all began in 2001 when his own wife was pregnant. He went with her
to the hospital and noticed that pregnant women were entering the next room and
coming out no longer with child.
It took some time before Tong realized what exactly was
going on. The idea that these babies didn’t have a chance to come into this
world broke Tong’s heart. So, Tong asked if he could take the aborted children
from the hospital so they at least could be given a proper burial in an
appropriate place.
The former construction worker bought land atop a mountain
called Hon Thom in the city of Nha Trang with his savings. Tong began burying
the dead babies in this idyllic setting. At first, his wife thought he’d gone
crazy, but Tong wouldn’t give up his dream. He’s buried more than 10,000 babies
over the years, but what he really wanted to do was save these babies in the
first place. He said his graveyard isn’t just a place for sadness, it’s a
garden meant to touch women who are feeling uncertain.
Mothers who didn’t have the means to support their children
started coming to Tong asking for help. The man transformed from gravedigger to
lifesaver by adopting countless children from these overwhelmed mothers. The
idea is that once the women are in a more secure life position, the children
may return to them. So, what was once solely a graveyard, has become a special
home to more than 100 children.
It was impossible to keep track of all the kids, so Tong
came up with easy-to-remember nicknames for each: All the boys are called
“Vinh“ (honor), and all the girls are called “Tam” (heart). The second and
third names are the mother’s name and Tong’s family name, respectively. But
this dad doesn’t treat these kids as foster children, they are each like one of
his own.
Caring for and raising so many children is obviously a huge
task, but Tong loves his role as father. “I will continue this work till my
last breath,” he said. “I hope my own kids will continue helping people when
I’m gone.” You can see the love and gratefulness in the eyes of each of his
children.
Can you imagine a warmer father? Tong’s work shows what
could happen if we all gave life a chance. Even if not everyone has the
strength or means to do so, it would be good if we each learned from the
actions of this inspiring family.
h/t Hefty