The Eyes

A miracle of life

What do you think of this little boy?

Does he look cute?

Yes, he is. I like his bright black eyes, which say a lot that he will become a strong and smart man. And I always wish he will be stronger than anyone in this world to cope with destiny’s challenges.

The boy’s name is Nhan Thien Ho ( A good person)

Nhan’s teenage mother abandoned him in a garden of a remote province right after birth in July, 2006. It was a miracle that the little baby was still alive after 72 hours without milk and care. It was a tragedy as the baby had been seriously mauled by a wild animal, possibly a dog, that chewed off Nhan’s right leg and part of his groin.

The survival story of the little boy had been breaking news in my country. People were shocked at a story with both miracle and tragedy for a little boy. The public was angry at the young mother. Her mistake would never have any chances for correction but put her son in a tragic life forever.

The boy has had his new family, a journalist’s family in the capital, Hanoi. This time of the year (July, 2008), much donations and assistance are sent to the little boy as he and his parents are on the way to US for a series of surgeries.

I’m obsessed by his eyes. The eyes are bright, decisive but so sad. I have a 5-year daughter and I can never understand why a mother can desert her new-born baby. Yes, she was too young; she has little knowledge and her family is too poor. But the relationship between a mother and a child is the human instinct. Even little girls, (like my daughter), know how to care for her doll and loves to play with little kids.

We often make mistakes but some mistakes will never be corrected and will damage a human life.

Little Nhan is being cared by a kind-hearted mother, who never deserts him. He is receiving world-wide donations and support. But when Nhan becomes mature, will he strong enough to cope with the truth that he will have one leg, artificial testicles and penis? Nhan will be injected with men’s hormone for life if he wants to be a man. It is reported that 2-year-old Nhan is a very sensitive boy. It’s not easy for his family and doctors to look at his injured parts.

Nhan will certainly become an optimistic, courageous and confident man. Stand on your feet, little boy, because many people and I will always be with you.

Nhan will need surgeries from now till his growth stops to his feet and backbone develop normal. When I’m writing these words, he is in the US with his parents for a series of surgeries. You can see a photo collection about the little boy here.

Nhan and his new family really needs support and donation in the long run.

If you can do something for Nhan, contact Ms Mai Anh, No.118, Hàng Bạc Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hanoi, Vietnam.

Email: hanoiguppy@gmail.com or elkeray@yahoo.com

Photos by Quang Viet, www.ngoisao.vnexpress.net