Ahead of Mother's Day, the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families honored nine women in a ceremony yesterday for showing exceptional dedication and love for their families in the face of physical, economic and social hardship.
"My heart is full of thanks and gratitude for these mothers here today," said Peng Ming-tseng (
"Because of the efforts of these mothers, we can see that their children have never lacked for love even if they didn't have other material things. I believe that there are also many other mothers out there who are also guiding their children through life despite hardship and struggle; I thank all of them as well," Peng said.
PHOTO: LIY HSIN-TEH, TAIPEI TIMES
This is the third year that the group has honored persevering mothers. The women were chosen from candidates nominated by the fund's 24 centers nationwide.
Children looked proudly on as their mothers walked on stage to each accept a carnation, a plaque and a small monetary reward. The women spoke about their experiences, some trying to hold back tears as they recounted their lives.
"The best reward for everything that I've been through is seeing my children become more independent and knowing that one day they'll be self-sufficient," said Chen Lee-kuan (陳麗寬) from Taichung.
Chen, who lost her right hand in a factory accident almost 20 years ago, is the mother of three junior-high and high school-aged children, one of whom is visually and mentally imparied. The family relies on Chen's at-home packaging job and government support for its needs.
Money, however, is short, especially for her handicapped daughter's tuition, she said.
Chen spoke about the difficulties of raising three children with the use of only one hand, saying that the hardest part was trying to bathe her children and change their diapers when they were young.
Chen was optimistic, saying that compared to so many others, her trials were insignificant.
"My children are older, so it's easier for me. Also, my daughter [who is mentally handicapped] is making so much progress. Before, she couldn't talk or do anything for herself, but now she can feed herself and say `Mom,'" Chen said.
Honoree Chang Hsin-mei (張馨鎂) from Hsinchu raised her three children single-handedly throughout a 16 year struggle with cancer. Because of her illness, Chang is deaf in her left ear and has no sight in her right eye.
Despite her bad health and financial difficulties, Chang also took in and nursed her former spouse.
Her son Lin Jin-tang (林璟棠) expressed admiration for his mother, adding that he hoped one day to fulfill his mother's wish to travel abroad.
The fund is a non-profit organization that provides financial help, counseling and other services to needy children and their families.
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