Having lost all three of their sons over the course of three decades, an elderly couple in Taoyuan County’s Bade Township (八德) nonetheless made a decision to get back on their own feet by going back to their business of selling shaoxiancao (燒仙草, hot grass jelly).
The couple, Chang Chen-lung (張振隆), 76, and Chen Yu-lan (陳玉蘭), 72, lost their eldest son a decade ago when he fell to his death at work, their second son when he was serving in the military two decades ago and their youngest in a car crash in January.
Chang said the family had concluded the affairs of his youngest son and they were extremely thankful for the donations they received from across the nation.
“However, we decided that we must take a positive outlook on life and not dwell on past sorrows,” Chang said, adding that there were others who are more deserving of the help of altruistic individuals and philanthropic organizations.
The couple decided to reopen their business of selling hot grass jelly treats and raise their grandson, who is less than a year old.
Due to their age, the couple take shifts in managing their mobile vending stall, with Chen taking charge of sales in the morning near the Jhongjhen Market in Pingjhen Township (平鎮), and Chang taking over after the noon break and moving the stall near Longgong Junior High School in Jhongli (中壢).
The pricing is modest, at NT$20 per bowl and NT$50 for three, but the couple said it has been enough to keep them afloat for the past two decades. Although life is tough, they said they are determined to get back on their feet.
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