Husband's 25-year devotion
Li Junliang has dedicated his life to caring for his paraplegic wife Jia Fang, who fell from a cliff in 2001, and has gone without a full night's sleep for 20 years to care for her
A Chinese husband, Li Junliang, has been caring for his severely paraplegic wife, Jia Fang, for 25 years after she suffered a horrific fall from a cliff in 2001. Jia Fang was 36 years old when she had the accident, which resulted in paralysis from the chest down.
Li Junliang has been his wife's constant carer, raising their son and daughter, who were 10 and 13 years old at the time of the accident. He takes on all responsibilities for Jia's care, including turning her body every four hours to prevent bedsores, which means he has gone without a full night's sleep for the past two decades.
The couple lives in Pingdingshan, Henan province, where Li often carries Jia to a wheelchair and takes her outside to bask in the sun and enjoy the fresh air. Jia Fang's accident was reported by Henan TV, and Li Junliang is one year older than his wife.
Li's dedication to his wife has touched the hearts of millions on social media throughout mainland China. Jia playfully remarks that Li's tireless dedication and concern for their family have turned his hair grey, while much of hers remains black.
## Why it matters The story of Li Junliang and Jia Fang highlights the importance of devotion and care in relationships. Li's selfless dedication to his wife's care is a testament to the power of love and commitment. The couple's story also raises awareness about the challenges faced by people with disabilities and their caregivers, and the need for support and understanding.
The couple's experience is also a reflection of the societal expectations and pressures that individuals, especially women, face in China. The concept of 'leftover women' or 'sheng nu' is a term used to describe women who are unmarried and childless, often stigmatized and pressured to conform to traditional norms.
## What happens next As Li Junliang and Jia Fang continue to navigate their lives together, their story serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, understanding, and support for individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. Their devotion to each other is a powerful example of the human spirit, and their story will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of people around the world.
