Wednesday, August 27, 2008

A LOVE STORY OF ALL TIME

A friend sent me this story by e-mail.
This is an awesome story! Some of you may have seen this but I thought it was so sweet it was worth repeating.

An incredible love story has come out of China recently and managed to touch the world.

It is a story of a man and an older woman who ran off to live and love each other in peace for over half a century.


The 70-year-old Chinese man who hand-carved over 6,000 stairs up a mountain for his 80-year-old wife has passed away in the cave which has been the couple's home for the last 50 years.
Over 50 years ago, Liu Guojiang a 19 year-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old widowed mother named Xu Chaoqin..

In a twist worthy of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, friends and relatives criticized the relationship because of the age difference and the fact that Xu already had children.
At that time, it was unacceptable and immoral for a young man to love an older woman.. To avoid the market gossip and the scorn of their communities, the couple decided to elope and lived in a cave in Jiangjin County in Southern ChongQing Municipality
In the beginning, life was harsh as they had nothing, no electricity or even food. They had to eat grass and roots they found in the mountain, and Liu made a kerosene lamp that they used to light up their lives.
Xu felt that she had tied Liu down and repeatedly asked him, 'Are you regretful? Liu always replied, 'As long as we are industrious, life will improve.'
In the second year of living in the mountain, Liu began and continued for over 50 years, to hand-carve the steps so that his wife could get down the mountain easily.

Half a century later in 2001, a group of adventurers were exploring the forest and were surprised to find the elderly couple and the over 6,000 hand-carved steps. Liu MingSheng, one of their seven children said, 'My parents loved each other so much, they have lived in seclusion for over 50 years and never been apart a single day. He hand carved more than 6,000 steps over the years for my mother's convenience, although she doesn't go down the mountain that much.'
The couple had lived in peace for over 50 years until last week. Liu, now 72 years, returned from his daily farm work and collapsed. Xu sat and prayed with her husband as he passed away in her arms. So in love with Xu, was Liu, that no one was able to release the grip he had on his wife's hand even after he had passed away.

22 comments:

Grannyann said...

Judy, what a neat story...and sad too.

Sylvia K said...

What a beautiful story that is heartbreaking at the same time. But how inspirational! Not many people -- man or woman are fortunate enough to know that kind of love.

Teresa said...

My goodness, what a beautiful love story. Thanks for sharing it, Judy. And thanks for leaving a comment on my blog. I wonder if because most of the Fork lies between the knobs that fog settles there more, reminding us of the dampness? Are you going to the blow-out and the festival? We plan to be there (and also a few other friends who blog.) Maybe we'll spot each other!
Teresa

One Woman's Journey - a journal being written from Woodhaven - her cottage in the woods. said...

This beautiful love story touched my heart. Thanks for sharing.
True love is wonderful.

Clara....in TN said...

Wouldn't it be a wonderful world if everyone had that much love in their heart? What a great love story!

Kelly said...

Judy, I have not ever seen this story. It is so lovely and such a beautiful tribute to the power of love! I am so touched by this wonderful story! I am really glad that you shared it with us!

Also, thanks for the sweet comments you left on my blog about Medicine Park! You're such a dear friend!

Margie's Musings said...

What a wonderful story! I had not heard it before.

Grammy said...

Dear Judy,
What a touching love story! Thank you for posting it, also the poem about a mother's love. I just today had a chance to read all the postings that I had not yet read of yours. I am enjoying them all tremendously. Thank you for your ocmments on my blog. I read them all. Love,
Grammy

Nancy said...

That's a very touching story! I can't imagine carving 6000 steps. I wonder if things are any better for people of different ages in China today..

Linda said...

Judy,
What a wonderful story. Does your heart good to read something like this from time to time.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Thanks for dropping by:

What a beautiful love story,I hadn't read about it about before. Thanks for sharing.


Yvonne.

Anonymous said...

What a heart warming story to love that much is a true blessing

Kate said...

Awww Judy that is sooo great a story, I'm glad that you posted it, we don't hear enough stories like that.

Anonymous said...

Judy, what a heartwarming, heartrending story...it made me cry. I like to think of him building those steps and how much love and care went into each of them. I imagine him smiling as he thinks of how much pleasure and ease they will give his beloved. Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely story with us!

patsy said...

nice

Leigh said...

What an amazing story. Love you mom!

Anonymous said...

very good blog and interesting story about love, I want you all the best

Jamie Dawn said...

I'm so glad you posted this because I had not heard about it.
What a lovely story! Love that deep is something to celebrate. What grief she must be having now that he is gone, but she sure has many years of love to remember and rejoice in.

Rachel said...

I had never heard that story. Very touching!

Amber Star said...

What a beautiful story...it makes me cry for their love. Love the pictures, too. I haven't received that one at all.

RHYTHM AND RHYME said...

Thank you Judy for popping by, It is only recently I have found other blogger friends which I cherish very much.
Autumn is a lovely time of the year, weather not too good but being alive is.
Have a wonderful day.

Yvonne.

Ugich Konitari said...

Judy,

Thank you for this wonderful story, and the trouble you have taken over posting it, with the great pictures and all. Very inspirational.