Monday, July 28, 2008

Man Carves Wife a 6,000 Stair Path in Mountain



When Carole (my Dear Friend of 40 years) sent this story to me (she knows quite well where my interests lie), I simply HAD to present it to You. So ... "Thank you Carole."


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.


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.



Over 50 years ago, Liu Guojiang a 19 year-old boy, fell in love with a 29 year-old widowed mother named Xu Chaoqin..


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.



'You promised me you'll take care of me, you'll always be with me until the day I died, now you left before me, how am I going to live without you?'

Xu spent days softly repeating this sentence and touching her husband's black coffin with tears rolling down her cheeks.



In 2006, their story became one of the top 10 love stories from China , collected by the Chinese Women Weekly. The local government has decided to preserve the love ladder and the place they lived as a museum, so this love story can live forever.




IMAGES and STORY from: Chinese Women Weekly

My "Thank You," to them, as well.


23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Love stories should live on forever as inspiration for us all. Thank you John-Michael for bringing this one to us.

Casdok said...

Wow so touching.

nitebyrd said...

I read this a few days ago. It made me feel so joyful to know that sometimes fairy tales are true.

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful story! Lisa L.

lime said...

proof that location doesn't matter when two people who love each other share their presence.

Suldog said...

God bless her (and him too, of course, but I suspect he has found his reward.)

John-Michael said...

This story has such innate power and force that I feel that any words of mine would have the potential to distract or diminish. With that understanding, I thank you (quite sincerely) my Anonymous Friend, Sweet Casdok, ever-Dear NiteByrd, kind Lisa, Precious Lime, and much-loved SulDog.

Each of You is cherished and greatly appreciated.

rebecca said...

oh, this was lovely. would you mind if i link your story on my blog so that others can come here and read this as well? i think this is one of those stories that needs to be shared.

blessings,
rebecca

Kissing of the Frogs said...

John-Michael,
A story of true love. ahhhh thanks for this post.
Hugs,
Rose

SandraRee said...

Shouldn't we all be so lucky? Beautiful story.

John-Michael said...

Rebecca, please link away! This story is so hope filled that I am still awed! A "You are so welcome" hug to you Rose. Isn't it a wonderful example of what "IT" is all about, Dear Sandra !?

My love to you all ...

Don Mills Diva said...

I have tears in my eyes. What a beautiful story - it fills my heart to know that love like that exists.

John-Michael said...

I hope that someday I will know the satisfaction of expressing the enormity and depth of Love that I have for each of You who have whispered your thoughts here. This story illustrates such a wonder in that blessed Couple. I know a blessing of a personal affection and appreciation for Kelly, Sandra, Rose, Jim, Michelle, Gail, and Casdok. (and I am thankful for my developing knowledge of Rebecca, Lisa, and my Anonymous Friend.) Each of you, in your own, individual and unique Spirit, are precious and dear to me. I thank you for your loving and caring spirits.

Trixie said...

What a beautiful story!

Anonymous said...

As I keep reminding my friends, age is nothing. Love is everything.

CJ xx

Crystal said...

This story makes me believe that it CAN happen to us all;o)

MarmiteToasty said...

goodness......just goodness.... such pure honest love.... I didnt know it really existed.. maybe oneday someone will crave steps to my soul...

x

Happy Elf Mom (Christine) said...

Oh, I love this story! Thanks for posting it, John-Michael.

San said...

Amazing story, John-Michael. Thank you for sharing this.

John-Michael said...

I knew that You, Dear San, would appreciate the worth of this demonstration of Love in the Soul of these two lives. I am so glad that I could share it with You.

loving You ...

aims said...

You have said this so clearly JM - words would detract from this wonderful story. I hope she has either joined him now or knows that he is waiting for her and is still holding her hand.

Cath said...

A beautiful love story. Definitely worthy of Shakespeare as you say.

Thank you for sharing it.

John-Michael said...

You, Dearest Aims, have summed up my hopes for and response to this Ideal Love.

You are ever-welcome, CathDaughter. It is my joy to be able to share such joy with you.

My Gratitude and love to you both ...

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