From birth, Son had no anus, no external genitalia, and both his urinary and digestive systems shared a single outlet. His lower body appeared as if it had been severely cut, exposing his internal organs. Son’s survival was precarious, with all diagnoses predicting that he wouldn’t make it. Despite this, Nguyễn Văn Du (Son’s father) was determined to fight for his son’s life. Son’s first surgery had a 5% chance of success and a 95% chance of failure. Clinging to even the slightest hope, Du signed the consent form. He named his son Thanh Son, hoping his child would grow strong like a mountain. However, if Son did not survive, the name “Thanh” would symbolize a peaceful departure.
Nguyen Van Du (Thanh Son's father)
In 2009, Son underwent surgery to restore his body to a more natural state. Unfortunately, the operation was not entirely successful, and since then, Son’s life has revolved around a potty. Eating, sleeping, studying, and playing, all took placeon the potty. Despite this, young Son remained cheerful, smiling broadly as he rolled the potty around like a true knight. During his childhood, Son’s only companion was his younger sister, Thanh Phương. Phương loved her brother dearly and was always there to protect him. "What I love most about Son is his gentleness, responsibility, and how well he does in school", Phương said proudly.
As Son grew older, he developed a strong desire to go to school and live a normal life like other children. This was also the concern of Nguyễn Văn Du – how to help Son integrate and have a full childhood. So, Son prepared for another crucial surgery, this time to bid farewell to the potty and start school. At that point, Son was 10 years old, ready to enter the fourth grade according to the primary school curriculum. Before the school year began, Du rushed to the principal’s house to ask that Son be allowed to study with his peers. Concerned that Son might have trouble fitting in because he had never been to school before, the school decided to place him in the first grade.
At last, Son’s dream came true. The night before school started, the entire family was excited because Son could now live a normal life. For Son, this marked his release from the four walls that had confined him for the past nine years. He could now go out into the world and connect with those around him. What seemed like a simple dream was the result of nearly ten years of persistent effort by Nguyễn Văn Du – a father who worked tirelessly to ensure his son could live a happy life.
Joining the “Love Station” is Thiên Minh, the son of “Little Mother” Mai Anh, the founder of the program “Thien Nhan and Friends”. Having witnessed Son’s battle with his illness, Thiên Minh understood the pain and resilience that Son had endured. "Everyone knows Son through the media, but there are many untold stories behind it," Thiên Minh shared, expressing his admiration for Son, a young boy with mature thoughts. Before saying goodbye, Thiên Minh encouraged Son to keep moving forward on his journey and promised to continue supporting him from behind.
Over the past 17 years, Nguyễn Văn Du has been deeply touched by his son's remarkable growth. He wantsnothing more than to encourage his son to keep striving, to stand firmly on his own two feet, and, when he is strong enough, to help the “Thiện Nhân and Friends” project spread love to even more disadvantaged individuals. The gift from the “Love Station” will help both father and son overcome challenges and allow Son to pursue his dreams.
Nguyễn Văn Thanh Son’s life still holds many challenges ahead. But with his strength, optimism, and the love surrounding him, he will overcome them all. This is also the wish of his father, Nguyễn Văn Du – to see Son grow up and stand by his side as they continue their journey.
The touching story of this father and son will be told in the Love Station episode titled “A Father’s Wish” which will air at 10:00 AM on Saturday, August 10, 2024, on VTV1.
