‘Mum, good’: Chinese woman wakes vegetative daughter-in-law after 17 years of care

In eastern China, a woman named Xuan Fengying has been devotedly caring for her daughter-in-law, Xu, for 17 years since Xu fell into a vegetative state. The younger Xu, surnamed Xu, became unconscious in 2009 after being hit by a truck in her village in Shandong province, just one month after her marriage. Since then, Xuan Fengying, now 68 years old, has provided round-the-clock care to her daughter-in-law.

Xuan Fengying fed Xu liquid food one spoonful at a time, taking an hour per meal. She also assisted Xu in turning over over 10 times a day to prevent bedsores, washed Xu after incontinence, and regularly massaged her muscles. The mother-in-law also engaged in conversation with Xu about family news and village happenings, played her favorite songs, and repeatedly called her name.

An incident years ago saw Xu regaining consciousness, though severe brain damage from the accident left her cognitively similar to a four-year-old child. With Xuan Fengying's help, Xu learned to walk and participate in rehabilitation exercises, eventually being able to speak a few words and cook simple meals. In a video, Xu expressed her gratitude to her mother-in-law, saying "Mum, good."

Xuan Fengying shared that she hoped for Xu's continued improvement, feeling relieved about Xu's newfound ability to cook, ensuring nourishment after Xuan's own passing. Due to her own physical ailments, such as aching legs and high blood pressure, Xuan Fengying recalled needing assistance from a neighbor to help Xu up when Xu once fell to the ground.

Despite envying others' leisurely lives, Xuan Fengying emphasized her responsibility towards her daughter-in-law. Many social media users were deeply moved by Xuan Fengying's extraordinary devotion, praising her as a mother-in-law of great love and wishing her good health and a long life.