The story of Aunt Tong and her son in China has recently gone viral on the Toutiao platform.

Everyone in the village envied Aunt Tong because she had a son who was not only successful but also extremely filial. Her son, affectionately called Xiao Hang by the villagers, started his own business during his third year of university and founded his own company at the age of 27. Many villagers sought his help in finding jobs for their children.

Aunt Tong's husband pas.sed away early when Xiao Hang was just 15 years old. Despite lacking the support of a father, the mother and son still lived a fulfilling and happy life. She worked tirelessly to raise her only son, ensuring he grew up to be successful. After years of hardship, she finally reaped the rewards of her efforts.

With a thriving career, Xiao Hang bought a house and a car in the city. He invited his mother to live with him multiple times, but she refused, saying she preferred the peaceful life in the countryside. When Xiao Hang turned 38, he married a smart, beautiful, and kind-hearted woman, which made Aunt Tong extremely happy.

However, a few years after his marriage, Xiao Hang visited his mother less frequently. Villagers often saw Aunt Tong looking sad, unlike her cheerful self from before. Once, she was seen sitting on her doorstep, gazing into the distance with a vacant expression. Some speculated that Xiao Hang might be facing financial difficulties and was too ashamed to return home, but that wasn’t the case. Every month, he sent his mother $1,000 for her living expenses, and some months, he even sent extra money for new household items.

After talking to Aunt Tong, the villagers learned that Xiao Hang had been too busy with work to visit her regularly. Sometimes, she called him just to hear his voice, but their conversations were often cut short due to his urgent meetings. Even during major holidays, he couldn’t make it home for a meal with her. This was why she always seemed so downcast.

One day, a neighbor passing by saw Aunt Tong collapse on the ground, struggling to breathe. The neighbor quickly called for help, and the villagers rushed her to the hospital before notifying Xiao Hang. Unfortunately, the doctor revealed that she had suffered a sudden brain hemorrhage and could not be saved. The entire village mourned her passing. When Xiao Hang received the devastating news, he immediately returned home to arrange her funeral.

While sorting through his mother’s belongings, he discovered that her bank account was completely empty. For over ten years, he had sent her $1,000 every month. No matter how she had spent it, there should have been at least a few thousand dollars left. Puzzled, he went to the bank to request a statement.

Upon seeing the records, he was shocked to learn that his mother had used all the money he sent to support the orphanage near their home.

At the orphanage, the manager explained that Aunt Tong had spent her weekends there, playing with and taking care of the children. She once said that spending time with the orphans made her feel happy and less lonely. Every month, she donated the $1,000 she received from her son to buy food, toys, and sweets for the children.

Hearing this, Xiao Hang broke down in tears, realizing the mistake he had made - leaving his mother alone for so long.

For the elderly, nothing is more precious than spending joyful moments and sharing meals with their loved ones. Aunt Tong must have endured a great deal of loneliness in her final years.

May this story remind everyone to cherish the time spent with their family, especially their parents.