82-Year-Old Travels 12 Hours Daily to See Wife in ICU

For 105 days straight, Chen Achong woke before dawn to see the woman he'd loved for half a century. The 82-year-old farmer from Zhoushan, China, spent 12 hours traveling each day just to hold his wife's hand for 30 minutes in the ICU.

Chen's wife Xue suffered a stroke and severe pneumonia a year ago, landing her in Li Huili Hospital in Ningbo. With their son working, Chen took on all caregiving duties himself.

Every morning at 4:30am, he'd prepare meals, catch a bus, transfer to another, and arrive just in time for the ICU's brief visiting window from 10:30 to 11:00am. After those precious 30 minutes, he'd wait in the hospital corridor for hours before making the long journey home.

To save money, Chen carried a basket of homemade meals for Xue. During their time together, he'd reminisce about their decades of shared life. "I remember when I worked in the fields and you kept the house so beautifully in order," he told her softly one day.

The financial toll was heavy. Chen spent his entire savings of over $14,000 on treatment. Their son sold his own home to help cover additional medical expenses.

82-Year-Old Travels 12 Hours Daily to See Wife in ICU

Sunny's Take

Chen's devotion didn't go unnoticed. The hospital extended his visiting hours when they learned about his daily marathon. Local bus drivers waived his fare. Strangers donated more than $20,000 to help with medical costs.

On March 13, Xue's condition seemed stable. Chen told her the family was doing well and not to worry. She nodded in response. As he prepared to leave, the hospital called with devastating news.

Despite efforts to save her, Xue passed away at 76. Chen held her hand tightly one final time. "Our bond in this life is over, but I am not willing to accept it," he whispered through tears.

Now Chen visits her grave whenever he can. "She was the best wife in the world," he says simply.

Millions on Chinese social media wept at his story. One person captured what so many felt: "The elder generation's love is always pure. When they love, it's for a lifetime."