A Story Book For Children In Vietnam About Post-Polio Syndrome
Once upon a time, in the beautiful country of Vietnam, there was a little boy named Minh. Minh loved playing outside with his friends, running and jumping with endless energy. But one day, something unexpected happened to Minh. He started feeling very tired and his legs became weak. Minh’s parents took him to the doctor, who told them that Minh had something called Post-polio syndrome.
Now, Post-polio syndrome is like a little monster that can sometimes visit people who had polio when they were younger. It sneaks up on them when they least expect it, just like a mischievous ghost. This monster makes their muscles feel tired and weak, especially in their legs. It can be a bit scary, but with love and support, Minh knew he could overcome it.
Minh lived in a small village near the beautiful city of Hanoi. In his village, there was a wise old woman named Bà Ngoại, who knew all about the local remedies and magic. Minh’s parents decided to take him to Bà Ngoại for help.
Bà Ngoại lived in a cozy little house surrounded by colorful flowers and tall bamboo trees. She welcomed Minh and his parents with a warm smile. Bà Ngoại knew exactly what to do to help Minh feel better.
She brewed a special tea made from local herbs and spices. This magical tea had the power to give Minh’s tired muscles a boost of energy. Bà Ngoại also taught Minh some gentle exercises to strengthen his legs. She called them “câu cá,” which means “fishing” in Vietnamese. Minh loved the name because he imagined himself catching big fish with his legs.
Every day, Minh would drink the special tea and practice his “câu cá” exercises. He would imagine himself fishing in the beautiful rivers of Vietnam, feeling stronger and stronger with each movement. Minh’s friends would come over to his house and cheer him on, making him feel loved and supported.
Minh’s parents also took him to a nearby hot spring, where the warm water would soothe his tired muscles. They called it “suối nóng,” which means “hot spring” in Vietnamese. Minh would soak in the hot spring, feeling the warmth spread through his body, making him feel relaxed and happy.
With the help of Bà Ngoại’s magical tea, the “câu cá” exercises, and the soothing “suối nóng,” Minh started feeling better and stronger every day. He could run and play with his friends again, just like before. Minh knew that even though the Post-polio monster might visit him from time to time, he had the power to overcome it with love, support, and the magic of his beautiful country, Vietnam.
And so, Minh lived happily ever after, spreading his joy and strength to everyone he met, reminding them that with a little bit of magic and a lot of love, anything is possible.
The end
