There is no power stronger than the power of true friendship.
This is exactly what Xu Bingyang, 12, shows as he carries his disabled friend Zhang Ze every single day. Xu Bingyang has been doing this for 6 years. He’s always been there to help his friend. He also helps him between classes and fetches his lunch for him.
This amazing story is from Meishan city in south-western China’s Sichuan Province. Xu said it wasn’t difficult to carry Zhang. He added, “I weigh more than 40 kg (88 pounds) and Zhang Ze only weighs about 25 kg (55 pounds), so it’s okay for me to carry him.” Xu is more than happy to be his friend’s “walking stick.”
“Xu Bingyang is my best friend. Every day, he studies with me, chats with me, and plays with me. I thank him for looking after me like this every day,” Zhang said. He couldn’t thank Xu enough for his kindness.
Zhang was diagnosed at age 4 with a rare muscle condition also known as rag doll. Myasthenia Gravis, as it’s officially called, caused Zhang to lose all his voluntary muscle in his legs.
Xu and Zhang are both sixth-grade pupils at the Hebazi Town Central Primary School in the county of Qingshen. Xu always believed in helping people in need and didn’t hesitate to start helping Zhang back in first grade. He’s the reason Zhang can attend school like any other child.
It has not been an easy ride these past 6 years. Even going to the toilet is a big task for them. Xu would hold Zhang’s hand or lift him to get across from the classroom to the toilet.
He also assists him with his lunch, refilling water bottles, and going to the bathroom. In the beginning, Xu and another boy used to help Zhang together, but he pulled out because he said he didn’t have much spare time to play or study, a teacher said.
A teacher said, “For so many years, Xu has continued doing good deeds and never complained in front of the teachers and classmates.”
Xu is described as hardworking, mature, and down to earth, and even his mom did not know about his deeds since he didn’t talk about it with his family. She found out from other people.
Xu doesn’t want to stop here, but he wants to continue helping others in the future, contributing to society and being selfless.
Everyone can learn from the actions of Xu and be kind and selfless toward others.
