Surviving the Unthinkable
Hai’s life changed forever when he suffered severe burns as a child. Though he survived, the physical scars were only part of the battle. The emotional wounds ran just as deep.
When he was released from the hospital, he quickly realized that society wasn’t always kind to people who looked different. He endured ridicule and bullying, making it difficult for him to form friendships or find work.
“I didn’t have many friends and felt alone growing up. I was treated like an outcast and mocked when I tried to find work. There was a time I didn’t leave my house for over two years,” Hai shared.
Imagine being confined to your home for two years, too afraid to face a world that judged you harshly. The emotional toll was overwhelming, but his story was far from over.
Finding Hope Through Friendship
Though Hai had fallen behind in his education due to his isolation, he eventually formed a life-changing friendship with someone who, like him, had disabilities.
“There are moments when I believe fate brought us together,” Hai said. “We’ve played together since we were kids. We’ve been through both happy and sad moments because we shared the pain of not having anyone to play with.”
In the midst of their struggles, Hai found inspiration in an unexpected place—a bakery.
A Dream Born from Rejection
One day, Hai and his friend excitedly entered a bakery they had long wanted to visit. But instead of being welcomed, they were turned away.
“They didn’t listen to our explanation. Because we were poor, our clothes weren’t as nice as some people’s. They kicked us out,” Hai recalled.
The humiliation of that moment stayed with him. But instead of letting it break him, he turned it into a purpose.
Hai dreamed of opening his own inclusive bakery—a place where no one would be judged for their appearance, background, or financial status.
Turning a Dream into Reality
Determined to make his vision a reality, Hai enrolled in a hospitality training school in Hanoi. With the support of his family, he worked tirelessly, learning the art of baking and business management.
And just a few years after he had given up hope of even leaving his home, he opened his own bakery.
“Seeing so many happy faces was wonderful,” Hai shared. “I often invite children selling lottery tickets on the streets to come in for a piece of cake. We never know what struggles others have gone through. It’s important to show kindness.”
Giving Back and Changing Lives
Hai’s bakery is more than just a business—it’s a mission of kindness. He now focuses on helping others who have faced similar hardships, offering jobs and training to those who might otherwise struggle to find work.
“One way to change society is to give something back,” he said.
He wants people to see beyond appearances—to recognize the strength, resilience, and humanity in everyone.
“I am more than how I look,” Hai told The Epoch Times. “Don’t use harsh words with me. I’ve survived.”
A Story of Strength, Kindness, and Second Chances
Hai’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience. Despite unimaginable pain and adversity, he found a way to embrace life and turn his struggles into something beautiful. His story reminds us that kindness, determination, and compassion can transform lives.
If Hai’s story moved you, share this post to spread his message of hope. Let’s remind the world that kindness matters—and that everyone deserves a second chance. ❤️