[Kaohsiung] The elderly mason needs your help

I saw this article shared by a netizen online. This elderly man works hard to make a living and support his family. He does his job carefully and diligently. Seeing how old he is really tugged at my heartstrings. Friends in Kaohsiung, if you need masonry work done, please give this man an opportunity to earn a living!!!

This old man left his business card at my construction site and told me to call him if I needed help. For the stairs on the first to third floors, he quoted five thousand dollars. A few days later, I called him to come do the work. He said he needed to come first to refill the stones, then grind the next day, and wax the day after that. What? Three whole workdays for just five thousand—what’s he even making?

Anyway, the old man came to refill the stones. He quietly asked me if I could lend him a thousand dollars first—he couldn’t make it through the day otherwise. Of course, I agreed. The next day, the old man came back with his wife and young son. His son was nonverbal—it was obvious he wasn’t entirely healthy. The three of them ground and cleaned all day. Before leaving, I gave him another thousand. He said he was lucky I did, or else they wouldn’t have had money for food or medicine. On the third day, I arrived at the site before nine a.m., and the stairs were already waxed. The old man said he had come at six to dry the stairs with a flame first—the wax can only go on once they’re dry. (He had actually left home at five.)

I was about to cry—I mean, three full days of work for just five thousand dollars. Even though I gave him an extra thousand, I still felt his money is so hard earned.

On a side note, I found out the next day that both he and his wife are in their seventies—you could easily call them grandparents. They’re still out here working, and it seems they’re really struggling. I went home and told my mom what happened. She bought some rice, steamed buns, and even a box of mooncakes and went to their home to learn more. When she came back, I nearly cried again. She said there was just a pot of sweet potato soup and a pot of rice on the table, and when they opened the fridge, there was nothing inside except for one bowl of leftovers. Just looking at their home and fridge tells you everything you need to know about their situation.

Give the grandfather a chance to earn a living? Even if it’s a bit difficult.

No matter what, I feel so fortunate.
I hope everyone can be content. There are so many struggling people in the corners of society. Only by truly understanding their situation and helping them yourself will you realize how good your own life is. It’s not just about blindly donating money—it’s about what you learn, what you understand, and how you change yourself through the act of helping.

Grandpa and grandma are so pitiful. Good night 0* I’m so sleepy.

Mr. Wu Zhengliang
Phone: 0972-226-781
Address: No. 22, Ruidong 1st St., Kaohsiung City