"Xiaodong, how are you planning your recent vacation? You'll start a brand-new junior high school life next month, so you need to get ready." On the morning of August 12, Shang Jie, a "Caring Mother" from Wangjiang Street Community, Bingcaogang Sub-district, Dong District, Panzhihua City, called her "son" Xiaodong (pseudonym).

On the other end of the phone, the once shy and reticent boy—who lost his father in early childhood and whose mother left far away—has now grown into a confident and cheerful sunny teenager. This "mother-son bond," which is not blood-related but surpasses family ties, began with a "mutual connection" between "Caring Mothers" and disadvantaged children brought about by a community public welfare position in the winter of 2024.

Passing on warmth, forging a "mother-son bond"

"I'm a mother myself, so I know what a child needs." In November 2023, shortly after taking up a community public welfare position in Wangjiang Street Community, Shang Jie learned that Dong District was recruiting "Caring Mother" volunteers and signed up without hesitation...

When Xiaodong was 5 years old, his father passed away due to illness, a misfortune that shattered their once happy family. Unable to bear the grief of losing her husband, Xiaodong's mother left for work in Chengdu, leaving Xiaodong in the care of his maternal grandparents. This sudden family change cast a shadow over Xiaodong's heart, making him reticent, withdrawn, and introverted ever since.

After learning about Xiaodong's situation, Shang Jie took the initiative to contact his grandparents and carefully prepared for her first meeting with him.

At their first meeting, Xiaodong's shy, childish greeting—"Hello, auntie!"—tugged at Shang Jie's heartstrings. She said softly, "If you'd like, you can call me Mom Shang." This sincere warmth brought tears to Xiaodong's eyes. He nodded slightly, his hands resting between his legs, silent for a long time.

At that time, Xiaodong was in the 6th grade of primary school, a critical period for transitioning to junior high school. After several interactions, Shang Jie noticed that the child did well in his studies and had a positive attitude toward life, which touched her deeply. "I thought he was a sensible child, so I made up my mind to accompany him through the days ahead," Shang Jie said.

Shang Jie's son, already in high school, was happy to hear that she had become a "Caring Mother" volunteer. "My mom is caring—she definitely deserves a thumbs-up! When I have time, I must come to meet this little brother," he said.

Love warms a child's heart, echoing the most beautiful sounds

Since becoming a "Caring Mother" volunteer, Shang Jie has had an extra concern. She visits Xiaodong regularly at home to check on his life, studies, and emotional changes, providing timely guidance and counseling.

Whenever she finds Xiaodong feeling down because he misses his mother, Shang Jie listens to him patiently, gives him warm hugs, and comforts him. She guides Xiaodong to understand his mother's helplessness in working away from home, encouraging him to keep in touch with his mother through letters, video calls, and other means to strengthen their bond. Thanks to her encouragement, Xiaodong has gradually communicated more with his mother, and laughter has slowly returned to his life. In addition to helping Xiaodong with his studies and psychology, Shang Jie has actively connected with social resources to apply for scholarships and school supplies for him, easing the family's financial burden.

Shang Jie also takes Xiaodong to participate in public welfare activities and outdoor sports, helping him learn to release stress and cultivate a positive, optimistic, and cheerful personality. In January 2024, the Dong District Women's Federation organized the "Bring Love Home" winter vacation activity. Shang Jie specially took Xiaodong on a hot air balloon ride over the Ashuda Four-Season Flower Sea. "Looking down from the sky, the flower sea is like a colorful carpet! Mom Shang, this is the happiest day of my life!" Xiaodong's cheers became the most beautiful echo in Shang Jie's heart.

Thanks to long-term companionship filled with love, Xiaodong has made gratifying progress, achieving excellent results in his studies and other aspects. He was admitted to Panzhihua No.25 Middle School through selective admission and was named a 2025 municipal-level "Three Good Students." "As you give love, you shall receive love"—this honor is not only recognition of Xiaodong's hard work but also of Shang Jie's assistance. Xiaodong's maternal grandfather even went to the community to thank Shang Jie.

"He promptly shares with me when he gets good grades or praise, and takes the initiative to call me when he has worries. He's really a sensible child," Shang Jie said, unable to hide the "ripples" of emotion as she recalled their time together.

Tiny lights gather into a galaxy, letting love illuminate the path of growth

Since 2024, the Dong District Women's Federation has actively responded to the "Caring Mother" pairing care service work, encouraging members of the Women's Federation Executive Committee, grassroots Women's Federation cadres, and others to play a "leading role (like the leading goose)" by taking the lead in pairing up. It has also issued "Caring Mother" proposals and recruitment notices to widely mobilize caring people from all walks of life to join the "Caring Mother" initiative.

Up to now, there are 79 registered "Caring Mothers" like Shang Jie, who have paired up to help 60 disadvantaged children. "Love is the longest-lasting companionship"—they may not have performed earth-shattering feats, but with day-in and day-out companionship and silent, nurturing care, they have built a "second home" for left-behind and disadvantaged children.

In the future, the Dong District Women's Federation will continue to play the role of a bridge and link, integrate resources from all parties, join hands with all sectors of society, earnestly and affectionately promote the healthy growth and all-round development of children in Dong District, and jointly light up the future of more children. (Text/Photos by Liu Jing, Yu Tingting)