Nguyen Hung, a 53-year-old former successful businessman from Da Nang's Hoa Minh Ward, has turned a devastating stroke into a story of resilience, defying physical and mental challenges to rebuild his life.

Rather than patiently waiting to recover through routine therapies, Hung chose to redefine his life by pursuing music and English, rediscovering himself in the process.

"It's been a long time since we've welcomed an older student, let alone one who has recently suffered a stroke, like Nguyen Hung," said Nguyen Le Thuc Khanh, director of EMMA English School in Da Nang, a tourist hub along the central coast of Vietnam.

A craving for life

Every weekday evening, Hung attends English classes taught by young teachers, many close in age to his children or grandchildren.

According to Khanh, Hung is diligent, attends classes regularly, and is not shy about asking questions when he does not understand.

Hung once approached Khanh to express his concerns, feeling that his slow comprehension might hinder the class' progress.

Khanh encouraged him to persevere, saying, “Given your circumstances, just showing up to class is an incredible achievement. Keep trying -- you’ll see results. It’s natural to progress slower than others, but this is also an opportunity to challenge yourself.”

Hung's story left a deep impression on both his teachers and classmates.

In 2019, Hung’s life changed overnight while he was living with his family in Binh Dinh Province, southern Vietnam and working in the welding and turning industry.

“I was asleep when my entire body suddenly jolted and spasmed uncontrollably, as if someone had pushed me," he recalled.

"It was midnight. My wife thought I was sleepwalking, but my mouth stiffened and I could only mumble incoherently.”

Hung and his wife did not recognize the symptoms as a stroke, a condition that can be fatal if untreated.

By morning, as his limbs stiffened and speech slurred further, his family rushed him to the hospital where doctors confirmed he had had a stroke.

“That moment broke me. My wife and children feared the worst,” Hung narrated.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, his family endured countless hospital visits and treatments, doing everything possible to keep him alive.

“I lay in bed feeling like my body wasn’t mine anymore," he recounted.

"I thought it was the end of my life -- all my plans, my career, my three children, my parents, siblings, and relatives.

"I begged my family to do whatever it took to help me recover, no matter the cost.

"My wife was deeply moved. We went through what felt like a miracle."

Rebuilding life through education

After the stroke, Hung and his wife left their home and possessions in Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam and moved to Da Nang.

They chose to start afresh, focusing on his recovery through physical therapy, acupuncture, and functional rehabilitation.

It took three years of consistent effort, from 2021 to 2024, before Hung could stand, walk, and regain some sense of normalcy.

The journey was fraught with setbacks; there were moments when he broke down in tears, feeling helpless in his body.

Despite these struggles, Hung discovered a surprising passion: learning, with his first step being the bamboo flute, which he learned through one-on-one online lessons.

His teacher was skeptical when seeing an older student with stiff limbs and slurred speech.

Yet, Hung persisted, mastering basic music theory and flute techniques. Over time, his movements became smoother, his breathing steadier, and his flute playing a source of joy.

By mid-2024, he boldly proposed to his wife that he wanted to enroll in an English course.

Initially, his wife doubted his ability to study a foreign language, especially after years of working in a field unrelated to English and still recovering from his stroke.

But when Hung requested tuition fees and started carrying books to the classroom, she realized he was serious.

Facing challenges at 53

Every evening, Hung, with a noticeable limp, arrives at an English center on Hoang Thi Loan Street in Da Nang. His slow, frail movements initially made others mistake him for a guardian.

In class, however, Hung commands attention. “I hadn’t held a pen or read a book for decades.

"Even sitting upright for 90 minutes is challenging,” he admitted.

Nevertheless, he diligently attends classes, completes assignments, and practices pronunciation clips at night.

His classmates are mostly young students, but another middle-aged learner also attends.

Despite differences in age, thinking speed, and comprehension, Hung is determined. He often asks for repeated explanations, sharing with teachers, “This old man’s brain isn’t what it used to be. If I ask too many questions, please don’t mind!”

These remarks, tinged with both humor and humility, endeared him to his classmates and teachers alike. Over time, their encouragement motivated Hung to persist.

Reflecting on his return to education, Hung said, “I never imagined I’d be a student again at this age.

"But life leaves us no choice but to move forward.

"After the stroke, my arms and legs are still stiff, my speech is slurred, and my memory comes and goes.

"But I’m determined to learn -- not for a degree, but for myself. This is my way of challenging my limits and refreshing my mind.”

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