“We can’t choose how we’re born, but we can choose how we live. The conjoined twins, Zhong-Ren and Zhong-Yi, were two brave brothers fighting for their lives.” This is how a close friend of the two brothers described them.
When the conjoined twins were separated forty-three years ago, it attracted the attention of the public. There was controversy about whether the twins should be separated or not. Groups expressed their feelings that the twins should be separated, while others advocated that they shouldn’t. The decision to separate the twins was ultimately decided based on public opinion and evaluations done by a professional team of doctors.
Thinking back on this, brother Zhong-Ren said, “Although our bodies are incomplete, if I had the choice today, I would still choose to be separated. Real life for me only began once we had been separated, and this is the test given to us by God. ”
On September 10th, 1979, the operation to separate Zhong-Ren and Zhong-Yi was broadcasted on TV and gained the attention of the entire country. National Taiwan University Hospital assembled a team of 36 doctors and nurses who successfully finished the operation in under 12 hours of uninterrupted efforts; becoming the first operation of its kind in Asia. The operation was reported by major media outlets across the country the very next day and was commended by then President of Taiwan, Chiang Ching-Kuo.
Due to the disruption of the internal organs after the separation, the brothers suffered from various kinds of illnesses. Zhong-Ren regularly underwent surgery or was hospitalised several times a year, while Zhong-Yi has needed to get weekly treatments and check-ups. Despite suffering from illnesses, Zhong-Ren and Zhong-Yi remained strong and optimistic. At the time of their separation, a few doctors predicted that the twins might not live to be more than 20 years old; however, the twins worked hard to remain alive and healthy so that they could pursue their dreams.
Zhong-Ren always had a strong desire to learn. Despite suffering from sciatica (pain to the lower back, hips and legs), he worked hard to master oil painting and glass sculpture, and to further his religious studies. He was also very active in the community and gave speeches to schools, prisons and charities across the country; totalling nearly 300 speeches. His life story has encouraged young students and members of the community to live fulfilling lives. His hopes for the future were to inspire and encourage people all over the world with his speeches.
Unfortunately, Zhong-Ren passed away in 2019. Since his brother’s passing, Zhong-Yi has grown and has a better understanding of the meaning of life. He vowed to see Zhong-Ren’s wishes fulfilled by giving speeches and sharing the twin’s personal experiences, in the hope of inspiring as many people as he can. He also promised to help develop the next generation along with his wife, and strive to achieve Zhong-Ren’s dreams and aspirations.
Life is a journey and there will always be ups and downs. If you get back up after being knocked down and keep moving forward, you’ll eventually see the rainbow.
