HAPPY GRANDMA: Han poses in front of a picture of her grandchildren (WANG KAI)

One of Han's sons, Gao Cheng, now 27, was timid and did not like to socialize with others while at school.

However, Gao liked calligraphy. Once he wanted to take part in a national calligraphy contest, but hesitated for fear of failure. Han encouraged him to go for it and accompanied him to training classes. Gao eventually won a silver medal in the contest, and he was happy that he could compete with others and do well. Over time, Gao became more confident and outgoing.

Like other mothers, Han would like to invest in her children's future. When her eldest son, Gao Xiang, was admitted into the Chinese People's Public Security University more than 10 years ago, he needed a notebook computer, which was an expensive item then in China. Han bought one for him with her personal savings.

Han Xiao was admitted into a good middle school in 2009, but the SOS Children's Village's budget could not fully afford her tuition. Han paid the extra tuition out of her own pocket.

Han believes it is important for a mother to be positive so that the children will be optimistic. In her spare time, Han has made her own life colorful. She enrolled in dancing and yoga classes, and joined a volunteer group organized by a local evening paper.

To Han, the greatest reward is to see her children grow up and have their own careers and families.

Gao Xiang, now 33, is a policeman. He got married in 2002.

"At the wedding, my daughter-in-law presented a flower to me and called me mother. I was so happy that I did not know what to say," Han recalled.

One year later, a baby boy was born to Gao, and Han went to the hospital to take care of the baby as a grandmother.

"Seeing that Gao Xiang has a job he likes, a wife he loves, and his family is so happy, I am fully contented," Han said.

Email us at: wanghairong@bjreview.com