"When I see my husband sitting in a trance with the TV remote in hand, I can't help crying. I worry about him," said Shao Jinhua, an elderly woman who rarely leaves her home.

Shao and her husband, Xing Shuhui, lost their only daughter to myocarditis when she was just 9 years old. Following their heartbreak, the couple have remained in an old apartment in Heping district for 20 years. Their home is tidy and clean, and yet the absence of photographs or toys is a ghostly reminder of a tragedy that changed the course of their lives, bringing seclusion.

On Jan 17, Nuanxinjiayuan, a social welfare organization for bereaved parents, prepared a birthday party for Xing. As he looked around him, Xing's trance gave way to a soft smile, an expression that surfaced tentatively, as if unsure if it had a place here. And yet, surrounded by others who have experienced the same pain, a smile settled comfortably into an atmosphere of support, understanding and happiness.

Shidu elderly people prepare dinner together. [Photo/Xinhua]

Nuanxinjiayuan and its volunteers continue to help bring positive experiences to many people's lives through party preparation and celebration.

Xing Shuihui (L) blows out candles at her 62nd birthday party. [Photo/Xinhua]

Xing did not celebrate birthday since she lost her only child. At this time, she was extremely happy.

Elderly people enjoy dinner together.[Photo/Xinhua]

Located in an apartment in Heping district, many Shidu families are part of Nuanxinjiayuan's welfare organization, embracing each other when they meet. Four events are held each week, such as walks, birthday parties and a choir. On ‘family sharing day', each person brings one special 'family' dish to share with the group. They also have a WeChat group to share videos and photos of events, a way of remaining connected and developing important friendships.

Shidu elderly people gathers in chorus in Nuanxinjiayuan.[Photo/Xinhua]

Shizhe, a 24-year-old volunteer nicknamed "Jiji babe", "We intend to create a loving environment to help them out of their dilemmas and hardships."

Festivals in particular are hard, as they are a difficult reminder of what has been lost. This year, Nuanxinjiayuan will organize a Spring Festival celebration in Langfang to help create a strong sense of community and hope.

Tianjin continues to develop such projects and funds that improve the standard of relief for Shidu families, and enhance healthcare protection for Shidu's elderly.