On January 18, China Central Television’s “Sunset Red” program aired the documentary “I Am Your Big Tree,” which tells the story of father and son Xu Zhongxiang. The film chronicles the heartwarming journey of the gentle father, Xu Zhongxiang, as he supports his son, Xu Lei, who suffered a traumatic brain injury, and guides him step by step along the path to recovery.

　　On August 5, 2019, Xu Lei was tragically involved in an accident that resulted in severe traumatic brain injury. Following surgery, he was transferred to Nanjing Zijin Hospital. Since the incident, his father, Xu Zhongxiang, has been sending daily WeChat messages to his son, who remains in a deep coma. Though his son cannot see them, these messages are the only way for the father to communicate with him.

　　The wait for a miracle seemed endless, yet it unfolded in an instant. Xu Lei finally regained consciousness and embarked on a new phase of physical rehabilitation, giving his father a glimpse of hope as his son’s life began anew.

　　After a miraculous recovery, Xu Lei’s condition steadily improved, bringing his parents much reassurance. Yet at one point, his progress seemed to hit a plateau, and both the doctors and therapists began to notice a telling sign: his excessive reliance on his father was slowing down his rehabilitation.

　　Xu Zhongxiang is a thoughtful and attentive father. He realized that if he remained by his son’s side at all times, the boy would struggle to become independent, and his recovery would likely stall without significant progress. After consulting with the medical team, he decided to excuse himself from the hospital for a few days, using this opportunity to help his son develop greater independence.

　　From feeling completely at a loss on his first day to gradually managing independent living and completing his training on his own, Xu Lei’s progress—though a few short days couldn’t yet fully shake his reliance on his father—marked a promising start and opened up new possibilities for Xu Zhongxiang.

　　Today, Xu Lei has been discharged from the hospital and returned home, resuming his life. With many days still ahead, Xu Zhongxiang says he is willing to become a towering tree, shielding his son from wind and rain, and accompanying him through what feels like a “second childhood” in a unique way. This, indeed, is what love looks like.