Although Carman Lee (李若彤) has no child of her own, her life is enriched by the presence of her five-year-old niece. Battling depression for the past few years, the actress was able to experience some joy while raising the girl as her own, and thanks her niece for saving her life. Not one for fame or fortune, Carman left her soaring career behind in 1998 to focus on her relationship with then boyfriend, businessman Martin Kwok (郭應泉). Even though Carman wants to have children, Martin was opposed to the idea since he has already experienced fatherhood from a previous relationship. While their love seemed stable on the surface, Martin eventually broke up with Carman in 2008 after ten long years. Devastated, Carman gradually fell into depression. To make things worse, her father suffered a stroke in 2009 and she took care of him until he passed away later the same year. Unable to keep her emotions in check, she often cried for no reason and has admitted to suicidal thoughts. Fortunately, Carman was distracted from her internal turmoil when she agreed to help care for her younger sister’s newborn daughter. Spending most of their time together over the past five years, Carman and her niece developed a close relationship that continues to this day. Recently, she was seen taking her niece out on a shopping trip. Acting like an experienced mother, Carman gently carried her niece’s bag and allowed the girl to sit on her lap while they ate. Her niece later spent the night at Carman’s home. Wanting to care for her niece properly, Carman spent time reading about parenting and child psychology, and has picked up expertise in feeding, bathing, and changing diapers. Happy to have the child in her life, Carman admits that the little girl is never far from her mind and credits her for giving life meaning. “Thank Heavens for giving me a niece. I had the happiest time raising her. She also saved my life. I have to thank my sister for allowing me to experience motherhood!” Currently single, Carman takes a relaxed attitude towards love, and is in no hurry to find the right man. “I thought about giving dating and marriage another chance two or three years ago, but I have slowly stopped caring. Some of my friends say that I am not meant to be married, but it doesn’t bother me because I really enjoy my current lifestyle.” Creds: Sudden Weekly
