Three roofs, one road home

Every spring, when everyone talks so much about family reunions, I am reminded of the homes I once lived in.

The new house was built when I was 32 years old. I really enjoy looking at the house from the outside, day or night; in my eyes, the house is always beautiful. - Photo: Provided by the author

I thought about three houses and a journey long enough to fully understand the meaning of "home." There, some doors have closed, but memories have never left. And it was those very houses that taught me what it means to have a place to return to.

My first home was the small, one-story house where I was born. It was 48 square meters, and six people lived together. On either side of the house were vegetable gardens, and in front was a red brick courtyard where rice was dried, milled, and every Tet holiday, the fire for cooking banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) burned all night long.

The house faced south, overlooking the rice fields, making it cool year-round. Near the tiled roof was a granary for storing rice – the family's most prized possession. My father had crafted a curved arch around the gate, formed by shaping two clumps of bamboo on either side. Even after traveling to many places, I have never seen a gate as beautiful and soulful as that one.

My childhood Tet celebrations were all spent in that house. Adults sat around a teapot, children ran around the yard, their laughter mingling with the smell of kitchen smoke.

In the corner of the house, by the window overlooking the green garden, is a small study desk—where I wrote my first words, my first dreams…

And that same house sometimes makes me feel a pang of sadness. I used to wish that, one Lunar New Year, my house would be as spacious and well-furnished as my friends', so I could freely decorate and arrange things as I pleased.

At 18, I went to study far from home, carrying with me a very clear dream: to rebuild my parents' house.

At the age of 32, nine years after graduating, I sent 300 million VND home so my parents could build a new house – a two-story house, spacious enough for everyone to have their own space, and warm enough to welcome relatives every spring.

The old house wasn't torn down. It's still there.

Me and the pot of sticky rice cakes on the porch of the old house - Photo: Provided by the author

In subsequent Lunar New Year seasons, I would often walk from my new house to my old one. Sometimes I would celebrate the New Year in the spacious living room, then quietly return to my old home, sitting by the old window, where a child once cherished long, cherished dreams.

My third home came when I was 35. A 54m2 apartment in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City – the end of 9 years of renting, 9 moves, 9 years of struggling to find my place in a strange city.

My first Lunar New Year there was very quiet. No making sticky rice cakes, no decorating with many familiar things from my hometown. But it was a New Year of standing firm. For the first time, I truly had a place where I belonged.

With each passing spring, I carry with me a home. Some homes remain in my memories, some mark my coming of age, and some help me stand firm amidst the vastness of life. And now, I only know: a home is not just a place to live, but a place where one can slow down, where one can preserve the things that have made them who they are.

Three homes have passed through my life – they are not left behind, but quietly accompany me through each spring. I often think of these three homes with serene happiness, not because I have acquired a new home, but because I have carried a warm home with me throughout my life's journey.

Every spring, I understand that people can travel far to find their place, but they only need one place to rest their hearts.

Three houses have been passed,

And after all this, I understand: being able to return home is a complete springtime in itself.

Three houses have been passed,

With the arrival of spring, my heart finds peace.

Three houses, and one road: the road home!

A cozy corner in the house during Tet in 2016 - the first Tet my family celebrated in our new home - Photo: Provided by the author

A corner of my apartment in Ho Chi Minh City - Photo: Provided by the author

We invite readers to participate in the "Springtime Home" writing contest.

As a source of spiritual nourishment during the Lunar New Year season, newspapers Youth Together with our partner, INSEE Cement Company, we continue to invite readers to participate in the "Springtime Home" writing contest to share and introduce your home – your warm and cozy haven, its features, and unforgettable memories.

The house where your grandparents, parents, and you were born and raised; the house you built yourself; the house where you celebrated your first Tet (Lunar New Year) with your small family... all can be submitted to the competition to introduce to readers nationwide.

The article "A Warm Home in Spring" must not have previously participated in any writing competition or been published in any media or social networks. The author is responsible for copyright, and the organizing committee has the right to edit the article if it is selected for publication in publications. Youth They will receive royalties.

The competition will take place from December 1, 2025 to January 15, 2026, and all Vietnamese people, regardless of age or profession, are welcome to participate.

The article "A Warm Home on a Spring Day" in Vietnamese should be a maximum of 1,000 words. Including photos and videos is encouraged (photos and videos taken from social media without copyright will not be accepted). Entries will only be accepted via email; postal mail will not be accepted to avoid loss.

Entries should be sent to the email address maiamngayxuan@tuoitre.com.vn.

Authors must provide their address, phone number, email address, bank account number, and citizen identification number so that the organizers can contact them and send royalties or prizes.

Newspaper staff Youth Family members may participate in the "Springtime Warmth" writing contest but will not be considered for prizes. The organizing committee's decision is final.

The Springtime Shelter Award Ceremony and the Launch of the Youth Spring Special Edition

The judging panel included renowned journalists, cultural figures, and representatives from the press. Youth The judging panel will review the entries that have passed the preliminary round and select winners.

The awards ceremony and launch of the Tuoi Tre Spring special issue are scheduled to be held at Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, Ho Chi Minh City, at the end of January 2026.

Prize:

1st prize: 10 million VND + certificate, Tuoi Tre Spring issue;

1 second prize: 7 million VND + certificate, Tuoi Tre Spring issue;

1 third prize: 5 million VND + certificate, Tuoi Tre Spring issue;

5 consolation prizes: 2 million VND each + certificate, Tuoi Tre Spring issue.

10 Readers' Choice Awards: 1 million VND each + certificate, Tuoi Tre Spring Edition.

The voting points are calculated based on interaction with the post, where 1 star = 15 points, 1 heart = 3 points, and 1 like = 2 points.

Back to the topic

PHAN THI TU

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ba-mai-nha-mot-duong-ve-20260111010110956.htm