Three generations of Lan Thanh's family gather together. Photo: Provided by the family.
Over three years ago, Mr. Hoang Duy, residing in Thot Not ward, faced numerous difficulties when his company dissolved. He lost his job just as his wife gave birth to their second child, while still having to make regular monthly payments on his mortgage. He frantically sought work everywhere. The pressure was so immense that he didn't dare look his wife in the eye. Many evenings, he would silently sit on the porch, watching the cars go by, his mind blank.
His mother voluntarily took the two grandchildren home every evening so his wife could work extra jobs without worry. His father took advantage of weekends to transport goods for hire, then slipped money into his son's hand, saying, "Your parents are still healthy, let us help." One day, after a job interview with a heavy heart, he stopped by his parents' house. Before he could even speak, his mother prepared a hot meal, urging him to eat to regain his strength. She sat silently beside him, not asking questions, not offering comfort. That alone made him feel strangely warm inside. Nearly two years later, he found a stable job, gradually paid off his debts, and life returned to normal. Looking back on that time, Duy confided, "It was during difficult times that I understood why people often say family is a support system. It's not because parents give money or solve problems for you, but because with parents by your side, you don't feel alone."
For Ms. Lan Thanh in An Binh ward, the warmth of family is maintained by a very simple daily routine: a shared meal every day. Her husband is a traffic police officer, often leaving early and returning late, especially during holidays and Tet (Lunar New Year). For over ten years of marriage, he has been away from home many holidays and Tet because of his duties. Sometimes, she feels a pang of sadness, and arguments and disagreements are unavoidable. However, in this three-generation household, she regularly prepares thoughtful meals. On days when her husband manages to come home in time, the whole family gathers together – something Ms. Thanh cherishes and strives to maintain as an indispensable habit. "I see family meals as the 'flame' that keeps happiness warm and strengthens family bonds. This is a time to gather after a long day, helping members share, understand, and nourish their souls," Ms. Thanh shared. Her family has three generations living together. But what she is most grateful for is that her parents have never discriminated between their biological children and their son-in-law. Whenever the couple had disagreements, the grandparents would remind her to reflect on herself and make adjustments accordingly. Thanks to this, even though her husband is her son-in-law, he has never felt like a guest in their home.
Ms. Thu Trang, from Phong Dien commune, often says her house is a "noisy home with three generations." Under one roof, she and her husband live with their grandparents, both over seventy, and their two energetic children. Clashes are almost a daily occurrence. Sometimes they disagree on traditional or modern parenting methods, other times on daily routines… At times, she feels exhausted and considers moving out for a more peaceful life. But then she remembers her mother-in-law's frequent words: "Giving in isn't losing; it's choosing love over right." That short saying has resonated with her over the years. She learned to listen more, and her parents learned to trust their children and grandchildren more. In that house, there are still the sounds of grandparents nagging, children running and playing boisterously, and the couple discussing work… it's noisy, but full of life. "I know that one day the children will grow up and move out, the grandparents will get older and weaker, and the house will become quieter. So from now on, I cherish every day we have together, even if there are days when we're tired or sad because of trivial things," Trang confided.
Each family has its own circumstances and story, but they all share one thing in common: family bonds are irreplaceable. Living together will inevitably involve conflicts, but through these experiences, people learn to be tolerant and to love each other enduringly over time. Because after all the ups and downs of life, what people remember most and return to most is always family.
NATION BUILDING
Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/nha-la-noi-binh-yen-nhat-a199522.html
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