For Ms. Pham Thi Kim Cuong (24 years old, residing in An Giang province), the past year was a long journey full of willpower. Recalling the old days, she could not help but feel sad when her small family continuously encountered challenges, her husband unfortunately had accidents, and her children were often sick. Worries about food, clothing and hospital fees sometimes make the young mother feel exhausted.
However, when the yellow apricot blossoms began to bloom, Ms. Cuong decided to put aside all worries to go with her husband and children to her maternal hometown in Can Tho City to celebrate Spring. For her, Tet does not need a lavish feast, but just to breathe the familiar atmosphere of her homeland.
Returning to Can Tho, Ms. Cuong seemed to relive the innocent school years. She confided that the feeling of being with her grandmother, hearing familiar sounds or the pungent smell of kitchen smoke is always the most beautiful memory that she cherishes.
In the past, when I went to high school, when my parents went to work far away, I always stayed with my grandmother, and my grandmother cooked me rice, especially spring rolls. Now that I have my own family, but every time I return to my grandmother's house, I still feel like a child being protected and sheltered. The difficulties out there seem to stop behind the door" - Ms. Cuong emotionally shared.
The biggest support that helps Ms. Cuong dispel fatigue is the reunion year-end meal. In a cozy space, the laughter of relatives and the full presence of the members made her feel excited and full of hope.
Especially, on the morning of the 1st day of Tet, even though she was already a mother of a 3-year-old child, she still received red lucky money envelopes from her grandmother, mother and aunts. It was not only lucky money, but also wishes for peace, comfort, and encouragement that women in the family gave each other after a year of many storms.
The greetings and tight handshakes from relatives have added strength for me to be more steadfast in the road ahead. Marrying early and having children, I feel that I am still clumsy in many things in life, but every year Tet comes, being taught many things by my grandmother and mother, I feel very warm" - Ms. Cuong expressed.
On the afternoon of the 1st day of Tet, when the golden sun began to fade on the village rivers, Ms. Cuong and her husband and children departed to return to An Giang. The bus seemed lighter because in the young mother's heart at this time were no longer worries, but complete happiness and an optimistic spirit to welcome the new year.
