Husband died in an accident, widow has to shoulder the burden of raising sick child and old mother

Visiting the family of Ms. Dau Thi Huong (born in 1992), wife of Mr. Nguyen Van Thong, residing in hamlet 2, Dien Hai commune, Dien Chau district, when hearing the news that he wastraffic accidentpassed away. Although more than a week has passed since his passing, the atmosphere of mourning still covers the small house.

Huong and her children at her husband's altar. Photo: Duc Thanh

In the past few days, Ms. Huong seemed to have cried her eyes out over her husband’s sudden passing. Just a moment ago, the couple was working together, chatting happily, and talking about their plans to try to earn money to renovate their house in their hometown to protect it from the sun and rain, but…

Recalling what happened that day, her eyes reddened, she said: “At around 10:30 p.m. on April 12, Thong told his wife to ride his motorbike to the grocery store to buy a phone card to call his mother in the countryside and ask about his children. However, on the way, he had a traffic accident and died.”

Mr. Thong and Ms. Huong got married in 2015. Both families were in difficult circumstances, so the couple had to rely on themselves and did not rely much on their parents. Two children were born one after another, bringing happiness and laughter to the family, but along with that, the economic pressure to raise the children also increased. Faced with that situation, the couple decided to go to Bac Giang to work as construction workers.

After finishing work on the 15th day of the first lunar month, the couple packed up and left for Bac Giang. Back home, the responsibility of taking care of the two children (one 5 years old, one 3 years old) was left to Mrs. Le Thi Nhat (76 years old, Thong's mother).

The family was already poor, but their eldest child, Nguyen Phu Trong, suffered from epilepsy and had seizures whenever the weather changed. As a result, he had to go to the hospital several times a month, with expensive medical and travel expenses.

The family's dilapidated two-room house. Photo: Duc Thanh

However, life is full of twists and turns. The sudden passing of Mr. Thong made the already difficult family situation even more difficult, as the main breadwinner was no longer there.

Talking about her son, Mrs. Le Thi Nhat said: “Every month, Thong sends 2-3 million VND home for her to raise her grandchildren. He is old, and although it is difficult, he still tries to let his children work with peace of mind. The couple also planned to save some money to repair the old, dilapidated house for their son to live in to protect him from the sun and rain, but before the plan could be carried out, he passed away.”

Sympathizing with the family's difficult situation, the Neighborhood Committee has recently organized a campaign, calling on people to help the family of Mr. Thong and Ms. Huong. Knowing the family's situation, many kind-hearted people have also shared in this painful loss.

Mr. Phan Van Thuyen - Chairman of Dien Hai Commune People's Committee said: "The family situation of Mr. Thong and Ms. Huong is very difficult, the couple has 2 young children and an elderly mother who is nearly 80 years old. Mr. Thong's father also passed away a long time ago. The locality has also organized visits and encouraged the family and the Neighborhood Committee has also called for support for the family, however, it has only been partially received, we really need the help of many kind-hearted people".

For any assistance, please send to Ms. Dau Thi Huong, Hamlet 2, Dien Hai Commune, Dien Chau District, Nghe An. Phone number: 0359.728.692.