Missing journalist Nguyen Ngoc Duc!
(Baonghean.vn) - Even though I knew that day... would come! Even though it was hard to resist fate, because of that incurable disease... But, every time I met...
(Baonghean.vn) -Even though I knew that day… would come! Even though it was hard to resist fate, because of that incurable disease… But, every time I met him – whether at the editorial office, or on the hospital bed, looking into his eyes, though they were dark, they still shone with a longing, a strong belief. Nguyen Ngoc Duc - A talented journalist, a loyal person, a younger brother that I admire!
Having suffered hardships since his youth, from 1972 to 1975 Ngoc Duc had to struggle to become independent on the red soil of Phu Quy, Western Nghe An, where the forests are wild and the water is poisonous, there is a saying “muddy water in Lam La, many ghosts in Phuoc Lo…” with the hard work of a farm worker. With a strong body, exposed to the sun and rain, and having been trained through military service, the young man Nguyen Ngoc Duc became strong, brave and full of determination in life.
Inheriting artistic talent from his father Nguyen Ninh - a famous talented photographer in Vinh City, and his older brother Nguyen Ngoc Cuong - a "versatile" doctor and a "stylish" player in the world of cameras at that time, Nguyen Ngoc Duc eagerly embarked on his career path. He was trained in journalism, television filming, and then worked at the Propaganda Department of Nghe Tinh Provincial Youth Union.Social reports, investigative reports, and TV drama scripts were born one after another, to the admiration of friends and colleagues. Tien Phong Newspaper, Nghe An Newspaper, and Nghe An Radio and Television Station were "addicted" to Anh not only because of his journalistic works, but also because of his hard-working nature, his lively and energetic demeanor, his mature, cautious but very sensitive personality, and his brave player on the field!
Ngoc Duc (white shirt, third from left) recorded the words of Dao Truong Dao Ngu – 1994.
Ngoc Duc (blue shirt) with the author at Lung Cu Flagpole landmark (Ha Giang) - 2003
It was late afternoon, the Nghe An Newspaper delegation from Lung Cu hurriedly headed to Ha Giang Town to be on time for the next trip to Tuyen Quang and Cao Bang tomorrow; Ngoc Duc was still sitting in deep thought, suddenly he turned to Ms. Hoa (Reporter of Ha Giang Newspaper) and asked to stop by the martyrs' cemetery to visit his comrades. Due to the limited time, the delegation still had to continue their journey, Ngoc Duc had to ask permission to separate from the group... The next day when they met again, Duc boasted: I visited my comrades and found Mrs. Me and her family where the unit used to be stationed, so I am satisfied, brother!
Duc loves his wife and children very much. When he goes away, he never forgets to buy gifts, “I bought this handbag for Ha (my wife), a floral dress for the big Xiu, a doll for the little Xiu (the two daughters), and for me - a dozen rolls of photo film!”
Ngoc Duc (second from right) with Nghe An Newspaper Delegation on top of Pha Din Pass (Lai Chau - 2003)
After a long time of saving, he finally built a house. He had not yet bought furniture, and he was still in debt… when Duc fell ill. After more than three years of struggling, he used all his strength and will to struggle every day to survive. Looking at his toddler son, Duc yearned to live even more, and at night tears kept flowing inside…
Ngoc Duc (fourth from left) at the launching ceremony of the Nghe An Newspaper Veterans Association - 2011
But, it was too late…. His strength was exhausted, his power was gone! The boy soon wrapped himself in mourning! The old mother cried for her child!
Here are a few farewell verses:
Children with white towels on their heads,
The old mother cried sadly for her child.
Up the mountain, down the sea - danger.
To love, to remember, to be sad for life.
Dear Ngoc Duc!
Ngoc Duc oh !!!...
Farewell Night – June 6, 2012
Minh Thong
