Two sacred words: Family!

(Baonghean) - 1. Once, when I returned to my hometown, the first thing I did was go to my old house. I knocked on the door repeatedly, but no one answered; the new owner must be busy with something. I kept calling, hoping and then disappointed, experiencing the feeling of a loved one yearning to enter the house but being refused entry. At times, I almost couldn't bear the thought that the place where I was born and raised, where I knew every corner, every small object, knew every crumbling wall, every patch of moss, even where the ants' paths were… suddenly closed its doors in front of me. I almost burst into tears because of it, simultaneously remembering the image of the little girl I once was, taking hesitant steps down the stairs to the kitchen, supported by my grandmother's arms and the joyful, hopeful look in her eyes; the days sitting by the window watching the sunlight stream through the pagoda tree in the yard, waiting for my mother to come home from work; the evenings sitting at the study table with my father's kind and patient care…

Working together. Photo: Ho Cac

But then, the moment of tears when we see things so familiar closed off in our memories is just a fleeting pang of sadness. Because at that very moment, I knew how fortunate I and many others are to have such a warm family, a place that never closes its doors, a place always ready to support, love, be gentle, trust, be tolerant, and forgive... Family is not just a house, something that can be changed or moved. Family is something sacred, profound, enduring, and eternal.

2. Attending a close friend's wedding. The moment of exchanging rings at the wedding always moves me deeply. This is when the man and woman officially acknowledge their union as a family. From this point on, they realize they are blood relatives, must love and sacrifice for each other, must be parents and raise their children, wholeheartedly nurturing the home they have created. From this moment, they are given the most wonderful gift called Family, but it is also a great challenge with immense responsibility. When I witnessed my close friend exchanging rings with the radiant woman standing beside him with such tender gestures and eyes, and the bride responding with a happy smile, I understood that at this moment their hearts were making a vow, and beyond vows, even beyond love, a new but enduring bond had connected them. I don't know what to call that bond, but I can sense that it's a bond of love, compassion, selflessness, and loyalty...

3. Is that why so many touching stories have been born and continue to exist around us? A woman in mortal danger resolutely asks to keep her unborn child, accepting death herself. A poor father who toils in the city, sleeping in sewers every night, hoping his child will still be able to go to school the next day. A wife who spends her entire life caring for her disabled husband, just to see his face each day. The cry of a child awakens the kindness of a father burdened by years of sin... Isn't it true that these miracles are built upon two sacred words: Family?!

It's often said that family is the greatest gift we receive in life. Someone asked about the dreams and successes of the American president, Barack Obama. And here's his simple secret: “I draw inspiration from the people I meet on my travels, from their stories, from seeing the difficulties they've overcome, their passion, and their own principles. My inspiration comes from the love every parent has for their children. And I also receive that inspiration from my own children; they warm my heart and fill it with love. They make me want to work to improve the world, even if only a little. And most of all, my children make me a better person!”

NACT