Celebrating International Happiness Day (March 20th): Sharing Love

(Baonghean) - Happiness is always the ultimate goal in every person's life. In the hustle and bustle of modern life, each family and community will be happier when each person knows how to "slow down, think differently, and love more" through small and meaningful actions for those around them...

We visited the family of Mr. Thai Huu Vinh and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nhu Hoa (Hamlet 8 - Hung Chinh, Hung Nguyen) late one afternoon. In front of their house, the couple were happily playing with their grandchildren. Their two daughters-in-law had just returned from work and were helping to clean the house and cook. Laughter and playful chatter filled the house. When all the family members were home, they gathered around the warm and joyful dinner table.

In that family, three generations (two grandparents, their two sons and their wives, and three grandchildren) live together harmoniously. The success of this happy home is primarily due to the role of the "keeper of the flame." Mrs. Hoa shared that for over 40 years, she has been a granddaughter-in-law, daughter-in-law, and mother-in-law, always mindful of fulfilling her duties, caring for and supporting her grandparents and parents, and loving her children; setting a good example in her speech and behavior towards those around her, and educating her children and grandchildren to uphold family traditions.

The family of Mr. Dinh Van Khanh (Xuan Lam, Nam Dan) gathers together.

In the past, to provide for their family, the couple cultivated over two acres of rice paddies. Now, both are nearly seventy years old. Their two sons are drivers; their eldest daughter-in-law is a kindergarten teacher, and their younger daughter-in-law is a trader. To ensure their parents can enjoy their old age, the children voluntarily contribute a little to hire people to plow, plant, and handle farm work when they have free time, and they share household chores such as shopping, cooking, and childcare. Conversely, the couple helps care for the grandchildren so their children can focus on their work. Their unity, love, and shared efforts have resulted in a family life filled with laughter, warmth, and harmony.

Life is changing, and the small family model is gradually replacing the traditional extended family of four generations living together. Even though we may not live with our grandparents and parents under one roof, the family remains a nurturing haven filled with love for everyone.

The family of Mr. Dinh Van Khanh and Mrs. Nguyen Thi Xuan (Hamlet 16 - Xuan Lam - Nam Dan) is a prime example. Every day, they live happily together, sharing betel leaves and tea with their neighbors. Stroking their gray hair, they laugh heartily as they recount their large family with seven children and seventeen grandchildren. Most of their children work and live far away, unable to live under the same roof, but they regularly call to inquire about their health and offer encouragement. Family affection has bridged the distance. Regularly, once a month, their children and grandchildren make time to gather together; they share a warm meal; and the grandchildren also bring small gifts—a box of milk, a shirt, a scarf—to boost their spirits. Thanks to this, the elderly couple always live happily and healthily. Through these reunions, all their thoughts and feelings are shared and understood. Joy is multiplied, worries are relieved, and even difficulties and setbacks are overcome with the support and help of family members…

Ms. Dinh Thi Huong (daughter of Mr. Khanh) shared that, no matter how busy they are, they always remind the members of their extended family to make time each month to reunite, visit, and encourage their grandparents to live happily, healthily, and long lives with their children and grandchildren; showing filial piety to their parents. And even though each member has their own family and job, they always look towards their extended family to give and receive love; this is the spiritual support and motivation for each member in life.

A small house, obedient children, and a simple, peaceful life are the greatest assets that Mr. and Mrs. Tran Tu Tien and Nguyen Thi Minh (Hamlet 1, Thanh Dong Commune, Thanh Chuong District) have acquired after 40 years of marriage. These are also the motivations that keep them living happily, healthily, productively, and enthusiastically involved in social work… There are many definitions of happiness, but for Mr. and Mrs. Tien, happiness is perhaps the good fortune of being reunited.

Speaking of this, Mrs. Minh is the one who understands it most deeply. Although they were the same age, from the same village, and in the same class, for nearly half of her married life, she single-handedly raised their children and cared for her elderly parents. Meanwhile, he fought on the battlefields of Quang Tri Citadel and the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, then joined the Vietnamese volunteer army fighting in Laos. During those fierce battles, though she was always worried, she never dared to speak out; if she cried, she cried alone. A memory that will always remain is from March, Spring 1974, in Cau Ron, Quang Binh. They had only been married for less than a week when he had to return to his unit to prepare for deployment to the South. She had come from Nghe An to Quang Binh to care for her sister who had just given birth. By chance, during a march, he stopped at Cau Ron for a meal and met her there. Newlyweds meet, filled with joy and sorrow, with so much they want to say, but they only get to see each other for about 5 minutes. All the heartache and anxiety are kept hidden in their hearts...

A small house, well-behaved children, and a peaceful, simple life are the greatest assets of Mr. and Mrs. Tran Tu Tien and Nguyen Thi Minh (village 1, Thanh Dong commune, Thanh Chuong district).

Life after the peace treaty wasn't simple either, as they had five children. Their government allowances were meager, and all expenses depended on a few acres of farmland. Despite the hardships, they always loved and supported each other, encouraging each other to raise their children. After returning to their hometown, he was trusted by the community and the local government to be elected Chairman of the Veterans Association of the commune; Chairman of the Elderly Association, and a village official… He shouldered countless responsibilities, but in every position, he excelled because he always had his wife as his unwavering support. For the past two years, having retired from his military service, he has taken on the role of Chairman of the Intergenerational Club of the Elderly Association. Although the club members are elderly, some nearly 70 years old, they still accomplish many useful things.

This involves establishing groups to regularly assist lonely elderly people in the commune, including those in extremely difficult circumstances such as Mrs. Tran Thi Bay and her children, who are alone and bedridden due to a serious illness, and Mrs. Thai Thi Thu (103 years old), who has no one to care for her. The association has also mobilized 100 million VND in support funds, helping members build economic development models, with six households rising out of poverty, such as the households of Ms. Tran Thi Than and Mr. Tran Vo Hau. The association's members are also the mainstays of the Thanh Dong Commune Cultural and Arts Club. As the club's chairman, since its establishment, Mr. Tien has proactively organized and developed programs, composed songs, and is a versatile musician capable of playing multiple instruments simultaneously. He also purchased the instruments himself with his own money to support the team. The club's activities are also a highlight of the mass cultural and artistic movement in Thanh Chuong district, serving as a playground and a model for many other localities throughout the district to emulate.

Nowadays, life is becoming more prosperous, and the material and spiritual lives of people are constantly improving. Therefore, many people have more opportunities to express their love not only for their families but also to share with those less fortunate and in need. Originating from her love for poor students at the school where she teaches, teacher Le Thi Viet (Grade 9, Truong Thi Ward, Vinh City) has voluntarily contributed books, warm clothes, and small amounts of money she has saved to give to the children. Through this meaningful act, she has received the sympathy of friends, colleagues, and acquaintances. After more than 10 years of operation, Ms. Viet's charity has nearly 30 members. They are teachers, housewives, market vendors, and more.

Day after day, they cut back on family expenses, sacrificing vegetables and fish to share with poor students, war veterans, and those in difficult circumstances. Although her family life isn't particularly affluent, Ms. Tran Thi Loan enthusiastically participates whenever charity organizations hold fundraising campaigns. For her, there are many people living in poverty and hardship, and she hopes that sharing her love will alleviate their difficulties and bring them joy. These people, united by their desire to do charity and help the poor, have been bringing joy to others with their compassionate hearts, and they themselves feel happy because "life is about giving, not just receiving."

These practical, small, and simple actions are contributing to making the lives of each person and each family more prosperous, fulfilling, joyful, and happy. When we love and share love, happiness will no longer be far away but will always be present in the lives of each family and community.

Dinh Nguyet - My Ha