"I want to give this to my wife. I see it as a way to spread love and hope that every family will be safe and happy," said the 40-year-old Mr. Dung, explaining his reason for planting the flowers and trees.
His 39-year-old wife, Bui Thi Lai, died in an accident on Truong Son Dong Road, M'Drak commune, in 12/2024. Grieving her loss, Mr. Dung visits her grave and the accident site daily to burn incense. He bought rose bushes and planted them along a nearly one-kilometer stretch of the road, with flamboyant trees planted behind them.
At Ms. Lai's grave, Mr. Dung also placed many large chrysanthemum pots and, together with relatives, cleared weeds and cultivated various flowers for planting.
Mr. Dung and Ms. Lai had been in love since high school and married in 2010. Starting with nothing, they overcame many hardships to save enough capital to start a transportation company. They have two children, one in preschool and the other in elementary school. Ms. Lai took care of the family and also studied accounting to support her husband. Mr. Dung always had his wife by his side in everything. Just as their lives were improving, tragedy struck. One day, while delivering lunch to an employee, Ms. Lai was in a fatal accident.
"I am very sad, but I have to be strong for my two children," Mr. Dung shared.
The many plans they had made together are now unfinished, making it difficult for Mr. Dung to overcome his grief. Friends say that since his wife's death, he has lost interest in work. Out of compassion, they often offer encouragement and support to help him readjust to life. Mr. Dung is gradually recovering, but he continues to plant trees and tend to flowers every day, regardless of the weather.
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Mr. Dung takes advantage of the rain to plant rose bushes along the road where his wife had the accident. Image taken from video. (Author/Source) |
Mr. Dung takes advantage of the rain to plant rose bushes along the road where his wife had the accident. Image taken from video. (Author/Source)
In mid-August, many of the roadside rose bushes were uprooted by strangers. Heartbroken, Mr. Dung shared his story on social media, hoping that people would help protect them.
The post quickly spread, receiving much sympathy and support. However, there were also opposing views, suggesting that he was being overly sentimental and should stop to let his wife rest in peace.
Mr. Dung believes that everyone has their own way of expressing their feelings for the deceased. "I just hope that those around me won't judge or bother me," he said.
Pham Ngoc Quang, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of M'Drak Commune, said that the stretch of road where Mr. Dung planted the trees and flowers contributes to the beauty of the landscape and doesn't affect traffic. "We find this to be a meaningful and positive act, not only for him but also for the community," he commented.
According to psychologist Dr. Nguyen Thi Minh (Ho Chi Minh City), Mr. Dung's actions to commemorate his wife are a testament to his inner fidelity. "This act not only expresses his love for his wife, but also holds value as it spreads love for others to feel and appreciate," she said.
Pham Nga
