In this three-generation home, Linh and her husband's busy lives are eased by the love and companionship of the grandparents. Living with her in-laws provides Linh with a pillar of support, helping her balance work and family. The paternal grandparents often take their granddaughter Dau to school and care for her when Linh and her husband are busy. On days Linh works late, her mother-in-law diligently prepares family meals, fostering closeness and ensuring the family gathers together.

Due to the nature of their work, both Linh and her husband frequently travel for business. Linh recalls a time when Dau was about 15 months old, and Linh had a distant business trip just as her daughter fell ill. Her mother-in-law encouraged her to focus on work, assuring her that she would care for their grandchild. Linh later learned that despite being tired herself, her mother-in-law stayed awake multiple times during the night to watch over Dau. What concerned her mother-in-law most was not her own hardship, but ensuring Linh did not worry while away. "I kept calling home, and my mother-in-law always said she could handle it, so I could work with peace of mind," Linh recounted.

Baby Dau and her paternal grandparents. *Photo: Tung Dinh*

Mrs. Thanh Thuy, Linh's mother-in-law, shared that the joy of old age is being close to her children and grandchildren, witnessing them grow and lead happy lives. "Outside, our children face a lot of work pressure. When they come home, they still have to worry about their small and extended families, taking care of their children and their parents, so I feel deeply for them," said Mrs. Thuy.

Linh also shared: "I deeply love my in-laws, because even though they are elderly, they always dedicate time to care for their children and grandchildren."

For Linh, "the presence of my parents is a pillar that keeps our home warm." Mrs. Thuy, in particular, serves as an inspiration for Linh to overcome many life pressures. "Whenever I face difficulties, I remember my parents' years of struggling abroad, without relatives nearby, yet they still managed to overcome hardships; then I know I can do it too."

Linh is always moved when she recalls her mother-in-law's words: "No matter what difficulties you face, share them with me. I may not be able to help much, but I will always be a pillar of support, accompanying you as you also become a mother."

She also feels fortunate that by living together, she and her husband can assist their parents with health issues or other emergent situations.

Familiar moments in Linh's family. *Photo: Tung Dinh*

The desire to be close and care for her aging parents was also why Ngoc Bich brought her mother to Hanoi to live with her family three years ago. After her father passed away, her mother lived alone in their hometown for many years. At nearly 80, she had to rely on neighbors to take her to the emergency room several times, as both her children lived and worked in Hanoi.

When her mother first moved in, Bich faced some awkwardness due to differing generational habits. Her mother was accustomed to turning the television up loud, even when her grandchildren were studying or when Bich and her husband were working. Bich once gently suggested her mother turn it down, but was surprised when her children recounted: "Grandma told us that when she lived alone, she used to turn the television up very loud, as if someone was talking to her, to feel less lonely." This brought tears to Bich's eyes. "If we close our bedroom doors, it doesn't affect anything," her children said.

Differences also emerged in food preferences. On weekends, Bich wanted to take the family to try new dishes, but her mother still preferred familiar home-cooked meals. Bich gradually understood that each generation has its own preferences, and accommodating her mother's choices is a way to show care and love.

Thuy Linh also acknowledges that age differences sometimes lead to differing views between parents and children. In such moments, the family chooses to listen and communicate openly to understand each other better.

Linh and her mother-in-law connect in daily life. *Photo: Tung Dinh*

Understanding that their elderly parents' health is not what it used to be, Linh and her husband make an effort to observe them regularly. "One time, my mother-in-law was holding Dau. When she handed the baby over to me, I noticed she was experiencing pain and fatigue in her arms and shoulders," Linh recounted. She also noticed that her mother-in-law often had shoulder and arm pain, so she could only play with her grandchild for a moment before needing to rest.

Linh also remembers that about 4 years ago, her mother had an accident and was hospitalized for more than half a month, which led to a decline in her health. Since then, Linh and her husband began researching oral nutritional supplements for the elderly to care for her mother. Ensure Gold from Abbott is one of their choices for daily care for their parents.

Linh's greatest wish is for her parents to be healthy. *Photo: Tung Dinh*

For the Vu Lan festival, Linh said that she and her husband want to spend more time caring for their parents. "I chose Ensure Gold as a gift for my parents this Vu Lan festival. I only wish for my parents to be truly healthy so they can live long with their children and grandchildren, and enjoy the free, comfortable life they have long desired," Linh shared.

Mrs. Thuy also shared that to stay healthy and ease her children's worries, she and her husband maintain a healthy lifestyle, focusing on adequate nutrition, regular sleep and rest, and keeping an optimistic, cheerful spirit.

On Vu Lan, pinning flowers for their mothers, both Linh and Bich felt happiness in still having their parents by their side to share life's joys and sorrows.

Kim Anh