Nguyễn Thị Cứu

Our Mother Biography

Our dear Mother was born on January 2, 1932, at Bình Cách village, Đồng Vi Ward, Đông Quan district, Thái Bình City, Việt Nam. She was the second daughter in a family with many siblings. In 1954, her parents and siblings left the fatherland in the North and migrated to the South. Living in the new land, at the age of 12-15, our Mother and her younger sister, Aunt Kit, worked hard in laborious jobs as railroad workers, selling fabric and merchandise goods in various markets to support their parents and care for their younger siblings. In 1960, Mother married our Father and started many small businesses to care for her family and support our paternal grandmother. In 1975, her parents and siblings migrated to the United States while our family was stranded in Việt Nam. Even living in a difficult time after 1975, our Mother continued to work hard in many small businesses, such as making rice cakes and yogurts, renting games, football, billiards, and Nintendo boxes to the neighborhood kids to earn extra income to take care of our paternal grandmother, and to allow us to go to school and live a comfortable life. In 1991, our parents migrated to the USA through our older brother, Huy's immigration sponsor. Our Mother decided to leave everything behind in Việt Nam and came to America empty-handed. When we arrived in the United States, our Mother again worked hard as an assembly sewer at home to earn money to support our family and pay for college tuition. Mother had dedicated her whole life of hard work to support her family and children, guided us to stay on the right path, supported our marriages, and even helped raise her grandchildren. Towards the end of her life, before she could fully enjoy her old age with her children and grandchildren, she fell seriously ill. We thought we would have more time to care for Mother and repay her kindness and compassion. However, Mother passed away peacefully in the presence of all her children's families during the chanting of Amitabha Buddha's mantra on November 18, 2024, Lunar calendar October 18, in the Year of the Dragon. Even though we had prepared ourselves for this day, we could not prevent our tears and the sorrow in our hearts. We missed our Mother so much!

Missing Our Mother

We've remembered the old times with Mother. Being spoiled, full of love around her. Her unconditional love is as vast as the ocean and the sky. We felt lost when she passed away. Losing Mother is like living in a harsh wintertime.

Shaking vigorously, untucking, looking for her warm open arms. Her body's heat stove was extinguished already.

We have been cold and left alone in a world in turmoil. We have been craving for our Mother's warm hugs. And her lullaby, which put us in those beautiful dreams. Carefully taking care of our young kids nowadays. We have appreciated her care when we were with her. Our lives are now without Mother, though, her love has always been with us. Her love for us is eternal, flowing like water from the source of a stream. Her unconditional love will be kept with us for the rest of our lives. And our love will be dedicated to all human beings, to be grateful for being her children once. The day we lost Mother, the white roses were pinned on our shirts. As our filial piety and respect are always with her. Our Mother's love is always filling our hearts. With every heartbeat and as the blood flows in our vessels, our beautiful Mother will be with us as always. Rest in peace, Mommy, and don't worry about us. You are missed, love always, Dear Mother!