The last cup of bitter sweet coffee...

The name gently touched the heart, stirring up a bitter taste. This cup of coffee, perhaps imbued with the bitter taste of life, of the long days of anxiously waiting for the strength of the father, the man who fought the disease steadfastly. But deep down, there was still the sweet aftertaste of fatherly love, of the last peaceful moments together.

The story of my father is not only a story of physical pain, but also an epic of perseverance and optimism until the last moment. That cup of coffee is now an eternal symbol of the love and strong will of a great father. It is a tearful memory, both painful and proud, forever engraved with the image of the man who passed through my life.

The bitter taste stuck in my throat, perhaps the echo of anxiety and helplessness when witnessing my father getting weaker and weaker and passing away in my arms. But the sweetness that passed by was the sweetness of love, of cherishing every moment by my side. It was the sweetness of warm words of advice, of the loving gaze my father gave me. That bitterness and sweetness blended together, creating a unique flavor, deeply imprinted in my heart.

Every time I think of this cup of coffee, I not only remember the familiar aroma but also feel a mixture of emotions, both heartache and infinite gratitude. This flavor, my father left behind, even in the most dire circumstances, his optimistic spirit and strong will still shine like a lighthouse.

Life is impermanent, so loved ones are the most precious gift. Cherish every moment with us, listen, share and love with all your heart. The deceased do not really leave us; they live forever in our hearts and the lessons they leave behind. I believe that immense love will always be a warm flame, guiding the way on the future paths.

( Entry to the contest "Impressions of Vietnamese coffee and tea" under the program "Honoring Vietnamese coffee and tea" for the 3rd time, 2025 organized by Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper).

Rules of the contest "Impressions of Vietnamese coffee and tea". Graphics: CHI PHAN

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ly-ca-phe-dang-ngot-cuoi-cung-196250424112437967.htm