When her mother passed away, Bao Ngoc was too young to understand the difficulties and hardships she would face in life. Out of love for their orphaned granddaughter, her grandparents could only hug her and whisper words of encouragement: "We have rice to eat, vegetables to eat, but you must study hard, and we will take care of your education like your friends." That's what they said to Ngoc, but her grandparents were also worried. They were old and frail, their lives were already difficult, and her grandfather was a severely wounded veteran who had lost both hands. They could manage Ngoc's education in the short term, but they didn't dare think about her further studies...

Even now, five years later, Mr. Nguyen Quoc Hung (Bao Ngoc's maternal grandfather) can never forget the moment when Senior Lieutenant Hoang Thi Lien Phuong and her husband, dressed in their neat military uniforms, came to his house to offer to take care of, guide, and raise Ngoc in his place. Mr. Hung said that at that time, he and his wife felt a mixture of joy and apprehension. They were happy because their granddaughter would have a bright future, but they also wondered if the couple would truly love and care for their granddaughter. Would she be able to adapt to her new family life? All of Mr. Hung's worries were dispelled when he learned that the parents of Senior Lieutenant Hoang Thi Lien Phuong and her husband also supported their decision to take Ngoc in and raise her.

Speaking about the decision to adopt Nguyen Bao Ngoc, Senior Lieutenant Hoang Thi Lien Phuong said: "When I heard people talking about Bao Ngoc's situation, I felt so sorry for her. Just then, my husband (Major Nguyen Van Chinh, Political Officer of Production and Construction Team No. 2, Economic-Defense Group 313, Military Region 2) came home on leave, and I told him about her story. At that time, I just said that her situation was so pitiful, and that we should adopt her so she could have the opportunity to study. Hearing this, my husband pondered for a moment and then said, 'Let's take Bao Ngoc in so Chi can have a sister (Nguyen Thi Linh Chi is our daughter, who was in first grade at the time).'"

Nguyen Bao Ngoc and her godmother, Senior Lieutenant Hoang Thi Lien Phuong, participating in the Sunflower Summer Camp.

Not only did Phuong and Chinh agree, but both sets of parents also expressed their support when they learned about the situation. Thus, Nguyen Bao Ngoc's dream of having a complete family came true.

First, the couple rushed to transfer Nguyen Bao Ngoc to a new school so she wouldn't fall behind in the new academic year. Next, they spent time talking to, encouraging, and sharing their daily routines with her, helping Ngoc gradually overcome her shyness and inferiority complex; opening up to others, and accepting the love and affection her adoptive parents showed her. The genuine care of her adoptive parents, along with the help and encouragement of neighbors, helped Ngoc gradually feel happy, confident, and adapt to her new life, becoming more determined and diligent in her studies.

Overcoming her insecurities thanks to the sincere love of her second mother, Nguyen Bao Ngoc has found a complete and loving home and a bright future. Meeting Ngoc at the Sunflower Summer Camp, recently organized by the Central Committee of the Vietnam Women's Union in coordination with the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army for orphaned children, we could clearly feel the joy and happiness shining in her eyes and smile. Talking with us, she said: "Since coming to live with my foster parents, I feel so happy. I thank my foster parents for their love. I will try my best to study hard so as not to disappoint my foster parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles who have shown me so much kindness."

Accompanying and sharing with Senior Lieutenant Hoang Thi Lien Phuong in caring for her family and children, the Women's Association of Regiment 148 regularly visits and assists her family both materially and spiritually. Major Trinh Ngoc Hieu, President of the Women's Association of Regiment 148, stated: "The actions of Ms. Phuong's family carry a profound humanitarian meaning, clearly demonstrating the fine traditions of the Vietnamese people. We hope that in daily life, many more families in similar circumstances will receive the same kindness and affection as Senior Lieutenant Hoang Thi Lien Phuong and her husband."

For Nguyen Bao Ngoc, childhood memories filled with dark hues have gradually faded, replaced by love, sharing, and healing for all the wounds in her heart. Ngoc has found family affection and the protection of loved ones. Her adoptive parents have given her a warm heart and a complete family, helping her to nurture her life's dreams.

Text and photos: VAN ANH