A husband from Hai Phong, Pham Van Tien, recently shared a heartbreaking moment as he bid farewell to his wife, Nguyen Thi Mai, who succumbed to a long battle with cancer. In a poignant scene, Tien removed his wife's oxygen mask to kiss her goodbye, a gesture that encapsulated their nearly two-decade-long love story.

The couple, who had been together since their school days, married in 2015 and welcomed two children into their lives. Their journey took a tragic turn when Mai began experiencing persistent pain in May 2024, which led to a diagnosis of lymphatic cancer. Despite her optimistic spirit and determination, her health deteriorated, and she was later diagnosed with leukemia.

Throughout her illness, Tien remained by her side, providing unwavering support. He transitioned to online selling to spend more time with her during her treatments, which often required long hospital stays. Mai's resilience and positivity even in the face of severe pain inspired Tien and their children.

A Final Moment of Love

On June 13, as Mai's condition worsened, she was sent home with an oxygen tank. In a moment filled with love, Tien kissed her goodbye, expressing his affection as she lay in bed. This act, a daily ritual for the couple, became their final shared moment before she fell into a deep coma the next day and passed away.

Mai had always expressed her desire for a peaceful farewell, urging her family not to cry at her funeral. Her strength and composure throughout her illness served as an inspiration to Tien and their two young children, aged 11 and 6. Despite the preparation for her passing, the reality of her loss hit hard when they witnessed her departure.

Life After Loss

In the days following Mai's death, Tien struggled to navigate life without her. He recalled how their children initially thought their mother was merely sleeping, only to grasp the harsh truth during her cremation. The young ones still mention their mother each night, reminiscing about her presence in their home.

Despite the overwhelming grief, Tien is committed to honoring Mai's last wishes by caring for their children and instilling in them the love and values she cherished. As he reflects on their journey, Tien holds onto the memories of Mai's laughter and the love they shared, determined to keep her spirit alive in their family.