Nguyen Thi Thanh (born 1992, from Nghe An) lived with a tumor in her left leg from a young age. In 2017, the condition worsened, forcing Thanh to undergo an amputation of one-third of her left leg. For the past nine years, she has used crutches or a prosthetic leg to move around.

Feeling self-conscious about her disability, Thanh did not hope for much in terms of love or marriage. That was until she met Trinh Van Canh (born 1994, originally from Hai Duong, now living in Hai Phong), a man standing only 1.3 meters tall. Through mutual understanding and empathy, the couple became each other's pillar of support for the last 8 years.

Canh was born into a family of three siblings. While the other family members are tall and healthy, Canh’s height is limited due to a congenital condition.

“Even so, Canh was fortunate to grow up in the boundless love of his parents and siblings, which shaped his gentle, tolerant, and helpful personality. It was that nature that truly touched my heart,” Thanh shared.

In 2018, Thanh and Canh both studied at the "Will to Live" (Nghi luc song) center. They shared an apartment with several other young people. At first, they saw each other only as friends. Thanh was impressed by Canh’s cheerful and sociable personality. Gradually, through his daily gestures of care, she realized he had feelings for her.

“Seeing that I had difficulty moving, Canh often took the initiative to help me with chores. He also messaged and confided in me privately. Once, I cried a lot after failing a skills test. He stayed by my side to encourage and comfort me, giving me the motivation to keep going. Without needing grand promises, his sincere actions gave me a sense of security,” Thanh confided.

After dating for two years, Canh brought Thanh home to meet his family. His actions that day left a lasting impression on her. Thanh recalled that she visited during a large family feast with many relatives and neighbors in attendance. Canh, a man who had been sheltered by his family since childhood, followed her every step, fearing she might feel out of place.

“When he saw me in the kitchen, he went in to help; when I washed the dishes, he did it with me. Everyone was surprised by that. Because they loved him, they loved me too and didn't let me do any heavy work,” she recounted.

A happy wedding

Initially, Canh’s parents were concerned that the couple would face many hardships together. However, seeing their son’s determination, they fully supported the relationship.

Meanwhile, Thanh’s mother and sisters always thought she would never marry, as the burden of being a wife and daughter-in-law seemed too much for someone as fragile as her.

“My family objected not because of Canh’s appearance, but because they feared I would suffer in marriage. I understood their hearts, so I didn't force it. We just stayed together like that,” Thanh shared.

Over 8 years, they studied and built their careers together. When Thanh was sick and hospitalized, Canh took care of her devotedly, and vice versa. Whenever one hit a dead end, the other became a solid anchor. Gradually, they felt that love didn't need to be flashy, and being at peace together was enough. They often told each other: “Life out there is already pressured enough; what we need is someone who doesn't make us feel tired when we are by their side.”

Loving them, Canh’s parents encouraged them a lot. Every year, they asked Thanh the same question: “Can you two get married this year?” When they saw she wasn't ready, they waited patiently without pressure.

It wasn't until 2026, with stable jobs and feeling that their love had matured, that Thanh decided to talk to her family. “I told my mother and sisters: ‘Mom is old, and you all have your own families. One day, I will have no one left to accompany me. I want my own happiness.’ My family then supported my decision,” Thanh shared.

The couple's wedding was held on March 29 with all traditional rituals. Canh’s family prepared 70 tables of food to invite relatives and friends. The groom traveled over 400km from Hai Phong to Nghe An to fetch his bride. On the bride's side, not wanting her elderly mother to struggle, Thanh proposed a small party with 12 tables and 120 close guests.

Thanh Minh