Kim Ngan (from Can Tho, currently working in business) realized her emotional orientation long ago. She always felt peaceful and secure when beside someone of the same gender, and for many years, she was willing to cast aside all prejudices to follow her true feelings.

"To me, staying beside someone who can understand, share, empathize, and grow alongside me is the most important thing," Ngan said.

She was fortunate to have parents who respected her feelings and major life choices. Ngan's parents always told their two daughters: "Live as you wish, as long as you are happy. And remember, never choose the wrong companion."

"Perhaps because I was fortunate and always remembered my parents' guidance, I could choose the right companion to walk with over the past 10 years," Ngan said.

Ngan chose Le Huong (from Bac Lieu, currently Ca Mau Province, working in business).

Ten years ago, Huong moved to Can Tho to attend university and met Ngan while going out with a mutual group of friends. With just a few glances, they recognized that they belonged to the same world.

Huong took the initiative to show affection. She cared about Ngan's feelings, frequently drove her around, looked after her, and pampered Ngan in the smallest ways.

Before long, they officially confirmed their relationship. When Ngan's parents learned about it, they did not oppose them; instead, they invited Huong to move in and live with them out of sympathy for her studying far from home.

To this day, Huong still cherishes those months spent living in the warm, laughter-filled household atmosphere of Ngan's family.

"However, we only lived with my parents for a few months before asking permission to move out and live independently," Ngan recalled.

The two remained steadfastly beside each other for 10 years. Together, they navigated uncertain days in their careers and heavy work pressure.

Once, when Ngan faced a health problem requiring hospitalization, Huong was so worried she burst into tears and spent the following days staying by her side without leaving.

Ngan's work required frequent relocation. At one point, she struggled to adapt to a new residence and workplace. Huong patiently stayed by her side, listening, comforting, and helping Ngan stabilize her emotions and regain a clear direction.

"That's why, beside Huong, I truly feel a sense of companionship," Ngan said.

A wedding overflowing with gold and land use certificates

Huong's family had accepted their daughter's true self long ago. When they learned she had found a compatible long-term partner, they gave their heartfelt support.

Despite living over 100 kilometers apart, both families regularly visited each other. Placing their children's happiness above all else, they easily found common ground.

"Sometimes when we were far away and couldn't return home, our parents from both sides would visit each other independently, chatting and enjoying meals together happily.

“For many years, both sets of parents urged us to hold a wedding so relatives and friends could bless us. This year, to mark our 10th anniversary, we decided to hold the ceremony," Ngan shared.

To express affection and respect toward Ngan and her family, Huong's parents organized the special day with every traditional stage: the initial proposal visit, engagement, and wedding ceremony.

The wedding was celebrated in Can Tho on July 17 with 45 banquet tables, followed by a ceremony in Ca Mau on July 19 with 35 tables. Huong and her family traveled over 100 kilometers to escort the bride.

The couple received numerous valuable gifts from their parents on their wedding day, including: 11 land use certificates (red books), 5 taels of gold, 1 townhouse, and cash. Additionally, relatives from both sides presented the young couple with many other valuable wedding gifts as capital for their future.

The wedding was meticulously organized with many memorable moments. But for Kim Ngan, the most emotional moment was sitting and waiting for her life partner to bring the ceremonial offerings to welcome her home.

"We are over 30 years old. Having been together for so long, even without this ceremony, our feelings wouldn't change.

Nevertheless, being able to walk side by side down the aisle, receive blessings from family and friends, and see the clear joy on our parents' faces made me feel indescribably happy. From here on, we have turned a new page, taking greater responsibility toward each other and showing filial devotion to both sets of parents together," Ngan said.

Thanh Minh