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1. A Letter to My Mother on October 20th
Letter Content:
Dear Mom,
Today is October 20th, Vietnamese Women's Day. I regret that I cannot be by your side to give you the fresh flowers you love. Mom, how's the weather over there in Russia, where you've gone for work? I bet you miss our family so much! Please don't overwork yourself, and take care of your health!
At home, Dad, me, and little Bin miss you dearly. Bin keeps mentioning you all the time. Even though he's so young, he never bothers Dad or me. When he misses you, he just looks at me with sad eyes but never cries. As for Dad, he always looks a bit down. He doesn’t say much, but I know he misses you a lot. Since you left, Dad has become quieter and interacts less with friends. Sometimes I feel like he has lost interest in life, but don't worry, Mom, because he still takes great care of us. Every evening, Dad sits silently on the porch, gazing off into the distance as if waiting for someone or something.
Mom, I still vividly remember your gentle and kind face, with eyes as clear as autumn water. Every time you look at me with that loving gaze, I feel incredibly happy. In those moments, I find the strength to overcome any challenge, to rise above all my pain and sorrow. When I stumble or lose heart in your absence, I recall that gaze that filled me with energy, helping me to get back on my feet and continue my path without you by my side. Oh! How could I ever forget your rough hands, which had worked so hard, gently stroking my hair when I’d snuggle up to you as a little child?
Mom, another winter has passed without you here, and I miss you so much. I long for the warmth of your embrace on those cold winter nights, to hear your bedtime stories, or simply to hear your sweet voice again.
I’ve prepared a gift for you, Mom. It’s not fancy, but it holds all my love and respect for you. I hope you can come back so I can give it to you, a simple but warm gift that I made with all my effort and love for you. I’m sure you’ll love it just like you love me, and cherish it like you care for my tender heart. When you return, I’ll give you this small gift and tell you, ‘Mom, you are the greatest happiness in my life. On this October 20th, I send you my best wishes for peace and joy.’ And finally, I want to say with all my heart, ‘Mom, I love you so much.’
Your daughter
Impression of the Letter: A mother’s love is sacred and priceless, always present in every child’s heart for their parents. As the saying goes, ‘Only by climbing a mountain can you understand its height; only by having a child can you truly realize a mother’s sacrifice.’ A mother’s love for us is beyond words, and no one, no matter where we go, can love and care for us the way our parents do.
2. A Letter to My Mother on October 20th
Letter Content:
Dear Mom, October 20th is here again, a special day for you, for me, and for all Vietnamese women.
This year's celebration feels very different, Mom, as it’s the first time I am far from you, living and studying in the big city. I’m now a university freshman.
Time flies, doesn’t it? It’s been 18 springs since you first held me in your arms, my cries filling the air. Back then, Dad worked in the Central Highlands, coming home only a few times a year, and you took care of us three children on your own. My siblings and I were too young to understand what it felt like to miss Dad, as your love filled us up so completely.
Mom, you were once an accountant who followed the old tradition of 'a wife must follow her husband' and went back to the countryside to farm. I remember one winter evening when the three of us sat waiting for you. Our little room felt so cold. It was 5 PM, then 6, and then 6:30, but still no sign of you. I cried, and my sister comforted me, saying, 'Mom’s coming. She’s probably done working the fields and is bringing back some water hyacinths to feed the pigs.' And that’s when I began to hate pigs. Finally, at 7 PM, you arrived, wearing your oversized blue worker’s pants, drenched with water. I rushed to hug your legs, crying, 'Mom, I’m so hungry!'
Thinking back, it was so tough for you, wasn’t it? You didn’t know much about farming, but you learned it all. You had to ask others to teach you how to plow the fields, plant rice, and grow vegetables. We three siblings, so close in age, couldn’t be of much help. My older sister, just over a year older than me, would follow you to the fields, pulling the water bucket. She was small and fragile, getting dragged back and forth by the heavy bucket. Often, kind neighbors would help her.
Our hometown was poor, and many outdated traditions such as ‘favoring boys over girls’ and ‘the eldest daughter-in-law must bear a son’ made your life harder. I know it wasn’t just our family. Many families were the same. We often shared stories like this with each other.
For so many years, you were there, caring for us three children. By the time you were 40, your hair had already turned gray. People said it was due to poor health, but I know it was because of all the hardships you endured.
When you were 50, the spinal degeneration made it hard for you to walk. But you still went to plant rice, harvested, and carried the crops home. Even when the river ran dry, you carried water to irrigate the vegetables. As winter approached, your hands and feet would crack from the cold and the mud. I remember how you would joke and rub your cold hands on my face, and I would squirm, saying, 'It’s too cold, Mom!'
Mom, you are always smiling, so cheerful. It’s your joy that has helped me see the beauty in life.
This morning, I saw so many flowers for sale, Mom. There were roses, chrysanthemums, orchids… beautiful big bouquets. I stopped and thought about buying just one rose, but it cost 20,000 VND. I remembered that a meal for five at home costs around the same, so I left. But Mom, I saw so many fresh and beautiful flowers in the trash this morning. What a pity!
Well, like every year, I’ll make you a card. It’s simple and inexpensive, but I made it myself. It’s more meaningful, right?
Oh, and Mom, I’m so concerned about my roommate. She’s been crying every night. Her hometown in Central Vietnam is facing severe flooding, and she’s unable to reach her parents because they don’t have a phone. Their situation is worse than mine, don’t you think?
I encouraged her to write a letter home, and she immediately agreed. My letter will reach you soon, but who knows when her family will receive hers?
Mom, your sweat, your tears, and your smiles have guided me through life, helping me grow into the person I am today...
I just want to say, 'Mom, I love you so much!' I hope you have a joyful October 20th! Take care of yourself, and I’ll visit soon to rest in your loving arms.
Nguyen Thi Van Anh
Impression of the Letter: Thoughts about mothers are always the most sincere and full of emotion. They warm the heart and sometimes bring a feeling of longing. Above all, these thoughts become truly precious when we understand a mother's place in our life. Let us show appreciation for her, making her happy, responding to her love. So, don’t hold back from telling your mother you love her every day, never forget to thank or apologize for the smallest things, and always let her know how important she is to you, to make her heart happy and feel loved.
3. Writing About My Mother on October 20th
This is my entry for the 'Writing About My Mother' contest organized by Women Today.
Code: 568_VVM
Name: Le Thi Thu Hang
Address: Hoang Mai, Hanoi
Dear Mom, this might be the first letter I’ve ever written to you after 20 years of being in this world. As the autumn rain gently falls outside the window, my tears soak my sleeve. I find myself compelled to write you this letter, something I never imagined doing before as a cold and indifferent child. I wonder if, with the sixth sense of a woman, especially of a mother, you will understand the thoughts that fill my heart.
I know that when you were about my age, you answered the call of your heart and began a new journey in life. By your side was our father, now the loving husband of ours. You were young, with two children, while Dad worked far away often, so I’m sure it was tough for you. But through all the hardships, you raised us to be who we are today.
Mom, the time I’ve spent in this world may not have been long, but it’s enough to understand who the people are that truly love and care for me. You were there for me during all my struggles, catching me when I fell, guiding me through life's turbulent journey.
The love you’ve shown me is beyond words. When I was little, I used to say I loved you as vast as the sky and as endless as the sea. As I grew up, I began to understand just how vast those words truly are. But now, as I sit here writing this, I realize that your love isn’t about vast skies or endless seas. It’s simply a heart full of love, held by warm hands that always embraced me. I know the saying, 'Only when you have children can you understand the heart of a parent,' and while I may not fully comprehend the depth of your love now, I promise I will try to understand it better. Please wait for me, Mom, until I can feel that love more deeply and truly grasp everything you’ve given me.
I know this letter can’t express everything I want to say, but I hope you will understand at least a part of my heart. I want to apologize for all the worry I’ve caused you. I’m sorry for not being able to find my own way, for making your eyes tear up. I’m sorry, Mom!
Along with the deepest gratitude from my heart, thank you for never abandoning me. Thank you for not leaving me when I was at my lowest, for being there through all my struggles, for all the love you’ve given me. Thank you for being my mother… Thank you, Mom!
October 20th is coming, but to me, it’s not any special day—it’s just another day to love you as I do every day. But still, I wish for you to always smile with happiness, never have your eyes filled with tears again.
Mom, there’s something I’ve wanted to say many times, but my hesitation has always held me back. When will I ever have the courage to say 'I love you, Mom'? I hope you will wait for this silly daughter, until I can stand before you and say those three words with full confidence. Even though I can’t say them right now, I hope you know how much I love you. Now, it's time for you to lean on me, just like when I once cuddled against your shoulder 20 years ago. Always be happy, Mom! I love you!
Your silly daughter
Impression of the Letter: No matter where I am or where I go, a mother’s love is sacred and immeasurable. It’s a love that carries us through childhood, supports us as we grow, and remains a constant through the storms of life. No matter how tough the world gets, returning to a mother's arms is where we find solace, love, and forgiveness. A mother dedicates her life, her sacrifices, to the happiness of her children.
4. Letter to My Mother on October 20th
The Letter's Content:
October 20th has arrived, a season of love for women is here again. A sudden rush of emotions fills my heart. Unlike previous years, I would usually look forward to this day just to receive flowers, gifts, and greetings from friends. But this year, as my friends are busy with their own families, my thoughts turn to my mother… I called her and told her I would visit this week!
Upon hearing my voice, my mother choked up, her voice trembling, clearly surprised because it had been so long since I mentioned coming home. There was a time when she called, longing for me to come back, but I just brushed it off, saying I was too busy with work. I ended the call with a light “Okay!” from her. But this time, I initiated the visit, telling her it was to celebrate October 20th with her. She was overwhelmed with emotion… I felt guilty!
When I arrived, my mother rushed to me, leaving her small garden unattended, sweat soaking through her clothes… I felt a pang of love!
She hurriedly asked, “Have you eaten, my dear? I saved you some food since noon!” She smiled tiredly and lifted the covered dish. There was some pickled cabbage she had made for me, fried chicken, and soup made from herbs she picked from the garden… I looked at her face, sweat still dripping down… I felt a lump in my throat!
Suddenly, it hit me. How long had it been since I truly looked at her face? The face of my mother… When did those wrinkles appear? Her cheeks have become thinner, her eyes sunken, her skin darker, yet her smile still shines, though it hides so many burdens… I felt a deep sadness!
Thinking about my mother, I reflected on myself! I have grown, yet I always let my parents worry about me! Whenever my mother gets sick, I only find out after she has recovered. But when I catch a cold, she always calls to remind me to take medicine and eat well! I’m not beautiful, I’m not talented, I can’t even take care of myself without causing my parents worry… But my mother is always so proud of me, placing her trust in me… I was careless!
I’ve always loved to play, spending my days with friends, talking endlessly to them about everything. There were times I even boldly declared that friends were the most important thing. But now I realize that family is truly the most important, mom! You always listened quietly, knowing the names of all my friends even though you’d never met them. I was happy that you cared for those I loved, but I didn’t realize I was unintentionally causing you sorrow… I was wrong!
As I grew older, you began talking to me about marriage. I turned away, thinking it was something far off in the future. You remained silent, and later, you gently reminded me: “If you do marry, please marry someone nearby, dear!” Your voice was heavy with unspoken thoughts. Suddenly, I felt a lump in my throat… You worry about me living far away, unable to care for me, and you wonder how your clumsy daughter will manage everything on her own. But I was stubborn!
Opening my phone, I see countless messages of love I’ve sent to friends, but then I realize that I’ve never once told you, “I love you” or “I miss you!” Even during holidays, I often forget to call you. When others remind me, I just say, “Oh right? But it’s too late, and my mom doesn’t even know what today is.” Many times, I’ve wanted to say those loving words to you, but I’ve been too shy. Could it be that I’m not used to it, or was I too careless, too selfish? But mom, I want you to know now… I miss you!
Once, we sat and talked, and suddenly your voice broke, tears blurred your words: “Your father and I have worked hard all our lives, even if we have to live on vegetables and porridge, we only want you to be educated and become a good person. We aren’t rich, but everything we have, we give to you. Wherever you go, always remember your family, remember your parents.” We sat in silence, and I wiped away my tears, pretending to answer the phone to hide that I was crying. But mom… I will never forget!
Living away from home, I’ve had to struggle, facing both joy and sorrow, many hardships and challenges, and failures along the way… But I know that nothing I’ve experienced compares to the struggles you’ve gone through for me. Because of that, I will strive to be stronger, so that my feet can stand firm in the face of the storms, and so that you don’t have to worry about me. I promise… I will try my best!
As October 20th approaches, just like millions of other children, I send my best wishes to my mother. I wish you continued good health, so you can always watch over me! And to all children, please remember:
If you have a mother, never make her cry.
Never let sorrow fill her eyes, understand?
- Nguyen May
Reflections on the Letter: The image of a mother in each person is always sacred and precious, a figure who gave birth to us and raised us with all her hopes and dreams.
When we were young, from the moment we were born, our mothers were there, comforting and nurturing us. As we grew, she was there to support every step we took. Even during school days, when we were sometimes too focused on play, our mothers never got angry or resentful. Instead, she guided us, showing us what was right and wrong. All of these acts demonstrate the depth of a mother's love. A mother sacrifices everything to give her children the best she can, staying up nights when we’re sick, working tirelessly to provide a complete life for us, and enduring hardships for us to have enough food and clothes… These sacrifices are beyond words.
The things she has done and the love she has given cannot be matched by anything. She is the one who nurtured us each day, overcoming countless struggles and challenges, all to give us wings to fly toward a brighter future.
5. A Heartfelt Letter to Mother on 20/10 That Moved the Internet
The Letter's Content:
Dear Mother..!
At this moment, you're probably asleep....
I'm writing to you while I'm drunk. Today, I had two glasses of beer, and I'm crying.
What is 20/10 to you, mother? To you, it's just another regular day, isn't it?
I'm crying, thinking about you. Since I realized what 20/10 meant, what have I done for you?
When I was in elementary school, I asked you for 2,000 VND to buy flowers for my teacher. After school, I saw you selling bags of coal, your back bent, and the balance scale needed to be propped up with a stick because we didn't have a proper scale yet... Your shoulder hurt every night.
In middle school, I asked for 10,000 VND, which I used to buy flowers for my teacher and also spent the whole night making greeting cards for my friends. You were lying on the bed, hand on your forehead, and said, "This month your father probably won’t get any leave"...
In high school, I asked for 50,000 VND, so I could go camping and hang out with my friends until late. You had already cleaned the house and kept dinner ready for me. My two younger brothers were tired from arguing and fell asleep in each other's arms...
When I was in university, I became class president, and I wished many people well—friends, teachers, and acquaintances—with funny words for each person. You called me and said the same things you always said: "Make sure to sleep under the mosquito net, lock the door tightly, go to bed early".
But... do you know, mother, I always thought of you first. I always do. When I was young, I once wrote a poem for you but couldn't bring myself to give it to you. Another time, I bought flowers for you but gave them to a friend to arrange instead. Maybe it's because we were from the countryside? In the countryside, mothers are always busy, and no one really celebrates Mother's Day.
When I moved to the city, I met women my age. They wore dresses and high heels, walking with graceful, slow steps. They weren’t rushing around like you. At 8 PM, they were putting on makeup and heading to a café, while you were cooking, doing laundry, and setting up the mosquito net for us.
I met women my age who talked about dancing, about exhausting business trips, and knew about different places and dishes. But when I called you to ask about a crab, you said, "I'm not sure, maybe it's similar to clams or snails..." And when I learned what a crab really was, I cried.
I met women my age whose husbands took them to the supermarket every week and bought them beautiful clothes. Yet, when they were upset with their husbands, they went out to the streets with friends and into nightclubs. But when you were sad, you cried and said, "Only I can talk to your father, you children don’t have the right to say anything, no matter how wrong he is."
Mother, as I think about my childhood, the time spent with you comes flooding back. You were always there for us. Dad called every day, didn’t he? And he met each of us, one by one. He came home once a month. We grew up, each of us bright and clever. Everyone praised you, saying that Dad was lucky to have you. Dad is also a wonderful man, isn’t he, mother? Even though he sometimes made you sad, who is perfect in this world? I also feel embarrassed because I, and my siblings, were not as well-behaved as you had hoped.
Mother! Please sleep now, don’t stay awake anymore. Why does your sleep seem so shallow? Why does your face get more tired every morning? Why are you always sick?
Mother! I love you. I love you. And I will live well, just as Grandma taught you to teach me. "Live without groveling, without being satisfied with mediocrity, and without being false."
I've grown up now, but every night when I curl up under your arm and fall asleep, still feeling like a little princess, with you making breakfast, I realize how fortunate I am. Everything you and Dad have done for us is all I ever need.
Tonight, I wish you good sleep, and Dad, though far away, will always dream of you!
Reflection on the letter: The memories of you, the time spent with you, the moments when you protected me—these are the happiest moments of my life. For years, you worked hard, sacrificed everything to raise me, to make me who I am today. Your dedication is immeasurable. Life may not always be easy, with many storms and challenges, but somehow, you were always there, encouraging me, making sure I could keep going without fear. After everything, you are my greatest support, my safe and warm place. No matter where I go, I'll always want to return to you.
"No matter how grown I am, I will always be your child. Throughout my life, your love will always follow me."
6. A Letter to Mother on the Occasion of 20/10
Content of the letter:
Dear Beloved Mother! Another autumn has passed, and on this warm, love-filled holiday, I must be away from you.
I long to be with you, to share love and express my deepest gratitude to you. Thank you for bringing me into this world, allowing me to experience everything that life has to offer. Thank you for raising me with such effort and dedication, for being there in my moments of joy and sadness, and for being a friend when I needed you most.
You sacrificed everything so I could grow up to be a person of good character, like you: diligent, hardworking, caring, and always willing to share. I apologize for the times I made you sad, for making you cry and taking away too much of your selflessness—your once-dark hair is now grey, your eyes distant, your hands frail... I feel so guilty but am not yet old enough to make it up to you. I hope that time will help me grow into the person you hoped for, and I will work hard to not disappoint you, who have given me endless love!
In each of us, there will come a time when we become wives and mothers, experiencing happiness from our families and children, but also sadness from life's troubles. I am still young, not yet having lived the struggles of being a mother or a wife. But I can begin to understand the worries and burdens you’ve carried for me to be where I am today.
Whenever life gets difficult, I always want to return to the peace of your embrace, to be pampered and comforted. So, now more than ever, I want to tell you: "I love you so much, Mother. Even though I’ve grown up, I will always be your child, and your love will always follow me throughout my life."
Reflection on the letter: Mother remains the same, silently sacrificing, and only when we grow up do we realize the boundless love she has for us. The meaning of "happiness" may differ for each person, but one thing is certain—we are all truly happy if we have a mother. A mother is the woman who will sacrifice everything for us and always give us the best of everything.
Mother always strives to pave the way and be the motivation for us. She gives up everything for us, overlooks our mistakes, and there’s no way to repay all she’s done. The only thing we can do is offer her what she needs: time, love, and respect.
7. A Letter to Mother on the Occasion of 20/10
Content of the letter:
My Dearest Mother!
I write these words while you are asleep. Why is it that even while you're resting, your face shows signs of worry? Are you not sleeping well? Well, it makes sense, as you are always thinking about me and my siblings, never truly resting at ease.
Do you know what day it is today, Mother? For you, 20/10 may just be another regular day. It is meant to celebrate the beauty of women, but to you, it probably feels like nothing special. I know that today, as always, you woke up early to prepare breakfast for the family, then continued working until late into the night. I feel so fortunate to be your daughter. And I’ve been thinking, since I understood the significance of today, what have I done for you?
Back in elementary school, I followed you around to visit and wish my teachers well, wishing them the best... Later that evening, you would lament about the household expenses.
In middle school, I asked you for 50,000 VND to contribute to a teacher’s gift, hand-making cards to give to my friends. Yet I never once wished you well on this day...
It’s not that I don’t love you, or that I don’t think about you... But sometimes I just don’t know what to say. There have been times when I made small gifts or even wrote poems for you, but I was afraid you wouldn’t like them, so I kept them to myself… All I could do was cry with you when you were sad, helping you with little things when I could… I remember when I was younger. When I needed your care the most, I had to live far away from you. When I was half a year old, you had to leave for work overseas. I always imagined you as a gentle, beautiful woman… It wasn’t until I was old enough to go to school that I saw you for the first time. You weren’t as beautiful as the Barbie dolls I had, but you were kinder, more compassionate than any of my favorite cartoon characters. I just remember thinking, you were smiling so beautifully...!
My dear Mother! In this life, I’ve often heard people say "I love you", but it’s so hard to say the words "I love you, Mother". I’ve never said it out loud, but right now, I want to say:
I love you, Mother! So much! You’ll always be by my side, won’t you? This 20/10, I wish you all the best!
Your daughter,
Phuong
Reflection on the letter:
Mother is the one who gave birth to us, nurtures us, and loves us unconditionally. No matter the circumstances, she always does her best to sacrifice for us, to ensure we have food and clothes. But as we grow, we often get swept up by work and life, forgetting that someone is always watching over us, ready to embrace us when we fall or feel tired.
You may not know it, but a mother’s world is small, and everything in it revolves around us. Our world is large, yet sometimes we forget her. How many people remember our mother’s birthday or special days to honor the woman who means everything in the family? How many of us take a moment each day to call and ask how she is, or do something small for her?
As much as we grow, no matter if we reach our 30s or 40s, to our mothers, we will always be their little children, innocent and tender. Think about it—when we are faced with failure in work or relationships, who is the one who will stand by us and offer the best comforting words? No one but the one who gave birth to us.
