Some siblings may choose to share their inheritance with each other. Illustration photo by VnExpress/Dac Thanh
I gave some of the land I inherited to my younger brother so he could take care of our mother in the countryside.
I guess it will take about half a century, or at least a few decades, for nursing homes to become common in Vietnam. My father passed away early, leaving me with only my mother and my younger brother. When I was 19, I moved to HCMC to study and build my career. My mother prefers to live in the countryside.
I have never considered putting her in a nursing home, even though I can afford that. Therefore, I divided our family’s land with my brother and agreed to fund his two children’s education in exchange for his commitment to stay home and take care of our mother. I believe children should not be calculating when it comes to their parents.
I have since retired and can frequently visit the countryside, which brings my mother great joy. Seeing her walk around the house and garden fills me with warmth and comfort, something that would be absent if she were in a nursing home. If she falls ill, my brother and I will take her to the hospital.
She retired at 58 and is now in her eighties, yet she remains sharp. She tends to a small garden, raises a few chickens, walks around the yard, cooks for herself, and chats with the neighbors.
Nonetheless, I do not expect my children to care for me, as I have always taught them to prioritize themselves and their own families. If they treat me coldly in the future, I will not criticize them for it. I have prepared myself both mentally and financially for that possibility.
Do you think I made the right choice?
*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.
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