Elderly Woman’s Tireless Endeavor in Her Twilight Years, All for the Sake of Her Late Daughter’s Memory
In her twilight years, Mrs. Ba remains steadfast in her pursuit of livelihood, keeping alive the legacy of her late daughter.
Mrs. Ba’s home is modest, with a 10m² living room repurposed as a small eatery. Reflecting on her humble establishment, she shares, “I’m simply carrying on my daughter’s work after her passing four years ago. In the past, I’ve done various jobs to make ends meet—from street vending to factory work, and even cooking in industrial kitchens. Those experiences gave me the skills I needed. Now, I’ve taken over this noodle shop.”
Years ago, her daughter, Ms. Phuong, expressed a desire to open a small eatery in front of their home to supplement their income. Seeing her daughter’s determination, Mrs. Ba learned to cook pork and mushroom noodles and taught her the craft.
“Back then, I noticed how popular pork and mushroom noodles were at Ben Thanh Market. I experimented with the recipe, cooking it for my family. Together, we perfected the broth—clear yet rich with the essence of simmered bones—and preserved that recipe to this day,” Mrs. Ba recalls.
Yet, 40 years passed in the blink of an eye. Four years ago, tragedy struck when Ms. Phuong succumbed to a terminal illness after a two-month battle.
On the day she bid farewell to her daughter, Mrs. Ba was overcome with grief. Years earlier, her husband had also passed away unexpectedly in a traffic accident. Thus, whenever she reflects on the past, her eyes carry the weight of untold stories.
After her daughter’s passing, the noodle shop closed, leaving the once bustling home eerily quiet. Determined to keep her daughter’s spirit alive, Mrs. Ba reopened the shop, reigniting the stove and preserving her daughter’s craft.
By continuing her daughter’s work, Mrs. Ba feels a connection to her late child. Engaging with familiar customers allows her to sense her daughter’s presence, as if she were still by her side.
“My remaining son and grandchildren often urge me to rest, but I insist on working as long as I’m able. Only when I can no longer stand will I stop. Preparing a bowl of noodles for my customers, seeing them enjoy it—that’s my happiness. And I believe my daughter, wherever she is, would be proud of me for keeping her legacy alive,” Mrs. Ba shares, her voice filled with emotion.
Regular customers affectionately call her “Mom Ba” or “Aunt Ba.” Her small eatery has become a cherished part of the neighborhood, exuding warmth and tranquility.
The Admirable Life Philosophy of an 84-Year-Old Woman
The pork and mushroom noodles, priced at 50,000 VND, may appear simple but are a testament to quality. The pork and shrimp dumplings are made from fresh ingredients, and the broth, simmered from tender bones, is both clear and flavorful.
Unlike other eateries, the dumplings here are sliced instead of rolled, giving them a rustic charm that enhances their unique flavor. Mrs. Ba pairs the noodles with a homemade sweet and sour fish sauce infused with pickled shallots and crispy fried shallots, adding depth to the dish. The fresh herbs, meticulously washed and drained, reflect her attention to detail and care.
Beyond the fresh ingredients lies the dedication of this 84-year-old woman and her late daughter’s legacy.
Every morning, her shop bustles with activity. Mrs. Ba not only serves delicious noodles but also shares stories of her younger days—selling vegetables, working in factories, and supporting her daughter’s dream. Her warmth draws both regulars and neighbors, who come not just for the food but for her company.
“Mrs. Ba is always kind-hearted. Even if someone is short on cash, she just smiles it off. Seeing her bend over to serve noodles, we often offer to help, but she insists on doing it herself, saying, ‘It’s okay, I’m used to it,’” a neighbor shares.
Mrs. Ba’s days begin at 3 a.m. as she prepares ingredients with meticulous care. Despite her age, she finds joy in her routine.
At 84, her hands tremble, and her steps are slower, but she laughs off suggestions to retire: “Why stop? Idleness would only lead to sadness and longing for my daughter. As long as I’m able, I’ll keep working. Sitting idle only brings aches and pains. Each morning, I prepare everything just as I always have. It keeps me healthy and allows me to connect with my customers—it’s fulfilling.”
She often imparts wisdom to younger patrons: “Wealth isn’t everything. What matters is living honorably and working wholeheartedly.” Her eatery embodies this philosophy—focusing on quality and cleanliness to leave a lasting impression. She instilled in her children the importance of integrity in business, believing it’s the key to longevity. Perhaps it’s this simple yet profound philosophy that makes her shop unforgettable.
In the bustling city, Mrs. Ba’s small noodle shop remains a beacon of warmth, serving not just food but also memories, a mother’s love, and the enduring spirit of a woman in her twilight years.
