Martyr Phạm Đăng Nuôi (born in 1934 in Phù Việt, Thanh Hà, Hà Tĩnh; his family received his death notice in 1977, but his remains have not yet been found)
Written to his wife, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Thẩm, on May 20, 1966 from Thừa Thiên.
Time flies so quickly—it's already been nearly five months. I miss you dearly, and I miss our child beyond words. Every day I wait for your letters, hoping to hear that Mother is in good health. How are you and the children? It's only been five months, but it feels like five years. I miss you so much I can't sleep at night. I miss the jackfruit tree, the orange bush, the broken water pulley (did anyone fix it?) Images of our home live vividly in my memory.
What worries me most is when you or our child are unwell—who will take care of you, who will help you? But I trust you. You will manage everything for me - not only that, but you’ll overcome every hardship, even emotional ones. I channel my longing for you into my work, so as not to let you down, nor to betray the trust of the Party. My dear, is Mother in good health? Are you and the children doing well? Has life at home been harder since I left? Have you managed to raise more chickens or pigs?
I urge you to raise a few chickens so you can occasionally have some meat for yourself, the children, and Mother. Otherwise, how can we afford to buy it, right, my love? Please teach our children well so they grow up quickly. Don’t scold them too harshly—they’re little and don’t deserve it. I miss you and our children so much. Sometimes I just sit, absent-minded and lost in thought—do you know how I feel? I’ve sent so many letters home, but I don’t know if they’ve reached you."
