“These are my grandma, Duy (105 years old), and her best friend, Chi (95 years old). My grandma hasn’t been feeling well lately, so Mrs. Chi comes to visit her every day. The two of them fought in the anti-French resistance together and have stood by each other through every challenge,” shared Chau Thi Thanh Thuan on the social media platform Threads.

Accompanying the post was a photo of the two elderly women sitting side by side on a small bed, one gently massaging the other’s hand, her face filled with worry and te nderness. The touching story quickly garnered thousands of reactions and heartfelt comments.

People praised the longevity and strength of their friendship:“A nearly century-long friendship is so rare and beautiful.”

“My mom also had a best friend like that. When mom was bedridden, her friend would bike from far away just to chat, massage her legs, and help her with daily tasks.”

Bound by history and companionship

Speaking with VietNamNet, Chau Thi Thanh Thuan (born in 1990, currently living in Ho Chi Minh City) shared that the two elderly women in the photos are her grandmother, Dao Thi Duy, and her grandmother’s best friend, Chi. Grandma Duy lives in Thanh Hoa with a grandchild, and despite her age, she and her friend maintain their lifelong bond.

Thuan returned from Ho Chi Minh City to Thanh Hoa on March 4 to visit her grandmother and was moved to witness the close bond between the two elderly women. She took a photo and shared it on social media, not expecting it to resonate with so many people.

“That morning, as usual, Mrs. Chi came over to visit my grandma,” Thuan recalled. “She gently massaged Grandma’s hands while whispering, ‘Get well soon so we can share more stories with the kids from Ho Chi Minh City.’ It was such a sweet and tender moment that I couldn’t help but capture it.”

A bond forged in childhood and preserved through war

Both women were born and raised in the same small village in Thanh Hoa and have been best friends since childhood, despite being 10 years apart in age.

They grew up together, fought side by side in the anti-French resistance, and accumulated countless memories over the decades.

More than 40 years ago, Grandma Duy and her husband moved to Ho Chi Minh City to live closer to their children.

The two friends were separated for nearly 20 years but remained in close contact through handwritten letters and phone calls.

Whenever there was a holiday, Duy would travel back to Thanh Hoa to visit Chi, and Chi would occasionally visit Ho Chi Minh City as well.

In 2007, Grandma Duy made a life-changing decision to move back to Thanh Hoa to be closer to Chi. Her husband fully supported the decision, as did the entire family, understanding that in their old age, they wanted to be among friends and neighbors.

Sadly, just eight years after moving back, Duy’s husband passed away, but she remained steadfast in staying close to her best friend.

A friendship that inspires reconciliation

Thuan shared that the friendship between her grandmother and Mrs. Chi has been a source of inspiration for her own life.

“I once had a best friend for over a decade, but we drifted apart over a misunderstanding,” Thuan said. “Watching my grandmother’s enduring friendship made me realize that a little disagreement is nothing compared to the precious bond we shared. I decided to reach out and reconnect.”

The two elderly women now live right next to each other. Grandma Chi lives with her husband and son’s family, while Grandma Duy lives with a grandchild.

They visit each other every day, sharing meals, stories, and moments of joy. Even when Grandma Duy is unwell, she never fails to ask, “Has Chi come over yet? Don’t forget to make tea for her.”

To Thuan, their friendship is nothing short of a beautiful miracle, one that not only touches hearts but also serves as a lesson on the enduring power of loyalty and companionship.

Thanh Minh