Chapter 18 — Medicinal Garden After Hospital

After the correction document was widely published, accompanied by direct confirmation from the old man in the story, the false rumors gradually subsided, but Quyen understood that this was just a small battle in a long war ahead. With the two-week deadline set by the Department of Health approaching, she realized that she needed to mobilize the strength of the entire community, instead of just relying on simple arguments and scientific evidence.

She and Mr. Loc discussed and decided to organize a meeting, inviting all the families who had been treated by her mother over the past thirty years, along with the elderly patients whose stories Quyen had recorded in the previous file, to come directly to the garden to share their stories together in the presence of hospital leaders and representatives of the Department of Health.

"I believe that when people hear those true stories with their own eyes and see the sincere gratitude in the eyes of each family, they will understand how great the value of this garden is, far beyond the numbers on paper," Mr. Loc said, his voice filled with determination as he and Quyen planned the meeting in detail.

News of the meeting quickly spread throughout town, receiving an enthusiastic response beyond expectations. Not only the families who were indebted to Mrs. Sen, but also ordinary people who had witnessed her dedication for thirty years, also proactively asked to be present and to speak up.

On the day of the meeting, the medicinal herb garden became unusually bustling. Dozens of people, from old people with gray hair to children brought by their parents, gathered here, bringing fruits and simple hometown gifts as a way to express gratitude. Mr. Hung and two representatives of the Department of Health were also present, sitting in the front row, their eyes could not hide their surprise at the large scale of the meeting.

A silver-haired old woman, leaning on a cane, trembled in front of everyone, her voice choking as she told her story. "Thirty years ago, my son was bitten by a poisonous snake in the middle of the night. The road was remote and dangerous. He couldn't take him to a higher hospital in time," she said, her voice shaking with emotion. "It was Mrs. Sen who did not care that night, walked through the forest to my house, used a traditional medicine to narrowly save my son's life. If it weren't for her, I probably would have lost my only son that day."

Following that, many other people also came forward to share their own stories - one woman told about her severely malnourished daughter whom Mrs. Sen persistently took medicine and nourished for many months until she was healthy again; An old man told of a painful joint disease that had plagued him for many years, and was treated by Mrs. Sen with traditional massage remedies, helping him to be able to walk normally until now.

Another middle-aged man, with an austere appearance due to the heat and wind of the fields, also stepped forward to contribute, his voice was deep but full of emotion. "That year, my wife had a difficult birth and hemorrhaged at home. It took nearly two hours to get to the district hospital because the rain and floods cut off the road," he said. "Mrs. Sen then used a family medicine to stop bleeding and keep my wife alive while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. If it weren't for her, perhaps my child would now be without a mother." That story made the whole garden quiet for a moment, leaving only the sound of the wind gently moving the leaves, as if nature itself was listening, sympathizing with the memories being told.

In between those touching stories, Quyen also invited a few children, descendants of families who were grateful to Mrs. Sen, to read short letters they had written themselves, expressing gratitude for the garden that had silently sheltered an entire generation to grow up healthy. The children's neat, innocent but sincere words made many adults cry, further highlighting the sustainable value, throughout many generations, that the medicinal garden has silently fostered for the entire Yen Son town community.

Mr. Le Van Quoc, the representative of the Department of Health, who gave a dry, administrative speech at the previous meeting, this time sat quietly listening to each story, his eyes gradually changing from a stern, distant look to a sincere emotion. When the meeting was almost over, he stood up and asked permission to say a few words.

"Honestly, when I accepted the assignment to work here, I simply thought this was an issue related to planning and budget," Mr. Quoc said, his voice deep and thoughtful. "But after listening today's stories, I realized that I missed an important aspect - human values, community values that no number can fully measure. I promise to present as objectively and fully as possible to my superiors what I witnessed today."

That statement made Quyen emotional, tears rolling down her cheeks. She turned to look at Bao Nam and saw that he was also looking at her, his eyes filled with pride. “You did something wonderful,” he whispered, holding her hand tightly in the crowd.

In the middle of the meeting, Mr. Thanh suddenly stood up and asked permission to share a few words, something that had never happened before during the more than a year he lived alone after his wife passed away. "I am the husband of physician Dao Thi Sen," he said, his voice trembling but full of pride. "For thirty years, I have witnessed my wife sacrifice so many sleepless nights, so many unfinished meals, to be able to be with those who need her the most. There were times when I blamed her and felt lonely in my own home. But today, standing here, seeing all the people my wife has saved, I truly understand the meaning of the life she lived, and I am proud of that, proud to be the husband of a great woman. like that."

Mr. Thanh's sincere and simple sharing made many people present shed tears. Quyen ran to hug her father, both father and daughter cried in happiness and pride. "Thank you, father, for having the courage to say these things," she whispered in his ear.

The meeting ended in an emotional and warm atmosphere. Before leaving, Mr. Hung held Quyen's hand, his eyes full of gratitude. "I believe, after today, the story of this garden will be seen in a completely different way," he said. "Thank you, for persevering to the end, not only to protect a garden, but also to remind all of us of the values that sometimes, in the rush of work, we accidentally forget."

That evening, after everyone had left, only Quyen, Bao Nam, Mr. Loc and Mr. Thanh remained sitting in the small shed in the middle of the garden, the atmosphere was filled with joy, a rare relief after many stressful days. Ms. Quynh Nhu also stopped by and excitedly announced that the reportage about the meeting and the touching story of the garden will be published next week, in both paper and electronic versions.

"We have come a very long way," Mr. Loc said, his voice emotional. "But I believe, today is the day when the balance has truly tilted in our favor."

Quyen nodded, but in her heart she was still a little worried. "I'm happy for what I achieved today," she said. "But I'm also worried that Kim Thai's side won't accept defeat so easily. Mr. Bach is not someone who gives up easily."

Bao Nam gently squeezed her hand, his eyes steady. "Whatever he does next, we've proven we're not alone," he said. "An entire community is standing with us, which is something no amount of money can buy or break."

Before leaving the garden, Quynh Nhu lingered for a few more short interviews with Mr. Loc, recording the moment the old man stood among the beds of medicinal plants, trembling hands caressing each familiar leaf. "If this article helps one more person understand and appreciate traditional medicine, then my effort will have been worth it," Quynh Nhu told Quyen before saying goodbye, her eyes filled with the enthusiasm of a young person who believes in the power of an authentic pen.

That night, when seeing everyone off, Quyen stood alone in the middle of the garden, looking up at the starry sky. She silently thanked her mother, for the years she had quietly planted not only medicinal plants, but also love and trust in the hearts of so many people here - a love that is now becoming the strongest shield, protecting the legacy she left behind from all the storms that lie ahead.