From opposite ends of Vietnam — one from Hanoi, the other from Saigon — we met as international students, fell in love, and got married far away from home. Before we left, a promise was made to a father over 70: “No matter how busy life gets, always cook and share at least one meal together every day.”

That promise became our daily ritual, even with full-time jobs. Our food, cooked with love and care, turned out so good that we began packing extra portions for friends who were too busy to cook for themselves.