My friend’s children sell his assets for inheritance when he’s in a coma

My friend, 57, is in the real estate and seafood export business. Ten years ago, due to overworking, neglecting his health, and going through a divorce, he fell seriously ill. Since he did not seek treatment early, he was diagnosed with a terminal illness five months later and his health quickly deteriorated.

While bedridden, he wrote a will giving his two children a portion of his assets, leaving the rest to cover his bank loans and sustain his business. However, just a few months later, his condition worsened and he fell into a coma.

However, his children spent little time caring for their father as they thought he would not survive. Lawyers were even brought in to divide his assets while he was still undergoing treatment.

Fortunately, he regained consciousness months later and, after a year of treatment costing an estimated VND30 billion (US$1.19 million), made a recovery.

After recovering, he discovered that his children had been attempting to sell his company and properties. He immediately sought legal intervention, requesting that the court annul his previous will. His children eventually yielded and he left them some money afterward.

While the family has made peace since, he still feels sad and hurt by how his children were only concerned with inheritance while he was still alive.

I myself have experienced three near-death situations and was bedridden for over three months due to a spinal injury. My wife also had to undergo heart surgery a while ago.

While insurance covered some of the medical expenses, it was only a small fraction. If I had not saved up in advance, I probably would not have enough money to make it this far.

From both my friend’s and my own experiences, it is clear that money is not everything. While having wealth is not a miracle cure, a lack of it can create immense hardships.

Therefore, it is important to save for your later years while you are still healthy and young. We can only truly enjoy our golden years when we have good health, financial security, and a harmonious family.

My friend is hardworking and optimistic, and with real estate prices rising in recent years, his situation has improved. He might not have survived if he had not had money. But if he had not been wealthy, would his children have cared more about him than inheritance?

*This opinion was translated into English with the assistance of AI. Readers’ views are personal and do not necessarily match VnExpress’ viewpoints.