for six years he was imprisoned and tortured by the communists

a man who almost died fighting for a cause and a government he believed was just.

a brave pilot 

flying through skies pillaged by bombs, smoke and flames

a country ravaged by war.

a doting father and uncle

wrinkles around his eyes as he smiled 

and welcomed us into his home

full of decadent dishes of a homeland left behind

reminders of a past life, a different life.

filling the shoes of his father after his passing

he was the eldest son of the family

 a role he took much pride in.

in his passing

we’ve lost a treasure trove of family history

a link back to our vietnamese origin story.

i’ll remember him as a soldier with kind eyes 

with tireless devotion to his country and his people.

a humble man

working long hours as a custodian to feed and support his children

who’ve blossomed and carried on his legacy 

thanks to his steady guidance and unwavering love. 

now rejoined with our ancestors above 

cháu sẽ gặp ông ở kiếp sau.