A memorable trip with my mother

A memorable trip I took with my mother was in 1975. It was a day with clouds hanging over the city like a wet blanket ready to drip. We packed our things and left our home for our cousin’s place by the river. I remember we said goodbye to our father, and for the first time I saw my mother and father kiss ever so briefly.

By the time we got there, the place was filled with our relatives. My mother was greeted by our cousin, and we all settled down in the living room. We sat there in silence. I looked at my mother and could see the sadness in her eyes.

When evening arrived, we all knew it was time for us to leave. We descended onto a navy ship which had been waiting for us by the Mekong River. I knew we were about to take a different turn in the journey of our lives. I held on to my mother’s hand and could feel her heartbeat. A fallen tear gently touched my face.

As the ship departed, my mother and I looked back at the city and watched it on fire. I could hear the cry of my people and feel the hurt of a nation … well into the night. We left Saigon on April 29, 1975 and headed toward the land of freedom, the USA.

Now as I remember my beloved mother, who passed away more than 10 years ago, I feel a great appreciation and a deep love for her. Even though I can no longer hold my mother in my arms, I know that I can always hold her so tenderly in my heart.

Phi-Ho Le