Your English teacher, Mr. Kjagaard, has a practical insight in reminding me to write a letter to you before you leave home for university. This idea shows that he has many experiences in education and relationships between the family and school. Please say “thank” to him on behalf of your mom and I.
Have you ever remembered your first ceremony of birthday in the U.S? At that time, you were 5 years old. Our family, including your mom, sister An Nhu, brother Quang, you, and me, lived in a small apartment on Young Street, Sacramento when we had just arrived in the US for 55 days. When you played with kids next door, you usually spoke non-sense English. However, this way helped you learn English very well.
Every dinner, I told you and your siblings the Vietnamese legends and short stories of heroes who shed their blood and hard work to establish, develop, and protect our native country Vietnam. For example, The Fairy and The Dragon Origin of the Vietnamese, Phu Dong Thien Vuong, Hai Ba Trung, Tran Hung Dao, Quang Trung. This was a good way to teach you the proud of our own ancestors. Then mom and I taught you to speak, read, and write Vietnamese language by those stories. This helped you learn the own culture and language when you acculturated to the new society. As a result, you have biculture and bilinguish. According to many studies of sociology, those who have biculture and bilinguish are easier to succeed in their life.
In the night after the terror of Sep. 9, 2000, we sat together on the same bed to pray and share the impressions of that event. We helped each others empower the love and support together to overcome the fear.
When your maternal grand mother passed away in Vietnam, we successfully practiced the treatments to recover from her death. Every night, we sat together to pray and share difficulties, happiness, and problems in school, family, and work. Really, that period was very nice, loving, and mindful. I applied this practice to offer treatments to re-establish the communication between parents and their children. My thesis of Social Work Mater Degree reported these practices in 2005.
Mom and I gave an example for you about education and working. But the most important thing is to highlight the harmony between human beings and nature and the sympathy among individuals. We did not only teach you about the compassion, but also worked with you to help disabled children in Vietnam, hungers in Africa, and Relay for Life in Sacramento. I thank you for your contributions to the Heart of Compassion Association, Inc. to help people in need.
As parents, mom and I have taken of all of you and have done our best to you. When you meditate our accomplishments, you will realize a lot of specious lessons for your life.
Mom and I are happy to find that you are fond of learning, dutiful toward the parents and agreeing with the siblings, and compassionate. We believe that you will succeed in education, working, and contributions to the community and all beings, including your sister An Nhu, who is unlucky like you. However, you should always be aware of your action, body, and mind. The whole family are always with you and support you any where and any time.
Your dear dad,
Pho Duy Tran
Midnight of Oct. 19, 2008
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