Today was a tough one. The three of us, Gary, Lieu and I returned to the alley this morning with two beautiful bouquets of six roses each, one red and one pink to fulfill a request by Tif. Her older brother was killed in Vietnam about a month before we met in San Francisco. To honor her wish, I left one bouquet at the house of Tao, the woman who helped us so much yesterday and asked her to display them at her front door to honor Michael and the other to honor Muoi. She was pleased to do so. Silence was spoken. While we were there, I was told some new information that I wish I had not heard. My little girl, My Han had been killed by her husband. Needless to say, this did nothing for my day. I can not explain the feelings I went through...you do not want to experience what I did. Right now, I don't know what to say, as it is beyond words.
Tomorrow morning, Gary and I will drive back to Ho Chi Minh City to wrap up our trip. We both agreed we are going to see the famous tunnels at Cu Chi and maybe a museum. Then we will start the trek home. This has been a needed experience and I have no regrets that I made the trip. I thought I was at peace with all of this before I came, but walking that alley, the smells, the people, it all hit me with an emotional overload the likes of which I could not have imagined. Now, so much is clear and I can say, peace is with me. I have learned some valuable lessons and experienced, once again, the beauty of the Vietnamese people. Lieu has been an incredible interpreter as Gary and I have made a new friend. Now my focus is on home and the life in front of me. I am anxious to be back at yoga with my friends. I will continue to post until we start flying. Love to you all.
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3 comments:
and our love to you Thom... safe travels HOME~
Love, Bev & Phil
Hi Thom,
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and emotions as this journey unfolded. As we have both known for many years, it is the journey, not the destination that lends meaning to our lives.
Our days are oten filled with the mundane, the need to feed and clothe ourselves, chores, etc. The biz of life if you will. It can be so easy to let this be life, but as you well know, there is so much more.
I admire, as always, your inborne need to step out of the ordinary and enjoy the journey. The journey that we are all on whether we see it, feel it, taste it or not. You certainly have never been one to let your fears get the better of you, and you have for many years been a consistent inspiration to me on my own journey.
Take the time to let this journey settle into your soul. Take the time to let it be what it was.
Safe journey home my friend.
Robert
Dear Thom,
My heart aches for you. When you live life wholeheartedly you live LIFE. At the same time you are feeling such pain for life past and things missed, you are also experiencing the deep joy and love of life NOW, made real by your willingness to step out to the edge. Thank you for the great gift of sharing your journey.
Love,
Joan
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