Another Essay from Vui

For Cau Nam’s Children

Today the gates of heaven open up to welcome back its prodigal son. Saint Peter, the Patron Saint of Cau Nam, delivers Cau Nam into the Embrace of God. There is no more cancer, no more tears, no more earthly pain and suffering, just the Love of God surrounding Cau Nam in joyous celebration.

While the choir of heaven sings its glorious songs of love, Ong Ngoai and Ba Ngoai reach out and welcome back their only son. They hold him close as to erase the tiresome journey that Cau Nam had endured. A handsome Cau Nam filled with happiness clinches onto his beloved parents anxiously telling them about his life.

He tells them about his last days with his children. His voice is clear now and his spirit is back. His eyes are glistening with pride, when he mentions the name of Anh Quoc.

He remembers the devotion of his youngest son, Anh Quoc. He recalls this tireless servant that had helped him through his final days, the multitude of total submissions to his demands and the tears of sadness that Anh Quoc withhold for the dignity of his dear father. He remembers the endless nights in the hospital, when all Anh Quoc could do was to stand watch over him. His youngest son is a lovely man, well articulated and well loved. He wants Anh Quoc to know that he is so proud of him and loves him so very much, and that he will be watching over Anh Quoc from now to eternity.

Then he brags about his earthly angel Chi Da Thu, his favorite son-in-law Anh Danh, and their children. He loves the time that Chi Da Thu had given him, the sacrifice of driving cross-country times and again to be with her Dad. He blesses Tung for holding his hands as he took his last breath. He thanks Anh Danh for sleepless nights in the hospital praying for him. He pledges to be a guardian angel for Chi Da Thu and her family.

He is all so proud of Anh Dzuy for coming to see him during his last days and for staying with him until all the worldly ceremonies were done. He always had a soft spot in his heart for his first born son, Anh Dzuy, and wants Anh Dzuy to know that he will always love him. He wants to thank his youngest girl, Chi Da-Thao, for all of her quiet kindness and for all her love. He appreciates everything that Anh Tan, Father Tan, has done for him. The prayers and services will always be treasured by him forever. To Anh Be, Cau Nam wants to give the biggest hug. He loves Anh Be so dearly, but somehow was never able to express it. Cau Nam is at peace now and wishes to extend such unending blessing to Anh Be. To Anh Vu, he wants to give him his very best. He wants to thank Anh Hao and Chi Quyen for their prayers and love; and for being there with him all the way to the end. He asks God to bless them with children and happiness. To Anh Kiet, he prays God for a good life for Anh Kiet and for his lovely family. He appreciates Anh Kiet being there for him at his last moment. And for Chi Lan Anh, he begs for forgiveness from her and wishes her a bright future full of loving memories.

Then together with Ong Ngoai and Ba Ngoai, Cau Nam bows his head and asks God’s mercy to embrace his entire family. He pleads to God for unity and peace among his children and grandchildren. He prays that God would grant his beloved children Peace and Love, and fill them with togetherness, caring and understanding; and most of all the courage and strength to accept one another.

In the coming days, when things go back to their normal routines and your heart calms down; when you find yourself crying for no apparent reasons, be aware that you are being touched by the Hands of God through the love of Cau Nam. He will hold your face in the palms of his hands, and he will gently kiss away your tears for he loves you and always will.

Vui