Cau Nam's Homecoming

Folks:

Dung and I went to see Mom and Dad this morning and gave them several photo-CDs that contain all of the photographs that I have received from Anh Kiet, Anh Be, Anh Son and Anh An. All 1811 pictures. All taken during the days of the passing of Cau Nam.

Mom is recovering quite nicely, as she is now back to her old self talking incessantly about others as usual. Dad is well, still sad. They both miss Cau Nam so much, so I projected the pictures onto the large screen TV for them. The photographs taken by Anh Kiet and Anh Be make them cry, make them laugh and make them feel loved. Some of the pictures were so loving and touching. From the one that shows the embrace of Chi Da Thu and Cau Nam, the visit of Tram and Susie, the red-eyed Son, the silent cry of Anh Dzuy, the tears of Anh Be to the last photographs of each of Cau Nam's children by his casket. Mom and Dad want to remember Cau Nam, but I think they are re-living the good time that they have had with Cau Nam's and Di Bay's families. And that makes them happy. What irony in happy tears.

They miss Di Bay and Di Bay's children so much as well, and have been on the phones with Di Bay and Duong Bay frequently in the recent days. The passing of Cau Nam has brought Mom and Di Bay much closer together, and together they both miss their family back home in Vietnam. Mom sent Di Hai the framed photograph of Cau Nam that was used here for the funeral. Di Hai, Di Ba and Di Bon are planning a homecoming for Cau Nam early next week. They have been constantly in touch with Anh Tan and Anh Be, who is presently in Vietnam. Cau Nam must be very proud of his representatives in Anh Be and Anh Tan. Cau Nam is to have a glorious funeral, if such words can be used in this context, in his native birthplace Nha Trang next Tuesday. His ash will be kept at Nha Tho Cho Moi in Nha trang.

This weekend and the coming week, let us join our kinfolks in Vietnam and pray for Cau Nam. He wanted to say Goodbye to his families and friends in the old country, and they too want to pay their respect to the Cau Nam that we all love. Perhaps after the homecoming, he can then go home to God. In praying for Cau Nam, please remember our kinfolks in Vietnam as well.

May God bless us and wherever we called our home.

Vui