In Memory of My Father

On Monday night, May 24, 2010, my father, Mr. Nguyen Van Tho, passed quietly away. He had indeed “lived his life until he drew his last breath”. I will miss him terribly, but also continue to honor him and celebrate his life and the profound gifts he gave me.

In March of this year I was able to go to Viet Nam and visit him for 2 weeks. I hadn’t seen him in six very long years. It was hard, because he was very old and didn’t remember much or talk.But it was clear that he remembered me and responded to me and it was my pleasure to be able to care for him for that short period of time.

I had hoped to go home for his final days, but I was unable to work it out. However, on his last night, I was able to speak to him by phone. I think that, as my friend has told me, his soul heard and knew me.

I am amazed that he lived to be 99 years old! And blessed that he was in the world for all that time.

One thing my father told me when I became a parent was that you are a parent from the moment your child is born until you die. My father was certainly my parent for my whole life, even when we were separated by thousands of miles. His love and wisdom held me and guided me always.

I have been so excited because my book Empowered By Hope has just been published! It was my present to my dad, honoring him and what he taught me, and my way of sharing his wise words.

I am happy I was able to finish it before he died.

I will be in Viet Nam for several weeks, for my father’s funeral and the customs and traditions that my people have to honor the deceased.

When I get back, I will be having my book launch party to celebrate its publication and start its journey into the world! It will be bittersweet because of my dad, but, also, the best way I can think of to say “thank you” to him.

I wrote this for him last year for Father’s Day, and I leave you with it now:

On this Father’s Day, I want to express my profound gratitude to my dad, for he is love personified. Dad, you are the brightest star shining in the galaxy, taking me upward as I follow you. You are my compass in life! Your wisdom enlightens and inspires me. I have found over the years that your thoughts and dreams have inspired and enriched all the people’s lives you have touched. I am honored to be your daughter.

My best always,

Ha