I'm Changing the Title as it's About the Story More than the Photo...Quite a Gripping and Poignant Tale...
(She gave me permission to take the picture...)
Ken & I had an early appointment at the bank today, so I settled in, a mug of coffee in hand. I'd not met this lady before, but in the quiet of the morning, she seemed to have a need to share a story. As we wrote the date on paper, she said, "Tomorrow is the anniversary of the day we lost our country..." Her story unfolded that her father, a pilot, took her and her younger sister and spirited them away from Viet Nam. There was no mention of her mother or others... They settled in this region, but she said, almost matter of factly, "My father was hit by a train." After a pause, she said, he wasn't killed, but his body was nearly severed in half...he spent the next 10 years in the hospital. She must have been older when this happened because she said she was going to study to be a doctor, but had to leave school and get a job that would offer some security; she hadn't planned to go into banking back then. We talked about the housing market, and she said that she and her sister bought a house in this town and, though they bought when the market was high, they're happy where they live. She mentioned that her grandparents were very wealthy "back then", but she's built her life on her own. She said, "Tomorrow is the anniversary of the Fall of Saigon. I don't know if I should wear black..."
She wasn't self-pitying...I believe she needed us to lend an ear. I've been speculating all day how my own life compares. It brings to mind (paraphrased here) a poem I cut from the paper when I was in my teens and I carried it for years. In essence, it would go,
"Oh God forgive me when I whine,
I have it all, the world is mine..."
Thank you for the story! My childhood was a hard one, but I got over it and its consequences. I have been happy and contented ever since even if the sun doesn't shine all the time.
@annelis Thank you for that thoughtful response. As children we can't always chose what we're dealt, but we can chose how to deal with it. I'm glad you chose contentment.
What a poignant story she shared with you. You were needed there at the bank for more than one reason today... I'll not soon forget this photo or the young lady behind the desk. Thank you for sharing this.
You asked if there was a trick to getting the black background in my single tulip pic. The corner of my front room was just behind the flower. The walls are painted a dark brown so that combined with the fact the room was basically dark save for the little bit of light coming in the south-facing window gave the image the appearance of a black backdrop. On days when it's sunny and bright in here I can't achieve the same effect.
We all think ourselves to be unlucky at some point in our lives , and some think the world is contunually cruel to them.
Until you hear a story that this young woman tells .... it makes you breath in deeply and thank you lucky stars ,
@steveh Amen Steve. That's the point that struck me... I might complain about injustices in the past, and then I hear about losing one's country, and a parent and a dream...and yet she was cheerful ...just dealing with an anniversary. I wanted to put a face to a story like that , and remind us to be appreciative for all we have in the present,
Thanks for sharing this poignant story and the message it sends to all of us. What a pretty young lady and the whole scene is so beautifully photographed. She wanted to share her story to two special people who cared and listened. Bless you.
A touching story, and all so true for so many who have struggled to find meaning in life after such losses. The one thing I have learned in life is to do my best to avoid pondering on all that I think is so terrible, but instead to look around and understand that I have the opportunity to help someone else who most assuredly has it worse than I could ever imagine, even if it is just a listening ear, or a smile, or some other simple gesture of good will. You cannot help but respect the determination individuals have to move on in spite of. Thank you for sharing this Louise
Thank you for sharing this story Louise. Just today I was commenting on the rain when someone replied we could be living in the south with the devastating tornados. I very quickly thank God for the rain.
I agree very poignant story and i have been so very blessed with a wonderful life and friends. I am moved by her strength to carry on. A good reminder to be humble and thankful and always available to those who need to share. Thanks.
Great story which is superbly illustrated by this shot. I had a training company and for an icebreaker, we would sometimes play "the penny game." We'd hand out pennies from various years. The person introducing themselves had to tell a story about what was going on in that year. Being a nation of immigrants, we heard lots of poignant stories and learned how much we all have to be grateful for, even if it's being able to create a new life after a tragedy.
If we all had the awareness and consideration... to understand that each and every being on this planet... has their own trials ... what a different world it would be. Thank you for sharing Louise.
May 6th, 2014
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You asked if there was a trick to getting the black background in my single tulip pic. The corner of my front room was just behind the flower. The walls are painted a dark brown so that combined with the fact the room was basically dark save for the little bit of light coming in the south-facing window gave the image the appearance of a black backdrop. On days when it's sunny and bright in here I can't achieve the same effect.
Until you hear a story that this young woman tells .... it makes you breath in deeply and thank you lucky stars ,
Poignant tale