Happy International Women’s Day!
This My Mommy Ma, ChanTha.
She immigrated from Cambodia in the midst of the Vietnam War and Cambodian Civil War. My grandparents were killed by Pol Pot. (Cambodian version of Hitler … Google: Killing Fields).
She and my aunt escaped from one of his concentration camps and traveled by night with a group of other escapees. She endured and witnessed so much during this time. A girl from her group was blown up by a landmine, and several people got gangrene in their feet and legs. She ate field rats among other things in order to survive. She and my aunt finally made it across the border to Thailand and where later, they were sponsored by a Christian family, who they lived with for 4 years in Rockville, MD. My mom was only 15 years old at the time…
Yes … International women are beautiful… Just look at my mom. She took this picture a couple years ago when she went back to Cambodia for the first time since leaving at 15. But never underestimate a pretty face. My mom is a survivor and my role model in all things that have to do with life. I wouldn’t have been born if my mom didn’t have the inner strength and determination to live a prosperous life despite so many hardships. Whenever I’m feeling low or in turmoil, I always remind myself that the issues I have are NOTHING compared to what she’s gone through.
She is MY International Idol.
Dear Mommy Ma:
I am soo proud to be your daughter.
Kyom Srolang Ma Tran.
xo, Setarra
Linking Up With:
Friday’s Letters & Aloha Fridays
