We children bless our fathers and their memory for their love and lessons they instilled in us. For these two great men, love of family and self sacrifice filled their lives and taught us to set our sights on what is lasting and meaningful. At sea, they gave up everything to seek safety and a better future for their families. For their courage and sacrifice, we can do nothing to repay but to honor them. For in the Vietnamese way, what is the measure of a man or a woman but in how he or she honors his parents. And so, for these men and women, our parents, we offer up lasting gratitude and remembrance for their love, their greatness and the honor that we bear in their name. And unto the Eternal Creator, we children entrust their spirits' return as we hold fast to the memory and legacy of their honor filled lives.
That is so beautiful, Anh Quoc.
ReplyDeleteYou are so correct in that the legacy of your father Cau Nam and mine will live on forever in each one of us. I always wonder if it would be sacrifice or love that we will remember. If it would be heroic actions or loving gestures that our children will inherit. As for me, I will always remember holding my father's hand saying the rosary loud enough so that he can hear--so that I could be his voice praying to God on his behalf on his last hours on earth.
May the Lord have mercy on the souls of our fathers and grant them eternal peace.
Amen.
PS. You wrote so beautifully that I wish you would take time to write more.