We are a family.

On or about summer of 1978, it has been almost 3 years since the Royal Lao Government was overthrown by the Communist Pathet Lao. I was in a 6th grade. Like any afternoon when school was over, I was in our family room reading by myself and waiting until Tavi and I would head over to the temple for our daily soccer kick around with other kids from town. Next room was dad's office, that's where dad would spend his afternoon. This afternoon was different than any other. This afternoon mom (damduan) was in the office conversing with dad (Theuang). By the tone and volume of the conversation, I knew it was a very serious discussion. Obviously, I had to listen closely and very carefully. I recalled mom adamantly telling dad that we are family. We will go together. My thoughts raised and my heart sank as I knew immediately the topic of their discussion.

Over the course of the past 3 years, the communist Pathet Lao party has methodically rebuilding the country by purging any remnants of the old government structure. Rather than risking being imprison, placement in labor camp and re-education center, many of the old Royal Lao loyalsit elected to secretly escape out of Laos. Dad recognized that his days of usefulness to the communist party is drawing near. It is inevitable that he too will face a long and perhaps permanent separation from his family. Dad had served a very important role in the office of treasury for the Royal Lao government. Recognizing the skills and the experience in my father,the communist party had enlisted his ally and his experience in restructuring of the new monetary system. Dad with his quiet dignity and humility cooperate recognizing his gesture of good will somehow will delay the inevitable. His service for the new Pathet Lao party required him to travel extensively.

Dad wanted to escape first by himself to Thailand. Once he is safe and established in a refugee camp, he will then send for mom and us. Mom would not hear of it. They both had their shares of painful losses already (I will elaborate on the losses in other entry). I knew immediately what my parents were planning. We are leaving Laos. What am I to do with this privileged information. As thousand of Laotians were leaving regularly, there was a massive collective paranoia all over the land. I kept what I heard to myself. Fear was constant for me especially at night. I wasn't sure if mom or dad ever knew that I overheard their conversation. Mom was able to convince dad to wait until the time is right for all of us to leave together.