Uncle Khankham (continue)

A few months into our stay in refugee camp, Uncle Phoukham and Aunt Khankheo also escaped out of Laos and joined us in camp. Soon after uncle Khankham also reunited with us. Due to overcrowding in the camp, Uncle Khankham and Aunt Khankheo were relocated to one of the island in the Phillipines near the U.S. Clark Airbase. We weren't sure if we would ever see them again. I remember sobbing violently as I watched my aunt and uncle rode off in of the 5 buses that left camp that morning. It was quite a walk from the loading zone to our shelter. I elected to walk back by myself. I would have been 11 years of age or so. Soon after that, we left for the U.S. with only Uncle Khankham being left behind.

He is a survivor. We the kids have a very special relationship with our two uncles and aunt. Our aunts and uncle have never been far away even when we are apart. When we were back in Laos, our home was in a gated compound along with my grandmother's house and aunt's house. Uncle Khankham, Phoukham and aunt Khankheo and Samph were all still living at home with my grandmother and grandfather. Before I go any further, it is necessary to give insight into the importance of age and title in the Lao culture. Aunt and Uncle who are older than one's mom and dad have a different title than the younger uncle and aunt. Their title must be recognized along with their names when address them. One never call aunt and uncle by their first name. My older aunt and her husband lived in a house on the other side of my grandparent's house along with their 7 children when we left. And we lived on the other side. Sharing of time, resources, support, joy and sorrow come automatically without hesitation. We daily had interaction with our immediate and extended family.