I remember this event well. Steve and I had been on home leave in the States for Christmas and arrived back in Saigon to the news about Phuoc Long. We were two days late because of airline complications. Our housekeeper/cook worried that we wouldn't come back at all, which tells me she and the Vietnamese had a feeling about the disasters to come. However, as you pointed out, life went on as usual - for awhile.
My mom had mentioned that too. "Well, at this point I don’t know what to say – – none of us do – – but the Vietnamese are all very pessimistic about the situation." It must have put us all on the edge! I work with young kids all the time and I can hardly imagine putting them in that situation.
Kat, when I read your mom's letter, so composed, and yet with such keen insight of what might be coming, I get chills. Thank you for continuing to give us glimpses of what it must have been like for her, your father, and all those who experienced these grim signs of what was to come.
The Vietnamese staff at Steve’s office were saying they were going to die and wanted to go home to be with their families.
Kat, it’s so cool to have someone to share these experiences with who knows what it was like.
It was so painful wasn't it? I'm glad, also, that we are able to share--whew!
I remember this event well. Steve and I had been on home leave in the States for Christmas and arrived back in Saigon to the news about Phuoc Long. We were two days late because of airline complications. Our housekeeper/cook worried that we wouldn't come back at all, which tells me she and the Vietnamese had a feeling about the disasters to come. However, as you pointed out, life went on as usual - for awhile.
My mom had mentioned that too. "Well, at this point I don’t know what to say – – none of us do – – but the Vietnamese are all very pessimistic about the situation." It must have put us all on the edge! I work with young kids all the time and I can hardly imagine putting them in that situation.
Kat, when I read your mom's letter, so composed, and yet with such keen insight of what might be coming, I get chills. Thank you for continuing to give us glimpses of what it must have been like for her, your father, and all those who experienced these grim signs of what was to come.
Thank you, Denise, for letting me know how the story sweeps you up and affects you. It definitely inspires me to keep going!