LE, KIM-CHI - The place had special meaning

The place that has a special meaning to me was my native home, VIET-NAM.

I grew up in a town in Viet-Nam. The country is lush. My family lived in a beautiful place. About one mile behind my house was a street for cars, and about two miles from my house was the Mekong River. When I stood in my yard, I could see the cars run on the road and the boats sail on the river. In front of my house was a small road close to the river.

I lived in a tropical location. This climate helped us grow food easily. Vegetables grew by themselves easily. My family was comfortable living there.
We didn’t spend too much money; but we got a lot of benefit from our surroundings.

When the French took over my country, my parent’s house was used as a head quarter for about one hundred military men who were stationed there. In 1954, the French lost. They had to retreat to their country. We came back to live in the house again. But I was surprised! Why was our house so messy? The yard around our house had too much junk. I felt unhappy. My mother asked me, “I think you don’t feel good, do you?” I answered, “I wish it could stay the same. I liked it better before it changed.” My mother answered with a sweet voice. She said, “Don’t be upset any more, sweetheart. Probably, we can clean up! You are more important to me!” and I saw her eyes had turned red. I became quiet. I got nostalgic, my family was happy!
In 1979 I had left my sweet home and came to the USA. I liked living in iet-Nam and I will miss it forever. The weather was always very comfortable, and there were lots of delicious foods, and fruits. The U.S is a great country, but my roots and memories are still in Viet-Nam.