ELECTION

For now, it’s an odd topic to talk about – not even a hint of election campaign is on air – not in this country. But right in this tiny world where I’m engaging a life not my own displays a fair expression of rights.

My kids at the center had chosen two leaders to monitor their daily activities. They casted their votes and counted every single ballot fair enough for the kids to hear and see. It was a fair election I’ve ever seen in years – right before my eyes – in the absence of total corruption and injustice – just right here.

      

Another Lesson Learned

Last night, I got another private message on Facebook – a hurting one – an unexpected power of words to take. It surprised me to the fullest. More than just embarrassment and shame, it almost killed me. I was mistakenly described in three words: fake, liar, uncommitted – for sure, only unreal friends could utter.

And like any messages I get every day, thought it didn’t bother me, but it did. Then followed by disturbing quotes posted on his wall, obviously addressed to me – was another lesson learned. All this long I thought he was a real friend – it made me wonder now. 

Emotion

This is the moment in my life when rhythm or rhyme does not make sense; when every word or verse seems meaningless – music is just an irritating noise. No matter how beautiful the melody of the song being composed, my heart is unreceptive – I can’t feel the emotion – it’s dry and boring.

I don’t want to brag my musical inclination, I’m just trying to be honest – more than my love for music – I’m also gifted with such a beautiful thing. So I’m in the right position to say – we need emotional rightness to appreciate every single song -not this time.

Neutral

She speaks Vietnamese while the rest of the passengers and the driver speak Khmer. Luckily, I speak these two seemingly confusing tongues. So caught in a rare scenario – in this squeezed in vehicle among passengers whom I don’t even share the same heritages – and no matter, I’m still an outsider.

I was sitting in the middle of people  of diverse languages, and if not for the courage, don’t think would be able to make things easier although an awkward sign language could have been an option. It was a privilege to interpret words when no one’s around to do so.

    

A Father Instinct

For many times, I couldn’t really relate to a prodigal son’s story because I had never been a black sheep in the family or have lost a son yet. Now that I take care kids not my own, I am beginning to comprehend that instinct – the feeling of losing the one you love – not necessarily a separation through death.

There was a girl whom I took care and risked my life to protect her from that monster. I thought she was an innocent a prey. Only to find out- she gave up her dream and lived together with that devourer.