I’m back

Thanks to everyone who emailed and posted condolences for the death of my father – it really meant a lot. Unfortunately, I barely had any internet access at home and haven’t replied yet.

I arrived back home around 8 pm Sunday night, though my body was still thinking it was 4 am. I didn’t sleep at all during the 12 hour flight. Instead, I watched two Korean movies (200 Pound Beauty and Seducing Mr. Perfect), Night at The Museum, and Eragon. Yesterday was my first day back at work and everyone was really supportive and kind. Our co-workers covered classes for Raswan and I while we were away.

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My father died at the age of 53 due to circumstances that arose from having a stroke. It all came as a shock because this was a man that loved the outdoors, was active, and had just retired two weeks ago to spend most of his time fishing on the Oregon coast. He was actually in the process of buying a beach house there. He had worked hard all his life for our family, emigrating to the United States with $10 in his pocket. What saddens me the most about his death is that he never fully got his chance to relax and have time for himself – he was so busy providing for us. His life ended too soon.

In accordance with Laotian custom, we had a five day mourning period for him – two before the funeral, the funeral day, and two days after. My brother and two uncles were temporarily ordained as monks for the funeral. My father was cremated and his ashes scattered on the Oregon coast. May he rest in peace there.