The time was the mid-80s.
The place was Nguyen Hue Boulevard.
The life story was of those three elder brothers of five orphanage sibling, whose father was missing at sea, mother was running away because of the unbearable thought of having to bring up the children alone.
They were being left behind, finding themselves looked after by their grandparent.
Wanting to help out, the three brothers walked the long stretch of the bustling street of Nguyen Hue Boulevard making small earnings. Day after days, starting before night falls and ending just after midnight, they begged to sell cigarettes and chewing gums to passerby and nightlife patrons of well-lighted restaurants and bars to dimmer street side eateries lining up Saigon River’s harbor strip.
The beginning was not easy. They were often getting lured into a fight with those who came before and took claim over the establishment of what so called: “business operating perimeter.” That is not to mention that the eldest brother was being bullied for being a half-breed, con lai – children born to a U.S. military father and a South Vietnamese mother. So, it was not surprised for one, two, or all of them coming home with some type of bloody scratches here and there; considering it a blessing that they were not getting stabbed or worse yet, loose their life.
There were nights when those pairs of legs got tired and stomachs growled as hunger called, leftover dishes and drinks would look as good as any. They jumped at the chance to clear those bowls and down those glasses as the diners paying the bill and getting ready to leave. Or else, the food service helpers would soon clean those up for dish washing.
Under the watchful eyes of the surrounding people, they obviously felt embarrassed, but so what?
The sky was clear; the stars were shining bright.
When all the noises faded into the night, they silently walked home to a family with a love no less.
They are my cousin brothers and I’m proud of them.
Reminiscing about the past, there is no bearing of anger toward anyone or anything. There is only love. And that tomorrow sun will shine just as bright on the white clouds decorated blue sky. With hope and determination, we will overcome.
