Dear Grandpa,

Even though I haven’t met you, I bet you were a loving father.  I wish I ventured on your journey to freedom with you when you escaped from the communists in Vietnam.  We could have visited all the different countries that rejected you because they weren’t accepting refugees.  I would be able to see the Indonesian ocean guards, who guarded their land and refused to let your boat dock.  I would have also witnessed all the food, houses, and games in Malaysia, where you sought your refuge.

At the last minute of your escape from Vietnam, why did you have to abandon your family?  My mom told me that you had an argument with Grandma, who wanted you to leave your mistress.  She was destroying your relationship.  But you didn’t listen to Grandma; instead, you left your family.  Grandma had to take care of the children herself.  I feel sad knowing you left your wife and children behind.  If you had stayed with your family, my mom wouldn’t have missed you nor would she feel incomplete.

My mom really misses you now that you’re gone.  You visited my mom in her dreams.  I wish you could visit me in my dreams as well.  When you visit me, you could explain to me why you did the things you did to your family.  In my dreams, we could get to know each other and I could keep you company.  Please come to me in my dreams.

I love you.

Love,

Jason, age 10