"Cám ơn"

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Two words, one meaning: gratitude.

 

Thank you.

 

Thank you, to the woman who gave birth to me and raised me until her final breath, her chest rising and falling slowly into a quiet slumber - stark, in contrast, to how mine was when she held me in her arms sixteen years ago.

 

Thank you, to the father who taught me how not to be relient on him, but on myself, as I strive to accomplish what he never could and when he can't be here for me because he chose to pave his own selfish path littered with empty promises of, "Don't worry, I'll always be here," and "I'll come back to take care of you" and scattered goals.

 

Thank you, to the grandfather who has stood by my side all this time despite all the hardships thrown at you - from trying to create a better life for yourself after leaving Vietnam and coming to California only to put me, before yourself, telling me that you only want my future to be a bright and painless one compared to what you had to go through.

 

Thank you, to the older brother who has held my hand since we were kids and patting my back now that we're older, and for always telling me that I have a good head on my shoulders ("You're almost there, kid! Get yourself together! Don't give up just yet, this is only the beginning!") 

 

Thank you, to myself, for pushing yourself the hardest you can and trying to keep your goals ahead of you instead of looking back on what you could've changed, or what you could've done better (This is your last year until adulthood, don't mess it up!)

 

Thank you.

 

"Cám ơn".

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