The Nguyen Kids: The Journey of the Ancestors' Gifts
about where my parents came from and where I come from us inside An older woman with long straight hair waves Dad hurries to the door a suitcase in each hand Chào Chị Ba he says as he greets the woman They speak in Vietnamese and hug and laugh I’m glad she seems nice My body tingles with excitement But once I’m inside the house I feel a heaviness on my shoulders It’s a bit spooky Jay holds Mom’s hand as they come inside last I don’t want you or Dad to go he whispers to Mom I try to help Jay it’s only for five days We will have fun 3
Dad puts his hands on Jay’s shoulders We’ll get you settled first Okay Jaco buddy He was going to say Jacob Jay asked us to stop calling him that a few months ago I think it is harder for Dad and Mom to make the change than it is for me They are older Hello Chị Ba Mom says and then adds Liz Anne Jay as she points to each of us Kids this is your auntie Cô Ba Dad says Jay and I wave hello Liz goes over and hugs our auntie like Dad did Jay wipes his eyes Why can’t we all be together Mom and Dad want a break Don’t be such a baby Liz says still holding auntie’s hand 4
I’m not a baby Jay snaps back Liz Not helpful I say firmly but gently It is my job as the oldest sibling to take care of them both I adjust my glasses standing a bit straighter I take my job very seriously Liz pauses but then pulls me away Explore time She cannot sit still for long I touch my jade bangle around my wrist Grandma Nội’s gift to me She died three years ago Dad and Mom say we Vietnamese believe the spirits of our family our ancestors stay with us after they pass away We pray to them and they bring us luck I believe it Grandma Nội’s house is so different from 5
