Embracing Our Origin
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This is our story…..
1969-1974
My birth name is Malis and Brandon Mam American name . I was born in Cambodia in 1969. I am the oldest of three siblings, Srey Srous and Reasey. My younger sister left us at a very young age from high fever. I believe it was the chicken pox. I came to the World when the country engulfed with chaos, War and destruction.
1975-1979
The Communist or Khmer Rouge invaded Cambodia. They forced my Grandmother, Mother, Brother and I to the country side. I remember we walked many nights and many days before we reached our destination. The home that I cherished during my childhood. It was made out of bamboo and palm leaves. It stood about 6 foot high with 6 stilts. At a young age I explore the jungle. I hunt for fish, crabs, tarantulas, eels, snails and anything that move. This was food that fed my Grandmother, brother and I. My mother was force to labor camp. I seldom see her. She never talked about her hardship.
1979-1981
The War ended in 1979. I remember we gathered our belongings and it wasn’t much to bring. I had two little chickens with me. My family were the last one to leave the jungle. As we headed back to the city. My step father built a bamboo floats that hauled our family back to the city. It was a ghost town. There wasn’t many people in the city. The homes were empty and left abandoned since 1979. I exploit throughout the city, from house to house. I was just curious. I was in this building that was built by the French. It was a room full of books but somehow I manage to crawl in that space. It was very tight hole and somehow I managed to crawl in there. I did many things and danger was never enter my mind.
1981-1982
My Grandmother, brother and I had to leave the city. I have to say good bye to my mother. My brother and I bow to her to honor and pay respect. I did not remember if there was any emotion. What was my mother’s mind set? May be it was the best for us to leave because grandmother knew that we must leave this War torn country. My brother and I have no future here. Our journey continued and we left the city. We headed to Thailand, Khoa E Dang. It was a journey to get there but for me it was adventure. I was up to this incredible journey. Also the birth of new beginning for my wife to be…
1982- Journey to USA and the Birth of Preah Neang Keo
I do not recall how long we stayed at the refugee camp but we have so much memories at Koa E Dang. For me always an exploration. I know all the ins and outs at the camp. Oh yes the drama play, movies and playing games with other children. Finding things to do was not hard for me.
I remember the time we must leave the camp. My Grandmother and my cousins are heading to Paris, France. My brother and I are heading to the United States. I have realized it was very hard for my Grandmother to leave us. The separation was difficult for her. Major of her children are in Paris. My father is the only son that lived in the USA. We must go our separate way there to be with him. We saw many pictures of my father. I remember letter writing was very common at the time. I have not see my father since he left Cambodia in the early 70’s. I believed my Mother was pregnant with my brother at the time.
My Grandmother made sure I have some money before she headed to Paris. I remember waving goodbye from the distance. She is in a bus headed to Bankok’s Airport headed to France. My brother and waited for our tickets to the USA. We stayed at the orphanage until we headed to the USA. Goodbye Grandmother, Koa E Dang’s refugee camp, my beloved mother and so long Cambodia. A beautiful birth, a new beginning is born in the heart of Cambodia.
1983-1994
My name keo Solyda I was born in the heart of Cambodia. I am the 3rd oldest. The oldest is my brother, Seth. The 2nd oldest is SreyMom and the youngest is SreyNuch. I live in Chak Angre, Cambodia. I have many siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. Just to think back about my story is very traumatizing but I will share it with you.
I do not remember when my father and mother were married. I just remember that he joined the military. He was never home as far as can remember. My mother works at the factory. I find joy with my siblings. We played many games just to keep us occupied with our happiness.
My mother has an older brother. His job is in Police Department. What I can remember about him he has brought many pain and suffering to me and my siblings. There was no-one to defend us. When he consumed alcohol, there is a demon inside of him. I remember to stay far away from him. Every time when we whistle, me and the siblings must come to him quickly. If you are the last person. You will get a beating. Many times by his belt and he would ridicule you with his arrogant behavior.
My brother was the one who received the most beating. The three of us would cuddle up and shed many tears. My youngest one was too young to witness. I wanted to tell my father so desperately but he was never there for us. My mother witness the abuse but she was not able to defend us. I would find love and affection from a distance Grandpa and Grandmother. They brought the happiness to my life.
They took me in as their child. They lived a few blocks from my house. Grandma was a food specialist. She makes this special dessert. I would compare it to pancakes. She wakes up early every morning to prepare the dessert. After the sale I would shower with gifts. As a child this all I ever wanted. The love and affection. Grandpa loves to put me on his shoulder. He told everyone in the neighbor that I am a special child. Someday I will go to the USA. I was approximately at the age of seven. I have no idea what Grandma was talking about. The neighbor they laughed and teased him. But I am happy to be with them and Grandpa was manifesting my future…..
