Every family story has its ups and downs, unexpected turns, and memorable moments. Mine begins in the bustling streets of Saigon and winds its way to the vast landscapes of Australia.
Imagine living through the era of the Vietnam War. My parents did. Their lives were shaped and contoured by the relentless combination of gunshots and bomb explosions. By the time I was born in the 80s, the war had settled into history, but for my older siblings, its memories were more vivid.
Now, here’s a twist in our story: faced with the hardship of post-war Vietnam, Dad dreamt of getting us to America, and he wasn’t thinking of just any regular journey. He planned to take us there by boat. Yes, you heard that right—a boat!
But life, with its mysterious ways, had other plans. Despite trying three times, the boat journey to America remained an unfulfilled dream. But Dad’s spirit? Unbreakable. When one door (or sea route) closed, he looked elsewhere, spotting a business opportunity in lacquerware right at home. This venture wasn’t just about keeping the lights on; it was about a larger vision: securing top-tier education for us.
Australia soon became our beacon. We were lucky to fly here as overseas students. A reality check of being overseas students in Australia? It was like ordering the most expensive item on the menu every single time. Yet, my parents were undeterred. They believed in investing in quality education. One moment that would stay in my memory forever was when they’d have us wear thick jackets under Vietnam’s blazing sun in a light-hearted prep for Australia’s cooler climates. This was to help us visualise a different lifestyle and to get us ready for a new chapter. We all migrated to Australia in the end.
This roller-coaster of experiences taught me a few valuable lessons:
1. Embrace change: when plans go awry, adapt, and find another way. That’s how you turn roadblocks into stepping stones.
2. Understanding sacrifice: witnessing my parents’ efforts, from boat plans to business ventures, all to ensure our education, was a masterclass in sacrifice and priorities.
3. Never give up: Dad’s three boat attempts taught us that it’s not about how many times life throws you off course, it’s about charting a new one with even more determination.
Through all the waves we rode, both literally and figuratively, the journey instilled in us that dreams might evolve, but with tenacity and patience, they can come to life in the most unexpected ways.
May your wishes and dreams come true!
Love,
Bình
Binh Doan 