Friendship is Priceless

by Lamvi Dao. Edited by Jesse Stamell.

I wouldn’t have survived to see this day if it were not for my friends.

From California, my good friend, Bao Nguyen, who is a dentist for US Navy. Bao helped me so much during my first months in the US. From Boston, there was Thanh, Tran, and their entire family, who gave me a place to stay, food to eat, and affection. And there was Hoa Phan in Dorchester, MA, who was like a big brother to me. He looked after me so many times. If he had not been there for me, I would not be here writing these words. Thank you, Hoa.

I’d also like to thank 4 very special ladies from Boston who are like sisters. I’ve spent so much time with them and they cared for me very well. I only finished college because they pushed me and provided me with a steady stream of comfort and motivation. Yeah, that’s you gals, Trang, June, Vi girl, and Kheudame.

Recently, with big help from my friends in New York, I was able to land an IT job in Charlotte, NC. I’d like to thank my New York friends as well.  Wassup Theladders! You guys and gals are best. Luke Wolckenhauer, Stephen Tam, Joanne Chan, and my big brother Jay Serrano.

I also had a good number of friends from Pulau Bidong Island. One of them in particular I consider to have been my best friend. During those three harsh years on Pulau Bidong and Sungai Besi, we hung out together almost every night. We went to church together. We joined Catholic Eucharistic Youth Organization together. My friend became Huynh Truong, or Big Brother, while I was busy chasing the girls around the church ground. We shared everything that we had: toys, food, drinks, cakes, chips… We also played soccer and exercised together as well. His name is Hân, Nguyễn Công Hân and is currently living well in California.

Much love and thanks to all of my friends who have helped me live a blessed life.