Reading for class...tried to at least

It's been an extremely busy day. After one week off to handle my dads' passing, funeral proceedings, mass, prayers and spending time w/ mom and family, I returned to work today and tomorrow, then off for rest of the week for more prayer, viewing, and funeral at 6 am Saturday. Tomorrow isn't going to be easier. Work 8a - 5 pm, then class 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. It's tough, but have to remain strong for the family and mom. All of my siblings have been home for the entire week. It's really rare to have all of us home. But we're all here to help mom handle dad's passing. Need to take a picture of all the siblings with mom.

These last few days, I've only gotten a few hours of sleep each night. I'm trying to read two chapters for tomorrow's class. I wound up reading Le MBA's blog instead. I did scan through a few pages of the book. Ok now back to the book....seriously..

First Family Meeting

Last Friday, I went to pick up some soda for the family and come back to an impromptu family meeting. In fact it was the 1st one in our entire history I can remember of. We discussed about getting the older brothers to get a long. There's always been issues between all of them. About every time there's a family get together, at least one gets mad another. This meeting was to prevent any that probably will happen. So far so good. It's the end of Sunday now, so there's no argument so far. Three days of no argument too optimistic? Hopefully not...

Difficulties of sleeping

It's now12:44 am Thursday, 4/13/06. I haven't sleep very well these last few days. I think the earliest time was 4:00 am. I've been busy getting music for my nephew. He's in charge of putting together the slide show for my dad's viewing for next week. Since this weekend (4/15-4/16) is Easter weekend, the church does not allow any funeral. So the funeral is scheduled for next Saturday (4/22). We've had prayers and mass every day since his death. Tomorrow...I mean today, I'm taking my older brother and his son (my godson) to go shopping. I've been soo busy w/ caring for my dad in the hospital and dealing w/ his death, that I forgot about taxes. Gotta get that done this week.

Next week will be the heaviest schedule. Prayers Mon-Wed, the viewing is 10 am-8 pm Thurs and Friday. The funeral mass is scheduled for 6:20 am Saturday, then burial, and eating at my parents place. Sorry...moms' house. I'm still having difficulties w/ calling addressing parents to mom. Singular now...

not able to sleep

It's 5:24 am Monday morning I haven't been able to sleep. I've keep busy this sleepless night w/ poems to my dad...

Outside, I am sturdy
Outside, I am strong
Inside, I am hurt
Inside, I am empty
Inside, my heart aches for my father

Must not think
Must keep busy
Must not let my heart ache
Must keep strong for my mother
Must not think of our lost
Must not let my mothers’ heart ache

I wrap my arms around my nieces
I wrap my arms around my nephews
I wrap my arms around my sisters
I wrap my arms around my brothers
I wrap my arms around my mom
I wrap my heart around my dad

I love you dad…

Don’t tremble
Don’t close my eyes
Don’t let my tears run
Don’t seal my trembling lips
Don’t let my aching heart start
Don’t forget my dad.

RIP

My father passed...Friday April 7, 2006 9:43 pm

I love you dad...

Preparing for the eventual...

I've been steel'n myself for this eventual time. It's almost here. All of my siblings have arrived. Their various offsprings are arriving this weekend. My father is wants to go home from the hospital. It will only be a few days before he will pass once he goes home.

I'm selecting some pictures I have of my dad for the slideshow to for the display. I've realized that most pictures I have are from the Vietnam trip we took together in May 2004. Now that was a trip tracing the footsteps of my family









While I did get some pictures from my nephews. Some of them are definintely cool. Just like this one of him kicking our asses at Texas Hold'em last mont. Poker is my dad's favorite game. I remember as a kid staying up all night for Vietnamese New Year playing 5 card Ace draw. It's a variation to poker. Yeah...that's my dad

But this one is really signficant. All four generations of the Vu family. First son of the first son, of the first son...Bearing the name of the Vu. Maybe one day I'll have one of my family line.

Pictures capture the event and help us relive the the memories. We are the a cummulation of our memories.