In Memory of my Dad_Phat Tran-Lam

 

Farewell my Dad

In 1979, I see off my Father returned to his hometown.
I hurriedly bid farewell to my country and left.
Not knowing what the future held,
I had to endure the pain of parting from Father once more.
Watching the bus arrive to pick up Father at the gate,
I tearfully apologized for my filial disobedience to Father
Then tomorrow I would go far away
Without relatives, acquaintances, or friends
In a foreign land, I would look back at my country
A quiet life of a widow raising children
I lost track, my Father waiting and longing
In 1987, Fairyland, where Father arrived

Phat Tran-Lam

Feb. 2026

Note: My dad passed away on March 27, 1987 (February 28 on the lunar calendar). At the time, I was living in Virginia with my family and working at the Power Training Center in Chesterfield. The United States and Vietnam had not yet established normal relations, so communication was very limited.
I didn’t learn of his passing until later that year, when my friend’s brother in California called to tell me. It was a very difficult moment.

Music created by AI SUNO

1. Country Music style:

2. Ballad style: