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 a 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: