Arrival in Laos

Some of you already know the story of how Thipp left Laos and eventually came to Canada.  In 1978, Thipp's sister Na decided to escape communist Laos.  As Thipp, who was six at the time, lived primarily with Na she decided to take Thipp with her.  They crossed the Mekong River by inner-tube at night for Thailand.  Not even their parents knew that they were leaving.  Three years after living in a Thai refugee they were sponsored to immigrate to Canada.

Thipp didn't return to Laos for the first time until she was 23.  She has kept a strong connection with her family, visited often, and helped-out in many ways.  This trip was special.  No sooner had our truck stopped outside her family home then Thipp quickly made her way to where elderly mother sat waiting for.  Thipp then said something to the effect of "Mom, this is your grandson," and handed Alex to be held by his only living grandparent. Then the three of them sat quietly together.