The Unwinding of the Miracle: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Everything That Comes After

Imagine a tiny infant, barely two months old, wrapped in soiled, hand-me-down clothes, embarking on a bus journey destined to take her to an herbalist who might end her life. This is not a tale of despair but one of miraculous survival and the indomitable will to live. Against the backdrop of a war-torn Vietnam, where cultural beliefs harshly judged disability, this infant's survival was nothing short of a miracle. The grandmother, convinced that blindness was a curse and a burden, ordered a potion to make the child sleep forever, a tragic decision reflecting the grim realities for disabled children in that time and place. Yet, the infant’s parents, despite immense pressure, chose to protect and care for her, defying cultural norms and risking family discord. Their love and determination became the first thread in a tapestry of resilience that would define her life.

The journey from Vietnam to America, escaping on a fragile boat with countless others, was another testament to survival. Amidst storms and uncertainty, the family clung to hope, seeking refuge and a chance at a new beginning. This passage from darkness to light encapsulates the human spirit's capacity to endure and adapt. The infant, now a child, faced the challenges of blindness in a new world, learning to navigate unfamiliar surroundings with courage and resourcefulness. The early years of her life, marked by poverty, stigma, and physical limitation, forged a character of remarkable strength.

Her story invites us to reflect on the fragility of life and the unexpected miracles that occur when love and resilience intersect. It reminds us that beginnings, no matter how fraught, can lead to extraordinary journeys. As we move forward, we will explore how this foundation of survival shapes the path through illness, love, and legacy.