When my family attempted to escape Vietnam, we were caught a couple of times (it took a total of 12 times for us to make it). One of those times we were sent to a makeshift jail in Can Tho. I was allowed to roam freely while my mom, dad and older brother were locked up (I was a non threatening 4 year old; but little did they know). I played with the guards, jumped in the river, played with the livestock...it was great! My brother and I were released early with my mom. My dad stayed back. Before I left my dad signaled me to come over to give him a kiss. Which I did, he then slid a cigar tube to me and told me not to react or tell my mom until we got home. When we got home I told my mom, no wonder my dad told me not to tell her; I swear he probably heard her scream from Saigon. In that tube that my dad carried inside him were diamonds that we sold to start our life in the US. I always say jokingly that I've been a diamond dealer since I was 3...kinda, not really, but kinda.

After a few more weeks in the makeshift Can Tho jail he was released and planned another escape for our family. It took a total of 12 times before we escaped Vietnam. He was the captain of the boat, though he never driven a boat before. I remember everyone was below deck, we we were squeezed in like sardines; it smelled like humid human waste. I remember looking through the portholes at the flying fish swimming and flying side by side, some days we were lucky and saw dolphins; I remember how jealous I was of their freedom. It took 3 nights 2 days to make it to Pulau Bidong Malaysia. Even that did not go smoothly, the boat hit a reef and was taking in water, violently rocking back and forth, I was on the deck laid out flat praying louder every time the boat rocked from the waves hitting it. My dad rescued our family and swam back to help those that needed to be helped. I sat on the beach and waited for my dad to come in, when he was done he sat next to me and I remembered the little streams of blood that the waves took out to sea from my dad's torn feet.

A few years ago dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. He's doing great now. But one of the treatments with prostate cancer is called "cyberknife" before they start treatment they have to insert fiducial gold markers in your prostate. These markers help the oncologist/urologist pinpoint the cancer easier. HOWEVER, the only way place these markers is through the booty. I remember sitting there with dad in his gown, turned on his left side facing me. He said, the last time I had something in my butt was that cigar tube. LOL!!! I laughed, he laughed, the dr told him not to laugh because it made him clench. LOLOLOL.

You father sounds like a great man! Have you considered recording these stories for future generations? I'm sure your kids would love to have them when they're older.

Thanks for sharing Dave. What a great story.

It shows how good of a man he was to want his family to have a better life, even taking on issues in the path. A great man.

Inspirational. God Bless you and your family, David.

Your dad sounds like a great man, Dave.
I think I heard that story before, but it was about a gold watch. Do you go by the name, Butch?

A great story...very inspiring...


Reminded me on this scene...LOL

Your father is a true hero and a great man. I say that with the utmost confidence, never having met him, and I'm sure you agree. I'd also be willing to bet that he's the kind that would be embarrassed to be called those things. Most true heroes are.

Thank you for sharing your story.

BTW - you were an international diamond smuggler at 3yo. You've just gone legit now, is all.

-Rob

Thanks David. Your Father was a true Hero who wanted his family to have a better life in a free country.

quote:

BTW - you were an international diamond smuggler at 3yo. You've just gone legit now, is all.

David Troung is Michael Coleone!

Thanks for sharing that Dave.

Thank you for sharing this.

Silent

WOW, Very Inspiring story of Heroism, and the sheer will to overcome! God has certainly blessed you, and your family!

The quest for FREEDOM, driven by love of God, Family and ultimately Country, will NOT be deterred....Ever!

I don't have the words sir to adequately convey my feelings about this post or your father. I will just say may blessings continue for him, you and your family.

Great story Dave! I'm glad to hear your Dad is doing well...cherish him.

Wow. Your Dad is an amazing man. Thanks for sharing him with us Dave.

Great and inspirational to hear stories like that, especially with a happy ending. Some of the things that our ancestors went through that enabled us to be here today seem so difficult now.
Hope your father continues to do well. Prostate cancer, especially at an older age, has so many treatments nowadays and typically grows very slowly so his prognosis is likely good. They say that once you are past 60 or so, you will likely die with it but not of it.

Dave, that's a great story and I think you can be justly proud of your Dad. It sure sounds like you were a pretty brave and tough 4 year old, too.

Bob

Wonderful story Dave.

Thanks for sharing and it kind of reminds me of when I had a colonoscopy a few years ago. As the nurse was leading me to the room for the procedure I joked with her. I asked if anyone had ever written "exit only" above their anus. While laughing, she said "no", but people had threatened to do so.

After prep etc I did hear some laughing...

Back to your story, fortitude is what makes the man/woman and it sounds like you and your family have bucket loads of fortitude. Congrats!

Great story about an even greater man (and family).