A Reader’s Perspective: Nostalgic Jade from Vietnam!
[Periodically, I publish curated comments posted by readers over a period of time. For the past 2 months (since March 17, 2023), the posts in this blog have been viewed more than 3,000 times in 25 countries, in order of most number of views to the least:
Canada, Philippines, U.S., Hongkong SAR China, Australia, Portugal, India, South Korea, U.K., Mexico, Ireland, Singapore, Sweden, U.A.E., Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, Moldova, Ukraine, Belarus, Pakistan, Kuwait, Iraq, Brazil, & Finland.
With the huge number of comments I receive everyday, I have set two requirements before I publish a reader’s curated comments: written consent/permission to publish them, and the curated comments have reached at least between 800 and 1,000 words. I make sure that the final piece retains the original thoughts and style as I received them. There is not much editing, except to tailor it according to SEO (Search Engine Optimization) standard.]
This post is from comments submitted by Jade from Vietnam, for a period April 10 to May 20, 2023. This is published with her permission.
On: Permission
(Comment posted: May 20, 2023)
Hello! A great thank you for publishing some of my comments to your posts. I have decided to agree with you that my thoughts may be worthy of sharing to other readers. My doubts subsided upon seeing some readers agreeing to posting their comments. I just finished reading the post of Sofia from Mexico. I am touched by her sharing.
Also, beautiful to see articles from WenF from Philippines and Precious from Canada. I can feel they all come from their hearts. Thank you to all of them.
So, yes, you may publish my comments. I know they are not that much. But good luck!
On: The Day Canada Stood Still
(Comment posted: April 10, 2023)
This is my first time to see a blog. And the first time to write a comment. A cousin in B.C. shared with me the link to your blog.
I totally still remember this event. I was about 9 years old. Our family was in Gatineau, Quebec at the time. My father was having some kind of a business meeting with some partners in that place.
Yes, it could be terrifying. If only I understood what was happening. My father tried to downplay the power outage. Although he himself had no idea what was happening, either.
It was a couple of days, when we were back in Halifax when we understood what really happened
On: 7 Reasons Why I Love Springtime in Ontario, Canada
(Comment posted: April 20, 2023)
This post on Springtime in Canada tugs my heart. I was born in Vietnam and our family moved to Nova Scotia when I was 8 years old. My father started some business in Halifax back in 1988. In the year 2000 he sold the business, and we relocated to Markham, in Ontario.
After finishing university, I got married at the age of 25. That marriage was blessed with three adorable children. Unfortunately, our union ended in divorce in 2010. In 2015, I decided to go back to my roots here in Hanoi. And I have never been happier.
The way you describe Springtime in Ontario brought back so many memories. All the things you listed about the season are close to my heart. At a very young age I already taught my young children how to appreciate the outdoors. And, yes, Springtime was something we looked forward to. The smell of blooming flowers is still fresh in my memories.
We now live in Hanoi countryside. And I have never second-guessed my decision to bring my family here. The weather here is like a perpetual Springtime in Canada. Vietnam is a very beautiful country. So many changes had happened since how things were when we moved to Canada.
Thank you for bringing back my good memories about Canada. A part of me will always remain there.
Have you been to Vietnam? You may want to give it a thought. I am sure you will be happy you visit my beloved country.
On: A Confession Of The Other Woman
(Comment posted: April 25, 2023)
This post about the other woman has provoked something deep inside me. You see, my beautiful marriage ended with another woman. I still nurse some pains, and maybe anger.
Over the years I have been trying to heal myself. And your article about the other woman gives me a pause. I try to tell myself that the other woman is not an evil incarnate. They have their own stories to tell. Maybe I can let go more if I think this way that I cannot really give them all the blame.
I just wish them happiness, the happiness that was taken away from my family. Maybe what you are trying to portray about the other woman is right. They do not mean any harm to other people. I can let go of my pain if I think this way.
Leaving Canada has helped my healing. And being at home in Hanoi has made a lot of difference in my life.
Thank you.
On: Ottawa Tulip Festival 2023
(Comment posted: May 17, 2023)
For 27 years that I was in Canada, there was only a few times that we missed this very beautiful event in Ottawa. I enjoyed it so much when I was a kid. And I made sure my own children appreciated it in their early years as well.
Thank you for featuring this, and the pictures.
I am sure some day, when the total healing has come full circle, I will visit Canada. I cannot escape the reality of my identity that Canada is part of me. My formative years happened in that beautiful country. I must admit that my life as a whole has been greatly influenced by Canada. It was sad that just one single event in my life has marred the beautiful memories.
Please continue your nice posts. I try all my best to check them as often as I can. I wish you the best always.
