Memoir of a Thirteen-Year-Old Girl

Surviving the Cambodian Genocide

ChannyLaux@gmail.com

Omaha Airport June 20 1979 - Emotional Em, supported by Ee just outside the jetway. Ee is holding Em's broken hand bag and UNICEF bag that contained all of our documents. Hong ran into the jetway behind Em and Ee to receive Chenda and Me.

Omaha Airport

June 20, 1979 - my mother, sister Chenda Chhi, and I arrived in Omaha Nebraska. We had not seen or known anything about my brothers (Ee and Hong) for 3 years.

In this photo our mother was emotionally crying as Ee comforted her just outside the jetway. Mr. and Mrs. Howe (Don and Millie Howe) came to welcome us an witness the unforgettable moment of our family reunion. The picture was taken by Mr. Howe.     

Mr. and Mrs. Howe had sponsored my brothers to the USA in 1976 (a year after they survived the Black Uniforms). With an open heart, the Howe family welcomed my brothers and gave them a home and a family to go to. There were so many loving memories during those early years which Ee and Hong shared with us.

After our arrival three years later, I wondered how Mrs. Howe would feel, now that the boys got their Mom back. I wonder if she knew, she now had 4 more children, in addition to her own Elaine Howe Dlouhy and John Howe. We love you Mrs. Howe!!!