It’s feels so good to get out of that room. They say that it’s the suite used by Michael Caine during the remake of the “Ugly American,” but I was getting concerned that it was going to be my tomb. It’s hot here, but the humidity’s not nearly what it was in Hanoi. And I’ve found that if I take it in doses, I’m gaining strength. I go out for about an hour, then retreat to the A/C room for about an hour and that seems to be working. You know, if any of you are air-condition or motorbike repairmen, this could be your dream land.
It’s also been nice to get around Hoi An. This is a special and historical place in Vietnam, just inland a click from the ocean and resting along a river. The historical landmarks, temples and pagodas draw Vietnamese pilgrims all year and tourists from around the globe to her gates. It’s relatively small and cars are not allowed inside of the historical section (most of the town). You can stroll from one end to the other in about 15 to 20 minutes and the crafts and tailor markets are famous. When we drove in Monday on the bus, we passed the old compound where I fought along side of the 51st ARVN’s against an unusual daylight attack by the VC. For the most part though, this unique and beautiful community escaped the ravages of the French and American War.
Today, I took advantage of this tourist’s Mecca and ordered my family’s wish lists at a very nice and helpful tailor shop. I even ordered me a very large black kimono with an embroidered shamrock. Then I picked out a special graduation gift for Tara Morgan Bangs who is graduating with honors from Montana State University this coming Saturday. After the shopping, I just strolled along the river thinking about all of them. My family: my daughter, Amber; two step-daughters, Tara and Erin; two grand-daughters, Alyna and River (but I call her the boot, cause she was born on the Marine Corps birthday); Amber’s mate, Rich (who I really do like) one special mother-in-law, Lois (Go Jazz!) and my beautiful wife, Nanette.
The girls are all very special. God brought Amber Dawn and I together 19 years ago. The circimstances belong in our gift box and can only be felt, not shared. She has given me two beautiful grandchildren, has a good mate, Rich, raises a whole village and still manages to continue work at MSU towards her Nursing degree. “You go, girl!” No father could be any prouder. Tara Morgan Bangs is about to finish another goal and has prepared wonderfully for medical school. Secretly, I’m hoping she opts for psychiatry and can figure me out. Erin Ashley Bangs is just finishing up her freshman year at the University of Montana and sincerely cares about people with her whole heart. I’ve been able to watch Tara and Erin grow into the beautiful women they are these past ten years. Their father Ed and Nanette have raised two great kids. “Congrats, Tara!”
My wife’s family has given me kindness and acceptance since our beginning, some ten and a half years ago. That’s the kind of people they are. We lost her father a while ago, but it’s nice to have in-law’s and neices and nephews (who haven’t had a belly-bounce in some time). My wife and friend, Nanette was only in my dreams until we met in Helena, Montana. She has stuck by me all the way, and some of that has been very rocky and lonely for her. My wounds are not easy to see, but they often lead me to “bunker down” away from family and friends. There have been long stretches where she and I have lived alone together, but she’s still there and supportive. Getting the VA’s help at Menlo Park and Boise is helping me stay in a world of family, friends, and safe places. Walking this morning, I realized just how much I love them all, especially you, dear Nanette.
For the rest of today, I’ll enjoy this peaceful place and buy a few more gifts. I’m quite fond of the laughing Buddha. Tomorrow, I’m going out into the bush of Quang Nam Province and visit a hill, a river-bank ville, and pick a spot to smoke the spirit pipe with the memories of 1/9, 2/9, 3/9, 1/26 and a special bowl for A Company, 1/7 who were with my best friend, Sgt. Fred Ratliff, who gave his all one December day in 1968. It will not be hard. It will be an honor.
A special note in signing off to Sgt. Maj. Fisher. I’m doing all right, bro. I feel your support.
S’lan,
Tom