My Life Journey: From Birth to Present

Birth and Early Years:

It all began on a stormy night, the same day as the Lord's birth. I came into this world with just my mother by my side, as my paternal family didn't accept her as my father's wife. Faced with this reality, my mother chose to move away, seeking a new beginning elsewhere.

Later, fate led my mother to meet another man in Ho Chi Minh City, a bachelor who would become my stepfather. Despite the challenges, they eventually tied the knot on a mountain in Vung Tau, where my grandfather practiced Buddhism. This laid the foundation for my upbringing, steeped in Buddhist traditions and values.

Return to Hue City:

But life had more in store for us. A call from my father's family summoned us back to our hometown, Hue City. It was a time of transition, marked by my birth and the devastating floods that struck the city. Amidst the chaos, my parents made the difficult decision to return to Ho Chi Minh City, where opportunities were more abundant.

Family Dynamics:

As I grew older, the dynamics within my family began to shift. My mother's discomfort with my father's drinking habits strained their relationship, leading to their eventual separation. I found myself caught in the middle, torn between two worlds.

New Beginnings in the South:

At the age of seven, I embarked on a new chapter in the South, where my mother had remarried and started a new family. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new environment, I found solace in the love and support of my maternal relatives.

Life at the Temple:

But destiny had other plans for me. My maternal grandfather, a devout Buddhist, offered to adopt me and raise me at the temple in Vung Tau. Life at the temple was disciplined and regimented, yet it instilled in me a sense of purpose and spiritual awakening.

Return to the South:

However, my grandfather encountered issues with the ownership documents of the temple he was managing, so I had to return to the South to live again. My grandfather's place was between the North and the South, with many residents being from the North and Central regions. Hue City is near Hanoi, and Binh Phuoc Province is near Ho Chi Minh City. I went back to live with my mother, who had divorced my stepfather. She opened a telephone shop, a photography studio, and taught hairdressing.

During this time, Aunt Tu from the temple introduced me to another nearby temple because I had previously stayed at one. When I arrived, everyone liked me, and I made many friends, including monks and younger kids. Life was enjoyable, but I prioritized playing over learning, something I now regret.

Back with Grandfather:

In the fourth grade, I returned to live with my grandfather. I was scared but had to obey. I thought things would change after two years away, but everything was the same. The temple was still muddy, and my grandfather still beat me. I became aware of his behavior and struggled mentally. Despite my efforts to adapt and not make him sad, it didn't work. His unpredictable temper made my life difficult.

At school, I dreaded returning to the temple. I lived in constant fear, leading to severe depression. Desperate for freedom, I escaped through the temple fence into a rubber forest. I wandered without knowing where to go, with only a bottle of water and a monk's robe. I sought shelter from the rain in an abandoned house, scared and alone.

Eventually, I met a family who felt sorry for me and offered to take me in as a helper. I accepted, hoping for a different life. However, followers from the temple found me and persuaded me to return, promising my grandfather wouldn't beat me again. Believing them, I apologized and returned, but my grandfather tied me up and beat me with an electric whip. I cried, feeling hopeless and alone.

The nuns at the temple didn't intervene, and my grandfather continued to discipline me harshly. Despite my efforts to please him, I was constantly punished, leading to deep resentment and fear.

My story is one of hardship and resilience. Despite the challenges, I've learned valuable lessons and continue to seek my path in life. Thank you for listening to my journey. Stay tuned for more stories in the future. If you have any questions or thoughts, please leave them in the comments below. Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content. Thank you!