Echoes Of Victor

Dear Vic, Today, 17 September , marks 25 years since the day we first met - that outing in 2000 organised by the Vietnamese Students of WA (VisWA). It also marks three months since you left us. Spring has always been the season of our milestones. We met in September 2000. In September 2014, we signed our marriage certificate. In spring 2018, we welcomed Kenzo into our lives. And now here we are in spring 2025 - but this time, without you. My heart aches with the weight of it. Every September, we’d start planning for Kenzo’s birthday. You’d handle the practical things - booking a venue, organising activities - while I’d dive into themes and invitations. You’d always laugh and tell me I was good with ideas 💡. This year, I’m doing both, because you’re not here. In your honour, I’ve chosen a theme: Level 7 Unlocked , inspired by your love of computer gaming. I know you’d love it just as much as Kenzo will. The venue is a little café in the Swan Valley with farm animals, a huge playgro...

Dear Vic, Yesterday was Father’s Day - Kenzo first one without you. And in the days leading up to it, he carried a quiet storm of emotions. At home, he’d often say, “This Father’s Day, I don’t have a father.” I held him close each time and whispered, “It’s Dad’s first Father’s Day in heaven too. I’m sure he misses you so much, but I’m here for you, baby, and I’ll never leave you.” Last week, he joined the Father’s Day card-making activity in class. I wasn’t sure he would, but he surprised me.  On the card, he wrote: “You can stay with us while you’re watching from above, or stay in heaven.” His words broke my heart and touched it all at once - a message only a child’s heart could write, full of longing and love. Kenzo asked to spend the weekend at your house. He didn’t step into your room, or his old one upstairs. Instead, he curled up on the couch, pulling a soft blanket over himself, like he was cocooning in comfort. Later, he played with the marble run - the one you had ...