Sunday’s Scribbling’s – “Who Else Might I Have Been?”
Friday, August 4, 2006 6:00 AM
(I am doing my Sunday’s Scribbling’s a few days early this week because I will have a busy weekend. We are having fun in North Carolina. My son just experienced his first thunder storm today and was a little freaked out. We do not have those much where we live. I am not used to such heat and humidity yet. It makes me a little grumpy, so watch out! Ha Ha!)
(Update #2: My son lost his first tooth tonight. I think he is the last one in his class to lose a tooth, and he has been waiting for this day a long time! It was barely hanging on, and he had asked me to pull it out. I couldn’t do it! He had to get his Uncle Wes to do it. It still makes me shiver! I just hope that the Tooth Fairy does not forget to come tonight, or else there is going to be one unhappy little boy! My “baby” is growing up! “Sniff-Sniff!”)
Reflection…
I have always wondered this question. You see, I was born in Udorn, Thailand. My mom met my dad when he was stationed there in the Air Force. They “dated” for a while, then he went back to the states leaving her in Thailand. She ended up “expecting a baby” and he came back for us.
I have heard stories of servicemen getting the “locals” pregnant, then taking off, leaving them to fend for themselves. My dad did not do that. He came back for us, and brought us to America. Yet, I often wonder what might have happened to my mom and me had he been selfish enough not to take responsibility for his part.
Most likely I would not have survived. I was a very sick baby, premature by almost three months, with not the greatest medical facilities to help make me better. I also know that my name would have been Pon-Tip, a popular girl’s Thai name (Oh, how I thank God, and Daddy for sparing me that one)!
I see pictures of my mom’s family when she visits Thailand. I see uncles, aunts, cousins, that I have never met or spoken to in my life. I see the way they live, poor compared to what I have known my entire life, and I know that could have been me. I could be the girl in those pictures, longing to come to America. I have a cousin that my mom has been trying to get here for three years now, and it makes me sad that it will probably never happen.
I do not know why God allowed me the privilege of being a part of this life I am living now. I have a wonderful husband and son. I live in a nice home. I have opportunities that many of my other family will never have in their lifetime. I go to bed at night, not hearing bombs being dropped, or the sounds of gunfire putting me to sleep. I do not really have to worry about my son being caught in the middle of an attack, or hit by shrapnel. I am truly blessed.
Who else might I have been? I do not know. I am just thankful that by the grace of God, I am me!
Your dad demonstrated a lot of character and maturity to go back for your mom and you. I’ve always loved your dad; he’s a really good guy. (and this bit of information just proves it more) I’m so glad he did because what other teacher would I have “tortured” for those six years of junior high and high school? he he!
Gracey said this on August 4th, 2006 at 6:47 am
Hon, I’m grateful you are you too. I’d hate to try to imagine you if you weren’t you, but someone else. Because then you wouldn’t really be you, you’d be her. And I don’t know her, I know you. But if you weren’t you then I guess I wouldn’t know you either. So, I guess this is all moot.
Seriously, it’s miraculous how God brings certain things to pass to bring us to specific points. It makes me think of Isaac and how God prophesied to him concerning his sons. Despite all he sought to do otherwise, God used the deception of his wife and son to bring his will to completion.
It is by no means an accident or coincidence that you are here (well, ok over there) to enjoy Brendan. And I’m glad your dad did go back for numerous reasons. Also glad they didn’t call Pond Hopper. What was that name again?
I love you babe! Have a great day. Hey, 182 today!
Mike Y said this on August 4th, 2006 at 6:51 am
That’s a great story to know about yourself, Chelle!
I recently met my birth parents (I’m adopted) and I realized how much more grateful I am that they were selfless enough to give me a better life. God is so good.
Belynda said this on August 4th, 2006 at 6:54 am
What a remarkable story. I have been to Thailand. I was grateful when I arrived home. The country is beautiful, as is the spirit of the people. But, ther is no place like home.
Thanks for sharing yourself.
Kay said this on August 4th, 2006 at 8:21 am
I was really touched by your story, thank you so much for haring it! You are truely blessed to have had a Dad who cared enough to go back for you and your Mum!
Kamsin said this on August 4th, 2006 at 9:52 am
What a wonderful post … I am glad to know I am not the only one who wonders things like this!
It truly is an amazing story to hear how your dad came back for you. Have you ever considered writing a short story book about your life? You could even name the girl “Pon-Tip” —
We experienced one of those HORRIBLE thunderstorms when we were in NC — girls didn’t know what to think — and as for the heat and humidity — I refused to go anywhere that didn’t have AC!!!! ha!
Glad you are having fun though with your sister — makes me miss mine even more! Love ya
Tonya said this on August 4th, 2006 at 11:37 am
This was a great SS, Chelle. Really, how blessed you are! And what a good man, your dad is. A lot of men don’t cross the street to take care of their children, let alone an ocean.
Amber said this on August 4th, 2006 at 4:09 pm
Mr. L so totally rocks. So does Mrs. L. LOL That’s a great Scribble, Chelle.
Wow, very powerful. Scary to think how just one thing could have changed your life completely. But everything happens for a reason, and so.. here you are.
Great Scribble.
-Aly
WOW! There is so much to say!!
I love thunder storms, so I hope your son weathered the storm well!
How cool that he lost his first tooth!! Of course the tooth fairy will come! Sometimes she gets caught in traffic and has to arrive a night late, but that rarely happens (wink).
What an amazing story of your Dad and Mom! They both must be amazing people to make your life the priority!! Chelle is a great name and you wear it well.
This weekend I am sharing the blog love and posts like this one is why I am so glad I “rediscovered” your blog a few months ago. Your love for your family and friends makes your blog shimmer. It is always wonderful o stop by!! Have a fantastic weekend!
Gracey: I learned how to be a “mean” teacher from him. He was very strict, but was also a push-over too!
Mike: What!?! Haha! Congratulations on the great weight!
Belynda: That’s great about you meeting them! I keep in contact with Brendan’s birth mom, so if one day he wants to meet her, it will be easy for him to find her. She’s a doll!
Kay: I have never been since I left as a baby. I would love to go back someday to visit my family. My mom goes back twice a year, so maybe someday I will go with her.
Kamsin: Thank you. He really is a great dad.
Tonya: We went to Carowinds today (It’s NC”s Great America) and it was so hot and humid, I thought I was going to die! I did not bring my swimsuit with me, so I got into the water with my clothes on! I did not care, because it was miserable. Fun, but miserable! Haha!
Amber: I am blessed to have a wonderful Daddy. It makes me sad that all little girls and boys could not be as blessed as I am.
Melissa: Thank you! I am so happy that one of my dearest friends was able to meet them.
Aly: It is scary. I am thankful every day for my parents.
Chelle: The Tooth Fairy remembered, and I had a very happy little boy!
Thank you for the nice compliment. I feel the same way reading your blog. Your love for your daughter is incredible! She is so blessed to have you and vise-versa!
Oh, I *loved* this post Chelle. Sounds like you have a wonderful father…
And…
You don’t have thunder storms?!?! I didn’t know that! All those times I’ve been to Ca and I never knew that. That’s crazy!
And *~*~*CONGRATS*~*~~* to your son! My daughter just lost her first tooth this summer, now is on her second. It was driving her CRAZY that everyone else she knew had lost teeth already. LOL (oh and the tooth fairy DID forget to come for that first tooth, thank GOD ’someone’ wakes up as insanely early as they do so that it was remembered…..whew!)
Thank goodness your father took responsibility! Too many can’t say the same. You write beautifully about this big part of your life and the joys with which you’ve been blessed. Lovely post!
I had a friend when I lived in San Antonio that I worked with who is from Vietnam. Her husband fought with the South and the Americans during the war there when he was a teenager. She told me how he, along with some American service personnel got her and their two little kids out of the country one night. It was almost 8 years before her husband could come to the US.
It was an amazing and chillinng story. It really makes one greatful for what we have.
Jay said this on August 5th, 2006 at 1:52 pm
EE: Nope, no thunder storms! Not like here! I have never see lightening and thunder, but no rain. It’s pretty weird. And, Brendan looks so cute with his missing tooth, if I do say so myself.
Paris Parfait: Thank you. I am blessed!
Jay: It is hard not to take for granted the blessings we have by living in America. Yes, we have our share of problems, but I would not trade them for living anywhere else!
Lovely story!
Smooch,
The Tart
; )
Excellent post! Thanks!
Autrice said this on August 6th, 2006 at 11:18 am
Chelle:
I loved reading your “reflection” blog. You are an amazing person! You have a great gift in your use of words…..love it! You are also very deep and sensitive….what wonderful traits! Your a blessing! Have fun in the south now ya hear! Wait — i think that is texan??
Christine Ahmed said this on August 10th, 2006 at 12:30 am