My family was in a Refugee camp and got selected to come to America 30 years ago from Cambodia. My parents had 9 kids but before going to America we lost my oldest brother in travel to the camp.  Being the youngest out of 9, I don't know much about my oldest brother because its too painful for my family to talk about.  When we got to America my siblings were placed in school at an older age and none of us knew how to speak any English. It was harder for them to understand or adapt the American Culture.   I remember growing up and my parents and older siblings would try to land a job by trade.  I know one thing about my dad, he was very handy and could figure out how to fix things even when he has never done it before, he amazed me growing up. To save money he would grow his own vegetables in the very small space we had for a yard. He was a great chef, his cooking was delicious.  I remember in elementary school going with him to the junk yard to get parts for his car. Not knowing a lot of English he would negotiate prices using his fingers to translate cost. I always admired he adapted to living the American Dream. When struggle came to our family my parents knew how to handle adversity. They always find a way to make the family a whole and love each other.  During my teenage years, my parents worked under the table at places from crab companies to harvesting crops at a farm. We landed an apartment in Curwin Circle, a low income housing authority complex with 3 bedrooms and 1 bath. Let me tell you it was very crowded. I always had multiple siblings in each room and by this time some of my siblings were married with children of their own living all under the same roof but it was perfect for my family. We grew up with the assistance from welfare and food stamp. I was grateful becuase it was helped reduce the burden on my parents so they didn't have to work extra to provide. One summer they took me to work with them. Getting paid minimum wage $5 dollars an hour.  It was in a Crab company in Boston. The ride there was tough because there were about 15 people in the van. Each of us have to pay a fee every week for transporation. At the job site, I witnessed packed vehicle filled with cambodian people and they all know each other. That summer, I witness my parents strength and dedication how much they took care of each other. There support to us at home and there co-workers. They would make lunch and share it with everyone at there job. They love to share what they have and provided so much love to everyone they met. I worked there just for a summer. I know I needed to get better for them and myself. My high school days i was figuring out life. What to do? Look at my older brother as role models. One brother was in the same situation. ESL class. 2 older brother limited in English with public assistant. My sisters same thing 2 went to high school graduated with high school diploma and also in ESL classes. Now all of us with families and getting help from public assistant and a few of my siblings still living in the Housing Authority. I graduated from high school, went off to college and got my Bachelor Degree from Bridgewater State.   This month, August 2018, both my parents past away within 13 days apart. Im asking for your help to get their ashes back to Cambodia. The last few years, my parents health was not great, from being in ER to ICU rooms and daily appointments. My sister who provided my parents care lost her job twice to take care of my parents. They always wanted to go back to their country. Usually, I don't ask for help but its been tough for my family. Please keep praying for my parents. They were loved in Cambodia and in this community. Well known and respect by their peers. any little bit helps. Any left over money will be put towards a foundation in their honor. My parents always want to give back to those who need it more then them, what better way then to start a foundation to help other families with children going to college.  I would like to honor my parents by giving back. Please help me to get my parents back to Cambodia. Love you mom and dad,  Your youngest son, Bo


If anyone is interested in attending the services
Thursday 630pm to 9pm at Goodrich Funeral Home 128 Washington St Lynn Ma 01902
Friday 12pm to 8 pm Asian Temple 110 Chestnut st Lynn Ma 01905
Saturday meet at same Temple at 8am for Cremation at Puritan Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Peabody, Ma 01906