Judy’s Story

“To Ms. T.H – Case Management Team Leader at Hagar Vietnam,

Hey sister, I just booked a ticket to see My Tam, my favourite Vietnamese singer. Her music has encouraged me through many hard days. Whenever I listen to her songs, especially ‘Giot Suong’ (The dewdrop), I remember the first day I met you at Hagar. It was rainy, I took the early bus to the Quang Ba flower market stop and walked to Hagar’s office. After a long emotional conversation, I listened to that song many times on the way back. That was the first time I could freely share everything about my family with someone I just met. You were the one who listened to me carefully and respectfully, sometimes handing me tissues to wipe tears. You were the one who explained to me about the cycle of domestic violence, the current situation of my mother, brother and myself and offer a number of initial solutions to stop violence in my family. When knowing I felt I could not help my mother and siblings, you were the first person in my life who said: “Going through difficult times is not easy, but you really did a great job to become the person who you are today. You really did a great job.” Your words have always stuck with me in my life’s journey now and will for many days to come. When I am tired, overwhelmed with life, and disappointed with myself, I remember your words and repeat them to encourage myself.

When I heard the lyric of the song: “Hatred is no longer in me and jealousy will just go away…”, I asked myself when I would be able to let go of the heavy burden of hate and resentment in my heart. As time went on, I believe I did a good job in my self-healing journey, working hard, striving and persevering with myself to become a better self and be at peace with all past wounds. With all that happened, I may not completely forgive others but I choose to forget, giving myself a chance to live my life in joy, hope and kindness.

My dear sister, a few days ago, I, with my legal knowledge, satisfactorily solved a civil case for my brother. I have worked hard and will get a law practicing certificate next year. I strongly believe I will be a kind and brave lawyer who protects those I love and helps people. I am always grateful to Ms. H and Hagar for the journey of accompanying my family during this time. To Hagar, I may be only one of many clients that have received the organization’s help. To me, Ms. H. and Hagar are people that I will never forget in my life. Wishing Ms. H and other brothers and sisters in Hagar a lot of health and joy in life. Thank you everyone for all the good things you have done in life. Thank you for all the wounds of yesterday for causing me to be stronger and mature today.”