"Thank you Auntie"

Said Tu, a 13 year old boy, after he was given milk and a small amount of money (by the Brockport program house). When he shyly spoke to me, I looked over at My Hoa, my resident director, and was told that I was called auntie.

While on an errand with a neighbor, Tu had a horrifying accident.

Tu was only 9 years old when he was hit by a train. 

The neighbor died.

Tu spent a year and a half in the hospital. He arrived home with a metal plate in the top of his head, and a learning deficiency. He missed over a year of school and so was behind. Since the accident he has only progressed to the 5th grade. 

This year Tu refuses to go to school. He cannot bear sitting in the classroom any longer with children that are much younger than him. 

To make matters worse, a few years ago Tu had a stroke, leaving the left side of his body paralyzed.

He occasionally suffers from epilepsy.

In addition Tu had to have his metal plate removed from his head which he outgrew. So at the moment Tu just has a soft spot in his head... his mother has to be careful with Tu, if he falls down there could be terrible consequences.

Tu's mind functions as it should, but he cannot progress in his education. I can see the sadness in his eyes when his mother told me this. I can only imagine the frustration inside him. He is a bright and handsome boy, but he feels weak and slow.

Tu was studying English before the accident. I turn to him and said  "hello, how are you?" and Tu repeats what I said clearly and proficiently, bringing a smile to my face and his as well.

When Tsunami season arrive the house floods.
The water reaches the clock on the wall.

He wants to learn. He wants to.

Tu’s family lives in a humble home made from scraps of wood and metal that the community gave them. Their home gets drenched when it rains, and when tsunami season arrives they live in their neighbor’s homes. They are very poor and if the father is lucky and finds an odd job, he may bring home ten dollars.

The house is made out of random scraps.
 It does not offer much protection from the elements.

Tu needs an operation to insert a new metal plate but the government health system only pays a certain amount. It is too expensive. Tu needs physical therapy and rehabilitation, but Tu’s parents can not afford transportation.

I wish I was a better writer so that I could make you feel the desperation Tu must feel, and the helplessness that I am filled with.

Tu and his mother. Tu's left side is paralyzed so he has difficulty walking.

How horrible it must feel to have a mature mentality but have a learning deficiency? How terrible it must feel to see other boys your age run around, while you must be careful not to fall? How sad it must feel to have dreams, but find them beyond your reach?

Once again, a long blog, but I can not help but share as much about each person as possible. Thank you for your time!