TRAILER
For most of my life, I grew up telling a story about how my family left Cambodia as refugees, to start a new life in the United States — but for the longest time, I’d never heard this story firsthand, from my mom, Lan.
After I gave birth to my first daughter, my mom flew across the country to meet her first grandchild. And during that visit, she finally shared the real story with me. About growing up in Cambodia, fleeing genocide by the Khmer Rouge, surviving as a gold dealer in Vietnam, building a home in America while navigating the fallout and traumas of war… and carrying the future of her children throughout the journey.
This podcast is a 5-part story that follows one woman’s life, from Cambodia to America, over the course of decades. But it’s also a long overdue conversation between my mom and me, about our family’s history — through war and violence, separation and loss, endings and beginnings.
Because while we may never fully understand the reality of those who came before us, every story is a chance to get closer. And in listening, find meaning in what’s been preserved.
TRANSCRIPT
MUSIC - original score by Avery Stewart
LISA VO: My mom left Cambodia in 1980, escaping genocide. With no hope of ever going back home. She was watching over two daughters, two nephews, and a niece. And she was pregnant… with me.
Lan: We’d rather take that risk and to have a better future for the children.
We didn’t know where we were going. We just know we were leaving Cambodia… and we didn’t know if we were going to make it or not.
LISA VO: Before Me is about my mom’s life before the escape.
Lan: Any fruit you eat, grow all the way down to the ground.
So every month we go there. Always something in season. Oh, we had fuuuun…
LISA VO: It’s about the years my mom spent surviving as a refugee, on the border between Cambodia, and Vietnam.
Lan: People always follow me, they think I always bring them good luck.
I’ll be the first one dead if there’s a bomb, right?
LISA VO: It’s about — how she navigated the unexpected challenges of life as an American.
Lan: All I knew, that I make the boat journey, and I don’t have to die sinking in the Pacific Ocean.
But another thing is that… Now what? No husband, a whole bunch of children… How are we going to live?
LISA VO: …and it’s about what made her feel ready, to share the stories that I’d never heard.
Lan: I am so proud of you, Lisa, and I love you very much. (cries)
LISA VO: My mom’s name is Lan Phu. And I’m Lisa Phu.
Before Me is a 5-part story that follows my mom’s life, from Cambodia to America — over the course of decades. But it’s also a long overdue conversation between the two of us.
If you’ve ever wanted to get closer to what came before us, and to know you’rr part of a bigger story — then listen to Before Me, wherever you get podcasts And learn more about the show, at beforemepodcast.com.
MUSIC end
