Fantastic story! It reminds me of an escape story I was told.
I used to take a commuter train regularly, boarding an empty train at the beginning of the line; the “regulars” who got there early acquiring a nodding acquaintance.
One morning I struck up a conversation with one regular, a young woman of darkish complexion who appeared to be of Asian descent. She regularly read a small book written in a peculiar script. She spoke very softly and I had to strain to hear. She told me of her escape from Tibet, walking through the snow during the night and hiding from Chinese soldiers during the day. She was with a group who had all paid a steep price to the “guides”, and described the fear and uncertainty they all experienced on the long and grueling journey. Her storytelling was simple but compelling. She found America very strange, but settled amongst other Tibetan refugees in the city and soon adjusted.
Thank you for your story and for reminding me of the young Tibetan woman.
This was your life glad you survived to inform us about it and the sheer terror this must have caused your whole family is not a pleasant issue to revisit. Hope life is better in Australia even under covid conditions for you and yours.
Amazing story of the power of love, determination, and resilience of human nature and families. What a legacy you,are leaving your children. Thanks for writing and sharing your story.
You tell your harrowing story so well. Bureaucracy plus corruption creates living nightmares for anyone not lucky enough to have been born in the North Western hemisphere. Glad you made it safely to freedom!
We need more Australians to be just like yourself, seeking truth. Thank you for sharing your very special story. May safety follow you into a future full of grace, contentment and peace. You have a great substack.
Thank you for sharing your fascinating story. It highlighted for me the unbreakable bond of family. It must have been very trying for your family to separate and endure such uncertainty. Yet your parents knew moving to Australia was the most promising way to protect you and went to great lengths to achieve that goal. I hope you and your family have settled in well in Australia. Thank you for all of your thoughtful reflections.
I had never heard of a Toyota Carona. I thought you made a mistake and meant to write Carolla. Ive heard of Toyota Carollas but had to look up to see if they made a Carona too.
That was so good! I could read a whole book like this! What a very interesting life you've been dealt. Very scary in the days you write of!
Fantastic story! It reminds me of an escape story I was told.
I used to take a commuter train regularly, boarding an empty train at the beginning of the line; the “regulars” who got there early acquiring a nodding acquaintance.
One morning I struck up a conversation with one regular, a young woman of darkish complexion who appeared to be of Asian descent. She regularly read a small book written in a peculiar script. She spoke very softly and I had to strain to hear. She told me of her escape from Tibet, walking through the snow during the night and hiding from Chinese soldiers during the day. She was with a group who had all paid a steep price to the “guides”, and described the fear and uncertainty they all experienced on the long and grueling journey. Her storytelling was simple but compelling. She found America very strange, but settled amongst other Tibetan refugees in the city and soon adjusted.
Thank you for your story and for reminding me of the young Tibetan woman.
Thanks for sharing that Lon...reality is more interesting than fiction!
Fascinating story thank you. Life can change in a moment
This was your life glad you survived to inform us about it and the sheer terror this must have caused your whole family is not a pleasant issue to revisit. Hope life is better in Australia even under covid conditions for you and yours.
Wonderful story. And very real
Next time I'm sitting in the air-conditioned, plush, and orderly waiting area of Service NSW I will remember this story. What a different world.
So glad you have these stories in writing to pass on to your future generations.
Amazing story of the power of love, determination, and resilience of human nature and families. What a legacy you,are leaving your children. Thanks for writing and sharing your story.
You tell your harrowing story so well. Bureaucracy plus corruption creates living nightmares for anyone not lucky enough to have been born in the North Western hemisphere. Glad you made it safely to freedom!
We need more Australians to be just like yourself, seeking truth. Thank you for sharing your very special story. May safety follow you into a future full of grace, contentment and peace. You have a great substack.
Thank-you for sharing. What a life you have lived, and continue to live. Your energy is astonishing!
Thank you for sharing your fascinating story. It highlighted for me the unbreakable bond of family. It must have been very trying for your family to separate and endure such uncertainty. Yet your parents knew moving to Australia was the most promising way to protect you and went to great lengths to achieve that goal. I hope you and your family have settled in well in Australia. Thank you for all of your thoughtful reflections.
I had never heard of a Toyota Carona. I thought you made a mistake and meant to write Carolla. Ive heard of Toyota Carollas but had to look up to see if they made a Carona too.
It was a great, simple car, where you could fix most things yourself. Exactly what that environment needed.
How did finding parts for your own Toyota help you get your exit approved? Did you give him the car after it was repaired?
I thing the Master had a Toyota also.