Overview

The stories we're told about the Vietnam War tend to focus on the soldiers who fought it. But what about the ordinary people who lived through it? How did the war and its aftermath affect the course their lives would take? What risks would they have to take to build a new life? 12 Elephants and a Dragon isn't just another book on Vietnam War history. It's the story of one family's life after the war had ended. Vi Tu Banh, then still a child, and his family left their home country in a dangerously overcrowded and dilapidated boat, had to fend for themselves on Air Raya in Indonesia, and then made the journey from the Galang refugee camp to a new life in a house on a hilltop among the snowy fields outside Uxbridge, Ontario. They learned, one day at a time, how to build a new life in Canada. Their story is one of struggle and strength, highlighting the profound effect that the kindness of others can have on a person's life. It speaks of gratitude and illustrates how each of us have the power to contribute to changing the world for the better. This exceptional memoir reminds us that there are many nuances to the issue of emigration and immigration. After escaping Vietnam, Vi Tu's refugee family relied on charity and being sponsored by complete strangers to come to the safety of Canada. They then worked hard not only to survive, but on building a new life, and to help contribute and give back to the country that welcomed them: Once they were Vietnamese boat people, but they became the new Canadians who have been helping to build the country that adopted them. Today, Dr. Vi Tu Banh is an optometrist, providing comprehensive eye care to the residents of Uxbridge, Ontario and the surrounding areas, with a special interest in providing vision therapy to patients with concussion-like symptoms and visual-related learning problems. His work is a powerful piece of healing from trauma.

Full Product Details

9781990688263

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Reviews

""An honest and heartfelt recount that feels like a harrowing distant tale and yet strangely familiar to all who had been refugees. One can only write this beautifully by one of two ways: through real lived experiences or spiritually channeled from the higher sources - the ancestors - and in this case, it's both."" -Nguyen Thien An, writer ""Under the Squash Vines"" ""A beautifully constructed memoir of an epic life journey. Vi Tu's story is nothing short of an odyssey with an underlying message of the power of good deeds, small moments of kindness, mentorship and perseverance."" -Dr. Carlye Jensen, President Uxbridge Health Center ""12 Elephants and a Dragon by Dr. Vi Tu Banh is a deeply moving and inspiring story of resilience, hope, and community. Through the lens of a young boy's journey from war-torn Vietnam to a new life in Canada, Dr. Banh beautifully captures the strength of the human spirit and the kindness of strangers. This powerful memoir not only recounts the harrowing escape from Vietnam but also highlights the generosity of the Uxbridge families who helped them rebuild their lives. A must-read for anyone seeking a heartfelt tale of courage, survival, and the transformative power of compassion."" -Mayor Dave Barton, Uxbridge ""The story in this book is a saga told through the eyes of a boy who, through circumstance, had to grow up far too quickly and shoulder responsibilities far too grave for a child to bear. It is a compelling story of fear and generosity, failure and success, and the spirit of a young boy who grew into a pillar of the community which embraced his family. That boy/man is the author, Vi Tu Banh. Vi Tu leads by example, always mindful of 'paying forward' and paying back the generosity extended by the community that welcomed his family in their time of greatest need. Vi Tu is a Canadian who makes me proud of being born here. It is a story that you must read."" -Michael McLuhan, Composer, Executor, Estate of Marshall McLuhan ""In an epic journey across oceans and cultures, Vi Tu transports you into his immigrant family's story with vivid details. From embracing adult responsibilities while still a young boy, to realizing his vision of becoming a doctor, the thread of his Buddhist wisdom-gratitude, love, and compassion-is woven throughout, guiding him as he pays it forward to positively affect one billion people. An uplifting page turner!"" -Heidi Hackler, author, Food, Mood, Gratitude ""Dr. Vi Tu Banh's profound personal journey resonated deeply with me, both emotionally and spiritually. Dr. Banh's narrative, detailing his experiences and the incredible individuals who stood by him, serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of love and service. I honor all those who dedicate themselves to uplifting humanity. This is a story that deserves to be shared-a message that should inspire countless others. Spread the word! Tell a dozen people."" -Reverend Bill McDonald, Vietnam vet, author, poet, speaker A must read to help us better understand the trials and tribulations of The Boat People who came to Canada."" -Gerri Lynn O'Connor, former Uxbridge mayor

Author Information

Dr. Vi Tu Banh is a living, breathing part of the diversity of Canada. He graciously serves patients in his Uxbridge, Ontario, optometry clinic, where he has become renowned for healing balance issues, stabilizing the effects of concussions, and addressing learning challenges by using state-of-the-art technology and current vision therapy techniques. Visit uxbridgeoptometry.com to learn more. He lives nearby with his soulmate, Mamie. Invested in exploring higher consciousness, he is a philanthropist who enjoys an active physical life. 12 Elephants and a Dragon is his first book. Marie has long believed we are all infinite story. She writes to change the world. Her imagination changes ideas into art, and her ability to understand the voices of others allows her to bring their stories to life. Marie brings a unique aspect to the projects she master-crafts. In the beginning, Marie wrote over 200 lifebooks for Children's Services in Alberta, Canada. These truthful narratives in story form helped children in the system come to terms with why they were removed from their biological parents. Over the last thirty years, Marie has collaborated on more than fifty published books, some of which are award-winning. For her solo work, she has received awards for poetry and short stories. Her debut novel, Listen for Water, published in 2022 by Ingenium Books, received the 2022 Titan Literary Gold Award. She mentors and writes from her heart, which is flexibly and lovingly attached to Mexico, Canada, and the UK.

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