Dear Kim Phuc,

Reading your book was an honour. I speak from my heart that the words you bless the world with is a winding path of peace and forgiveness that God entrusted you to share, and accomplished with brilliance. I almost feel unworthy to share in your story and intimate details of pain, loss and heartache as I am unable to know the true depth of your struggles. You let me in and I am forever grateful. Over the years, I had a wonderful tradition
with my MIL (for my birthday) that included dinner and attending the Unique Lives series in Toronto. You spoke, the audience was riveted and silent, soaking in every word of your journey as the girl in the photo just after the napalm bombs were dropped in Vietnam. Thank you for the sacrifices you made to be able to share your story all over the world.

Reaching into the deep recesses of your memory allowed countless readers to engage with your story. After closing the last page, we now have the ability to take action to assist other victims of war thanks to your organizations. How can I know your story and not act? I cried over your pain and loss. My heart ached over the precious childhood haven, the trees you climbed, siblings and cousins you loved that were stripped away in a split second. I held my breath and closed my eyes picturing the moments in the burn baths, the loneliness and confusion in Cuba. The out-right anger I felt as your country of birth used your pain so selfishly while you tried so desperately to be a diligent student. I was saddened by the loss of time with your mother as she worked all day and night alone to provide for her family with her famous soup. Your father, how he slept on a park bench while he waited for visiting hours to begin so he could sit by your bedside to surround you with love and hope in the dire situation in the hospital.

And then, as I continued to read, the obvious hand of God was upon you in countless ways. Through people you met, situations that came about quickly, relationships restored and made anew. There was hope written through each page despite the horror of your story. The most beautiful part of your story is your deep and precious faith in Jesus Christ. The bible you found in that library that sacred day carried you to the cross. He walked you through, to this day, in ways that only God can do so perfectly.

My cousin posted this book recently just before I had a week vacation with my family and I knew I was meant to read your story. Hearing you speak was a gift and reading your story in more detail has been convicting and pushes me toward awareness in ways that must happen for change to occur. Today, I want you to know I pray for you and your family and thank you for sharing your life and choosing to serve others so selflessly. I hope many read your book to engage in change.

Sincerely, Sandee