Vietnam Babylift Personal Stories
Lynn Martinez
I don't remember the exact date when I was brought from Vietnam. I just remember
it was April 1975. I was about 5 years old. Having a birthday in April made
me 6 that same month. I don't remember a lot of exact details but I do remember
a lot of hear ache and pain I went through. I remember leaving Vietnam from
my mother who worked in a orphange in Vietnam.I remember her beautiful pitch
dark black hair and her bright green shirt with black flowers all over. I remember
tears coming down her face as she gently gave me her last kiss, and her telling
me she would see me again soon. I was too young to understand what was going
on. All I know was my heart was broken and I was frightened as I was taken on
a white van to another location. I had one picture of my mother in my hands
and some papers my mother gave me. I was put on a plane strapped down in a chair,
crying my heart out and scared as I could be. They gave me a banana & cheese
to snack on. I then remember stopping somewhere, I believe it was Hawaii. I
was to adopted by a black male cop there, but I was too afraid to get near him.
Next I knew I was flying to Washington. Arriving to Washington there I met my
adopted mother.
I was no longer scared at this point, I was more terrified. My life was a very
tough life. At first it was nice. She eased my pain, she helped look for my
real mother. Later to find out that my mother was shot in Vietnam after I left.
XXX was a simple person who likes to live in a simple life. She moved us from
Washington to California, and from California to Texas, where I spent the rest
of my life. I have graduated from high school, married to a wonderful man for
the past 17 years. I have a wonderful job, beautiful home, car, etc. Couldn't
ask for more. I am still sad thinking of my real mother. As the years go by
her face fades from my memeory. She is still in my heart.
- Lynn Martinez (My Hang)
Email: Lynnann1969@aol.com