In the lack of elaborate parties or bustling presents, Ly Nha Ky entered a new age with a meaningful yet silent act. Along with a few fans, she went down to Tam Binh Children Foster Care Center, Thu Duc for the purpose of charity.
Without the unnecessary fanfare, like her many previous events, a group of a few employees, 'round 10 fans, and a few close journalist accompanied her for the trip. One may wonder, why such a good act went down in silence, perhaps she just wanted to perform this act of kindness in privacy, or perhaps the public was getting more (too) sensitive about the topic of celebrities' charity.
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Ly Nha Ky and her companions arrived and greeted representatives from Tam Binh center. |
For any reason, she and her group lowly went on this trip, even when the weather was far from being convenient. At 8 o’clock sharp, the group divided into 2 buses to depart for the center, Ly Nha Ky later followed because she needed to wait for more people. And she arrived at the place in the babbling sound of the young ones, saying: “We welcome you to our home”.
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Quickly rolling up her sleeves, Ly Nha Ky rushed into start playing with the kids. There was no distance, or the composed image that she usually kept could stop her from being surrounded by the children, to truly feel the loving atmosphere. The nurses shared with Ly Nha Ky: “When they heard that there will be this lady, Ly Nha Ky, visiting us, they excitedly prepared all morning. Everyone helped cleaning the common room, and making some delicious treats for the whole group”. Smiling her eyes away, Ly Nha Ky gently rubbed the small heads, her heart was full of gratefulness.
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After all some talking and announcing the purpose of the trip, Ly Nha Ky came back to the common room where the kids were waiting for her. The laughter, many voices, and even some clapping hands…all blended together as joy filled the air, stirring up the usual silent with much needed love. Her expansive clothes and jewelries was nowhere to be found, instead we had her in a simple outfit for this lovely day.
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As simple as that, the lovely actress could just blend in with everyone else. |
How scurrying, she quickly moved from place to place to talk to the children. One second she was embracing one, the next she went on holding hands with another. No one could imagine the scene would get this thrilling. She was so different from herself on the media, she here was so warming, so lovely in the eyes of these little ones. She could not talk to each and every single one of them, but she went around, smiling and embracing each child in her arms. And the youngest one of all (or the luckiest one) ended up on he lap when she started asking about what would they have for lunch.
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As quick as the wind, Ly Nha Ky and her group began to hand out presents for the children. It was not much, some bake goods and milk cartons, but it was for sure filled with joy from both the givers and the receivers. Ly Nha Ky did not want this spirit to cool down, so she proposed some games. Rules have never been spoken, but every one gathered around Ly Nha Ky, clapping hands and singing song of good old childhood memories.
The immense love from her fans and the children and Tam Binh Center solidified into a secret birthday cake that they had prepared for her. While she was still busy with the kids, her fans quietly brought the cake into the room. Suddenly, everyone was singing happy birthday to the beautiful birthday lady.
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Ly Nha Ky experienced a heartfelt party that no money could buy |
Her eyes sparkled upon seeing the cake in her name. Looking around, she could not help but keep smiling when she heard the endless cheer “Happy Birthday Ms. Ky”. Some had autism, some could not speak, others lost their sight…they could not fully understand what was happening, but joy spread in a magical way. Their hands were reaching out to Ly Nha Ky as their best wishes to her. Quickly she sat down and held tightly those tiny lonely hands. Speechless but kept on smiling.
Every one at the center had another special gift for her – a painting with the most innocent wishes from the children. The room sank into this heartfelt feeling, created by love from people to others, and by the warmth that she brought along with her.
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This was perhaps the most meaningful gift in Ly Nha Ky’s life |
Before finally leaving, Ly Nha Ky carefully brought her gifts to the children with disabilities in the close by area. Aware that moving was too hard of a task for those poor young ones, Ly Nha Ky and her volunteers stopped at bed by bed, handing presents to all. Gently she put the bag in the corner, quietly touched their pale faces, while not forgetting to give some support to the caring nurses. She kept her voice low, kept the room clear of too many people, she kept the children sound asleep until she left.
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When people were having lunch, she rushed all over the center to say goodbye to each and every staff who was working hard for this center. Regardless of her empty stomach, Ly Nha Ky’s bright smile was on until she could greet all people and finally went on her ride home.
Within a few hours, Ly Nha Ky was able to kindle the fire of love, the fire that has been colder and colder in the hearts of these unfortunate children. With her body reaching outside of the windows, and hand waving up high, she tried hard so that even the farthest child could wave her goodbye. And that smile of satisfaction and warmth never left her face even when the gate was no longer in sight. And at that place, the lovely young ones were still shouting: “Goodbye to you Ms. Ky. We wish you health and happiness in life”.
Vuong Huy Khoi
