From growing up with Mẹ Đức, I learned that she was religious. I remembered there was a Mother Mary statue in one corner and a Buddha statue in the other corner. This is common in many Vietnamese households in the late 1960s.
Frequently, I followed Bố and Mẹ Đức to our neighborhood Buddhist temple and prayed. We also had a Catholic Church within walking distance from my house. I was always curious about what was going on in the church. Every December, I heard beautiful music echoing throughout the neighborhood. I occasionally sneaked and peaked through the church front window to 
watch and listen to their singing. I later learned that festive singing was Christmas mass.
I saw that Bố and Mẹ Đức made medicine for a living. In addition, Mẹ Đức crocheted and knitted sweaters for special orders. In her spare time, she read fortunes for others using cards or reading their palms. I often asked Mẹ Đức to read my palm. She would say I am too little. Therefore, there was nothing there to read. My uncle or cousins would always tease me because there were many lines on my hands. They said I have chicken scratched hands. Other said I will have a complicated life when I grow up. Hmmm, I wondered.
Mẹ Đức shared with me that she believed I was her reincarnated child and that I came to her in a dream. She showed me a birthmark that I had on my temple which resembled her daughter and shared with me her dream before the day I arrived at her home.
Was it a coincidence or destiny? Did my godmother really have a dream? Am I really her reincarnated daughter? Otherwise, why would she want to take care of me? Deep in my heart, I do believe.
Do you believe in destiny or reincarnation? I would love to read your thoughts. Please write your comments below.
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