Head-dibs

Today is Cambodian “Victory over Genocide Day,” or “Victory Day” (shortened). This is not a day of celebration, nor is it fully observed nationally. January 7, 1979 was the day Vietnamese troops entered Cambodia ending four years of bloodshed and the start of Cambodian dependence on Vietnam. This is a day of mixed emotions, depending on the perspective of those involved. This marks a day of transition and can be difficult to explain. This day caused me to reflect on significant questions regarding what we are to do with the past, perhaps even a past that is difficult to explain. How do we press on in victory without the feeling that we have been defeated? Recognize that one’s personal past has a significant influence on the development of life but a person is not a helpless victim whose manner of life is determined by his past. One is able to creatively interact with and interpret past events and incorporate his interpretation into his manner of life; however, one does not decons...