“Lieu” by e Bond

Lieu’s Story (2008)

Anyone lucky enough to have met Lieu will have been struck by two indelible aspects of her nature. Despite a frail body she has a fierce determination to remain independent –but that trait comes with the most generous of personalities.

Born into a poor family she contracted polio at the height of the American War when just ten years old. Her father died about this time but, despite the chaotic state of the country, her mother managed to rig up a brace for her leg and give her the opportunity of education, however disrupted that may have been.

She struggled to school by either clinging to her mother’s back, hobbling along using a stick or, on some days, just crawling on her hands – but she was determined to have that education. Despite constant bullying because of her affliction, Lieu’s resilience carried her as far as Year 9 – but there her schooling stopped, as the senior school was too far from her home.

Always a gifted sewer, Lieu taught in a disabled group in Danang ten years ago – traveling there by public bus. At about this time Lieu was given a wheelchair which made life a bit easier but, three years ago, it was the acquisition of a three-wheel motorbike which really changed her life. Had this been available when she was younger Lieu is sure she could have held down a job.

Recognizing her sewing talents, Lifestart paid for Lieu to learn how to make handbags and she now produces a range of these from home. At the women’s workshop she is part of the mosaic card group and injects a steady stream of humor into the production line – whether it be in Vietnamese or passable English!

If things keep going the right way for Lieu, it’s possible that she may indeed be granted her wish of renting a small souvenir shop in Hoi An and selling her homemade bags, wallets, baby hats and cards.