Today I Made a New 'Fren'

TD asked me if I wanted a soda when I dropped - tried to drop - him off at his house. He was telling me in his best English that he was going to have to borrow money from his daughter in order to get his car repaired. I did not know he needed a ride right back to the dealer.

“No. Thanks." I said. "I have tea,” I said, pointing to my tea.

From South Viet Nam, he’s 67, retired now, has been in America for 30 years and it takes almost three seconds to realize that he hasn’t practiced his English - maybe ever.

It was a little disconcerting that he did not know his neighborhood. Since I had difficulty understanding his pronunciation of standard West Allis street names, we came in from two blocks east of the house. He was getting nervous.

However, he’s fun and funny and completely willing to keep talking until we have an understanding.

He already liked me because I helped him with the coffee machine this morning. He says "fi" for five, "reti" for retire, "hou" for house and I wish I could tell you more.

He said he liked living in Viet Nam better when the Americans left.

“I don’t like when Americans there.”

I told him I didn’t like hanging around with Americans either. He chuckled. I said ‘they’re bossy.” He laughed out loud. “And they smell.” Well, he nearly snapped his seat belt laughing.

He’s originally from Saigon and will go back there if and when his youngest daughter graduates from Marquette, or moves.

“In winter you have snow. In fall, leaves. In Viet Nam, no everyting.”

Today, I made a new "fren."

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