Sol Thi Son's Obituary
In its verb form the Oxford Dictionary defines transplant this way: “move or transfer (something) to another place or situation, typically with some effort or upheaval.” On October 8 of 1951 Sol Thi Son was transplanted from the womb to the world and orphaned shortly after birth. Due to her unfortunate beginning very little is known about Sol’s childhood, but the traits that young Sol possessed can be inferred from the woman that she became. Strong, smart, resourceful, respectful and determined are among the qualities that allowed Sol to navigate her early life in rural, war-torn Vietnam. At age 6 she owned one shirt that she would wash and dry on the side of the river. By age 15 she became a self-taught reader, often exchanging candy and other treats for notes, lessons and a chance to practice Vietnamese with more fortunate school children.
In 1970 Sol married Ly Ngoc Thanh and a year later welcomed their first child Phuong into the world. In 1974, they added a second daughter Linh. Tragedy befell the young family with the untimely and unexpected passing of Phuong in 1977. Misfortune would continue to follow Sol and her family with the birth of her first son Binh who was born with a bilateral cleft. Determined to find a treatment for the cleft the young family collected their few possessions and began a harrowing journey westward towards the refugee camps in Thailand. Traveling by foot, train and motorcycle the young family overcame unfavorable odds and countless dangers to reach America.
As friends and other refugees adapted and prospered in their new land, Sol doubled-down on her belief that family was more important than material riches. To Sol her family was her wealth. Sol and Thanh eventually grew their family to include Minh, Helen, Danny, Kelly, Tommy and Vincent. Sol worked tirelessly to ensure that her kids were respectable, faithful and educated. Of the 8 children 6 went on to university and 4 completed university. Of the 8 children 6 are married and 4 grandchildren have been born. Of the 8 children 8 are baptized and all 8 plan on reuniting with her again in heaven.
In its noun form the Oxford Dictionary defines transplant as: “an operation in which an organ or tissue is transplanted.” In the winter of 2001 Sol fell victim to liver failure. By the grace of God and the sheer will to survive Sol successfully underwent a complete liver transplant at UCSF in the spring of 2002. The transplanted liver added 18 years to Sol’s life. Sol used those 18 years to watch her children mature into adults and eventually parents themselves. Sol used those 18 years to work tirelessly to help grow the Kingdom and her local church. Sol used those 18 years to patiently listen to and walk alongside her friends. Sol had a deep abiding love for her family, church family and friends.
Sol will always be remembered as an amazing mother who loved her children fiercely. She never knew her own parents. She never received formal education or training in anything. She possessed very little. Despite all of this we have so much to learn from her life and the love that poured forth from it. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. This is love. This was Sol.
What’s your fondest memory of Sol?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sol?
Share a story where Sol's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sol you’ll never forget.
How did Sol make you smile?