My Old Man and Me: From Vietnam to Australia - an ABC presenter's story of survival, sacrifice and care

Fifty years after he smuggled his family on board a rickety boat to escape Vietnam, Thiet Huynh faces a future being cared for by those he once fiercely protected. It is not easy for an old man to give up his place, or for his son Kim, who must take on the role of carer, translator and (impatient) champion.

I have to live, Dad kept saying to me. And I had to help him.

In 2021 a massive stroke left Thiet in need of constant care and upended his family, especially his son Kim.

As Kim washed, transported, medicated, monitored, and fumed at Thiet, he forged a profound connection with the man who risked everything to escape Vietnam and start a new life in Australia.

Together they looked back at how Thiet tried to save Kim's life while also giving him up to a stranger. How he was responsible for providing electricity to both South Vietnam and South Canberra. How he taught Kim to run a bakery, ride a bike, and turn defeat into triumph.

This powerful tribute from a son to his father will help you care for your loved ones, look after yourself and to know when to let go.