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Hope in the killing fields — a Lincoln refugee's story of survival, and the bond between mother and daughter

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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.

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Hope in the killing fields — a Lincoln refugee's story of survival, and the bond between mother and daughter

Refugee

Lincoln High graduate Channy Chhi became a U.S. citizen on July 3, 1986. "I was so proud, but unexpected emotions struck when I had to swear to renounce allegiance to Cambodia."

Courtesy photo

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CHRIS BOWLING For the Lincoln Journal Star

She stands in the living room of the small home in suburban San Jose, a comfortable California breeze rolling through her windows, early June sunlight warming her skin.

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Channy Chhi and Kent Laux (center) were married in August 1988. From left: brother Hong (Ken) Chhi, sister Chenda Chhi, mom Chheng (Em) Ly, the newlyweds, and sister-in-law Cathy Chhi and brother Ee (Mark) Chhi with daughter Rita.

Courtesy photo

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Channy Chhi, at age 13 in Cambodia in 1975, months before the Khmer Rouge took control of the country.

Courtesy photo

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A week after being runited in Lincoln in 1979, family members posed for a photo. Left to right: Hong (Ken) Chhi, Chenda Chhi, Chheng (Em) Ly, Channy Chhi and Ee (Mark) Chhi.

Courtesy photo

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Ken Chhi sketched this image of the hut where the family lived during the first six months of Khmer Rouge rule. They were later separated, finally reuniting as refugees in Lincoln.

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Read her story

“Short Hair Detention," by Lincoln High and UNL graduate Channy Chhi Laux, is available in paperback, hardcover and e-reader on Amazon. Paperback copies are also available at Indigo Bridge Books, 701 P St.

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Refugee

Lincoln High graduate Channy Chhi became a U.S. citizen on July 3, 1986. "I was so proud, but unexpected emotions struck when I had to swear to renounce allegiance to Cambodia."

A week after being runited in Lincoln in 1979, family members posed for a photo. Left to right: Hong (Ken) Chhi, Chenda Chhi, Chheng (Em) Ly, Channy Chhi and Ee (Mark) Chhi.

Channy Chhi and Kent Laux (center) were married in August 1988. From left: brother Hong (Ken) Chhi, sister Chenda Chhi, mom Chheng (Em) Ly, the newlyweds, and sister-in-law Cathy Chhi and brother Ee (Mark) Chhi with daughter Rita.

Ken Chhi sketched this image of the hut where the family lived during the first six months of Khmer Rouge rule. They were later separated, finally reuniting as refugees in Lincoln.

Channy Chhi, at age 13 in Cambodia in 1975, months before the Khmer Rouge took control of the country.

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