This image shows a rubbing on rice paper of a bas-relief from Angkor Wat, a temple complex in Cambodia. Bas-relief is a sculptural technique where the design is raised slightly from the background. These reliefs are not just artistic; they are historical records depicting daily life, mythological tales, and significant events. The Angkor Wat bas-reliefs reflect the fusion of Hindu and Buddhist influences in Khmer culture. Angkor Wat was originally built as a Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu but later converted to a Buddhist temple. The complex, built in the 12th century, is a symbol of the Khmer Empire’s power and a major cultural landmark. This rubbing was made prior to the damage caused by the Khmer Rouge during the American Indochina war.

My mother visited Angkor Wat by herself. She traveled from Guam, where we were stationed. She took with her the family’s 8mm movie camera, but after only a few seconds of filming, something went wrong. All we got from her trip was a brief glimpse of her riding an elephant. As a souvenir she purchased the pictured rubbing. As fragile as it is, it has survived the intervening 65+ years.

Yesterday, Frank and Kathy arrived. Shortly afterwards the relator showed up. She was recommended to us, and she lived up to the hype. Everyone seemed impressed. We will try to interview another one, but if that does not happen, this one seems fine. Today, we will be holding dad’s internment ceremony. It will be a short graveside affair, hosted by a Catholic deacon. Family and neighbors will attend. Afterwards we will all adjoin to the Rio Grill, dad’s favorite restaurant.