Monorom Neth with family as they celebrate Valerie’s birthday (in front of the birthday cake, wearing the blouse with the red bow) in Bellflower, CA 1989. From left to right: Monorom’s sister, Somealea; behind her, is Sakok; Monorom’s mother, Om Van; unnamed aunt behind her; Monorom’s sister, Somealy; Monorom; his cousin, Valerie Sam; his mother’s youngest sister, Savanna Om; Thida Neth, the two children in white and blue are unnamed. Monorom’s mother, Om Van, adopted Thida after her twin sister died. In Cambodia, it is common for extended family to adopt others from the extended family even when the parents of the adoptee are alive and live nearby.
