In the cozy dim-lit townhome of Mr. Phouxay and Mrs. Keo Phathavong, it’s surrounded by mismatched colors of decorative pieces from the 1980s and green house plants hovering over the windows for spurts of sunshine. “The ‘lucky’ plant, is what they’re called”, said Keo. The couple are regulars at the nearby Lao Assistance Center of Minnesota office, where they huddle for chit chat with elders during the day and look for help when they need translation for their bulk mail. 2011 was the year that changed everything for the Phanthavongs. Their son, Anousone Phanthavong, would make national headline news. Not because of the life he had lived, but from a hit-and-run incident that led to his death by the wife of a famous Vikings football player. This past year, they honored the son they had tragically lost, at the third anniversary of his death. Buddhist monks gave their blessings to the family. Hundreds of Lao elders gathered in the intimate Lao community of Harrison neighborhood in North Minneapolis to pay their respects. Small children released white balloons; to free spirits …