Last year I wrote about “10 Things I’m Glad My Mother Taught Me”. This year I’d like to share a few of the warm memories I have of my mother. I mention some of these in Ying-Ying: Pieces of a Childhood. I mention some of these in Ying-Ying: Pieces of a Childhood and dedicated the four Ying-Ying books to the memory of my mother. I chose the above graphic because Ma loved gardenias.
When my father left us, Ma had to provide for us. With few skills, she took the bus downtown to get work at a sewing factory. She brought home pieces to assemble and taught me how to make bows. While we worked, she would tell me stories. She told funny ones and serious ones—all interesting. Those were the times I realized I how much I enjoy storytelling.
Summers were brutally hot and sweltering in Chicago. Ma and I put mats on the outdoor porch of our second floor flat. We would lay on the mats and stare up at the stars while Ma taught me Chinese folk songs and arias from Chinese opera.
Later, Ma and I joined the church choir. We both enjoyed learning and singing hymns. Everywhere we walked, she took my hand. At first it was to be sure I didn’t get lost; then it was the pleasure of being close to each other.
After my move to Los Angeles to pursue work in the theatre, it was necessary to remove all of my wisdom teeth. Ma came from San Francisco to nurse me and to give me morale support. After I recovered, I took Ma to Disneyland. It was a such pleasure to see her delight in “It’s a Small World”.
I cherish these memories. Ma has passed away many years now. I wish she were still here to share more good moments.
Those of you who are lucky your mother is still alive, show her how grateful you are for what she has done for you with as much love as you can—not only on Mother’s Day but every day. If your mother has passed away, give her honor and respect—perhaps make a donation in her memory. There are different ways to say, “I love you, Mom”—but don’t forget to express it.
I’m sending this message a day early because I expect you’ll be spending Sunday celebrating your Moms.
Happy Mother’s Day,
Jeanne
When my father left us, Ma had to provide for us. With few skills, she took the bus downtown to get work at a sewing factory. She brought home pieces to assemble and taught me how to make bows. While we worked, she would tell me stories. She told funny ones and serious ones—all interesting. Those were the times I realized I how much I enjoy storytelling.
Summers were brutally hot and sweltering in Chicago. Ma and I put mats on the outdoor porch of our second floor flat. We would lay on the mats and stare up at the stars while Ma taught me Chinese folk songs and arias from Chinese opera.
Later, Ma and I joined the church choir. We both enjoyed learning and singing hymns. Everywhere we walked, she took my hand. At first it was to be sure I didn’t get lost; then it was the pleasure of being close to each other.
After my move to Los Angeles to pursue work in the theatre, it was necessary to remove all of my wisdom teeth. Ma came from San Francisco to nurse me and to give me morale support. After I recovered, I took Ma to Disneyland. It was a such pleasure to see her delight in “It’s a Small World”.
I cherish these memories. Ma has passed away many years now. I wish she were still here to share more good moments.
Those of you who are lucky your mother is still alive, show her how grateful you are for what she has done for you with as much love as you can—not only on Mother’s Day but every day. If your mother has passed away, give her honor and respect—perhaps make a donation in her memory. There are different ways to say, “I love you, Mom”—but don’t forget to express it.
I’m sending this message a day early because I expect you’ll be spending Sunday celebrating your Moms.
Happy Mother’s Day,
Jeanne