Father left us when I was five years old, so I have only a few memories of him. But I always smile when I remember how I’d scramble into his lap while he sat in his favorite chair, the one that rocked just a bit. I liked the sweet smell of the tobacco in his pipe. He always wore a suit. He said it showed respect as a gift store owner and as a leader of the On Leong Tong association and Chicago’s Chinatown community.
Have you read “Ying-Ying: Pieces of a Childhood”, “Ying-Ying 2: Jasmine by the Bay”, “Ying-Ying 3: Jasmine in L.A.”, and “Ying-Ying 4: Jasmine Returns to the Bay”? The descriptions in my books of the contentious relationship between Ying-Ying’s parents, the father figures of her older brothers, and the courtship of a potential stepfather are based on my personal experiences.
Ma took over the role of father. She disciplined me, guided me, and became provider; working in downtown sewing factories to pay the bills. She was determined, met each challenge calmly and overcame them. She stressed the importance of work, respect, and education. She was father and mother. When we made things in school for our fathers, I made them for my mother.
Some synchronicities to note: Father died on June 14 when I was in high school. After Ma died, my brother Ping became a father figure—his birth date June 15. Father’s Day this year is June 16.
If your father is alive, show him your appreciation with a thoughtful affordable gift and celebrate appropriately. If he has passed away, honor his memory. If YOU are a father, try to be the best father possible, create those warm memories that your children will always remember.
When we speak of fathers, we include all the male relatives and non-relatives who have made helped you grow.
Thank you to all Fathers.
Happy Father’s Day!
Jeanne
Have you read “Ying-Ying: Pieces of a Childhood”, “Ying-Ying 2: Jasmine by the Bay”, “Ying-Ying 3: Jasmine in L.A.”, and “Ying-Ying 4: Jasmine Returns to the Bay”? The descriptions in my books of the contentious relationship between Ying-Ying’s parents, the father figures of her older brothers, and the courtship of a potential stepfather are based on my personal experiences.
Ma took over the role of father. She disciplined me, guided me, and became provider; working in downtown sewing factories to pay the bills. She was determined, met each challenge calmly and overcame them. She stressed the importance of work, respect, and education. She was father and mother. When we made things in school for our fathers, I made them for my mother.
Some synchronicities to note: Father died on June 14 when I was in high school. After Ma died, my brother Ping became a father figure—his birth date June 15. Father’s Day this year is June 16.
If your father is alive, show him your appreciation with a thoughtful affordable gift and celebrate appropriately. If he has passed away, honor his memory. If YOU are a father, try to be the best father possible, create those warm memories that your children will always remember.
When we speak of fathers, we include all the male relatives and non-relatives who have made helped you grow.
Thank you to all Fathers.
Happy Father’s Day!
Jeanne