Thank you everyone for joining us this evening. I don’t know where to begin. It’s impossible for me to fit a lifetime of love and memories into a few hundred words. But I would like to share with you a little bit about my mom and who she was.
Being quiet and gentle as she appeared, mama was the most courageous and resilient person I’ve ever met. Throughout her life, she had gone through so many challenges, yet she had always embraced all of them with courage and grace. She never complained or resented anyone or anything. On the contrary, the kindness, generosity, and compassion she displayed throughout her entire life have touched and inspired many people. In the last few days, I’ve received many heartfelt messages from family and friends sharing how deeply they had bonded with Mama and how she had helped and shaped their lives.
Mama was a loving and devoted wife, daughter, sibling, aunt, friend, and neighbor. She was the rock of her family and everyone went to her for guidance and support. She was gifted with her knitting and beading art skills. She spoiled people with the delicious food she made. She loved Canada and Toronto, her adopted country and city, where she hoped that she would come back as a nurse in her next life to pay back the many people she had met and graciously received care from. She even shared a special bonding with Pepper after initially being suspicious of this dirty little fur ball and spoiled him with endless scratches, allowing him on her bed and sneaking food to him under the table. In the end, she showed Pepper the same love and devotion she shared with those she cared about the most.
I have such vivid memories of my life with mama from as far back as my early childhood. One story I always enjoyed recalling with mama was from when I was seven. I came running home after school to tell mama that I was announced as the number one student of the entire grade for the school year. Mama was so happy and proud that she hugged and squeezed me, and she also bit my cheeks so hard that I squealed in surprise, begging her to stop. Mama just giggled then took me out for treats, one kilogram of imported German chocolates that cost my dad one week’s salary. She loved pinching and biting my chubby cheeks. It was her way of displaying her affection, and I never grew tired of it.
Another warm memory I’d like to share is how throughout my entire childhood and youth, every day I’d come home from school and I would look forward to seeing the light in the kitchen from far away and I would run towards it for the last block knowing that mama was home waiting for me. As soon as I opened the door I would be welcomed by mama’s smile and the smell of the delicious food she was making for dinner. While she continued to cook, I would sit beside her and tell her everything that happened at school in full detail and mama would listen to me patiently every single day for twelve years. Sometimes I’d try to sneak a taste of the food she was cooking and she would playfully slap my wrist but then she would give me something to eat anyway.
I loved sharing these stories with mama over and over again and she never tired of listening to them. That I remember these dear stories and many more so vividly and fondly to this day makes me believe that they not only live in my mind but in my heart. I am so grateful to have so many wonderful stories of mama and me together and I will cherish all of them forever. The love and beautiful relationship she shared with my dad throughout their marriage for 30 years provided me with the warmest memories as their child, memories that I continue to draw upon for strength and courage to this day as I explore my own life’s journey.
I was extremely lucky to have had such a beautiful person as my mother. Many of Mama’s decisions in her life was for my welfare. Without her sacrifice, protection, and guidance, I wouldn’t have been where I am today. She wasn’t just a mother to me. She was a dear big sister who enjoyed sharing laughter and stories with me over a nice meal. She was my best friend, who was always there for me and ensured that I know that no matter how hard I fail or fall, she was there to catch me.
The void Mama had left is deep and cannot be filled. But I know that Mama would want me to move on with my life. She would want me to live the fullest, achieve my potential, and follow my passion. And that is the last gift Mama has given to me. Mama, thank you for being such a beautiful person and wonderful mother. I love you. You will live in my heart forever. I will miss you until we meet again.
妈妈，谢谢你是那么美丽的一个人和了不起的母亲。我好爱好爱你。你会永远活在我的心里。我非常非常的想念你，但是我知道我们一定会重逢，我期待着那一天。
