new beginnings, new ends. let's not forget the past.

this year started with the passing of my grandmother. we were close, she was there for my entire life, i even shared a room with her at one point. i learned a lot from her. all the little old lady quirks, life lessons and i deeply enjoyed listening to the stories of her past (in taishan dialect which few understand). she defiantly contributed enormously to who i am today and i am so very thankful that i could spent these 20+ years with her. i still don't know what this means for me because i have always had her there for me, to confine in, to rely on, and this is the first great loss in my life. however, i know that she is in a better place now and even in her last days she was faithful and hopeful for our future. she even told us no to worry, and that she was ready. i don't understand how this could be, how do you know? her life story was full of challenges that i could never even fathom (ex. facing a tiger in the rice field with her two babies present, giving birth by herself!) and yet she faced them all, passed them and was able to press on. i love her and when i think of her i smile because even through her tough life she took those times in mind and still lived a happy present full of laughter. its something i can draw upon. to the people who have been there for my family. thank you, and may god bless you.