Mother’s Day: Honoring Past and Present

Mother’s Day weekend for us has always been about honoring the past the present. Sometimes I’m in disbelief as to how my grandparents and parents landed in the Bay Area and thrived.

In remembering bà ngoại (maternal grandmother) with mẹ (mother), I am reminded of the hard work, strength, determination, and love of the women in our family for our family.

I have so much gratitude this Mother’s Day.

This year, my sister Karin Hanh and I went to Michael’s to pick out the flowers for Ba Ngoai. We usually do not take the initiative, but this year for the first time, I didn’t see going to the cemetery as a chore. It was an opportunity to truly reflect on the love and strength of the women who shaped us.

For me, this shift reflects the changes in my own grief. The intensity of loss has subsided, and I now approach it with a willingness to connect to the sadness, and at the same time, a deeper sense of gratitude for their hard work, strength, and sacrifices.

In light of recent conversations around diversity and the rise of AAPI hate crimes, I’ve found myself reflecting even more on my family’s legacy. These events have given me the space to honor my roots and appreciate how much strength and resilience have been passed down through generations.

This Mother’s Day, I am filled with gratitude for the women in our family.

Some of the many great floral arrangement options at Michael’s.