This June, our family came together to celebrate two incredible milestones—my grandmother’s 101st birthday and my adorable niece’s first. A hundred years apart, these women represent the incredible journey of resilience, love, and hope that runs through our family. As I stand here, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. Their stories are not just inspiring—they are the heart and soul of who we are.
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to be cared for by my grandmother, and I can honestly say she is the strongest person I know. Her life story is nothing short of extraordinary. She was born in old China, in a time when women’s voices were silenced and stereotypes about Asian women being obedient and quiet were the norm. But she refused to accept that fate.
From a young age, her parents promised her in marriage to a man she had never met. But one night, in the very room where she first met my grandfather, she found her voice and said, “Don’t touch me.” Her words surprised him. His reaction? “Oh, you can speak.” Her confident reply? “Yes, of course.” That moment was the first spark of her fierce independence, her refusal to be controlled, and her determination to live life on her own terms. That single act set her on a path of resilience that would carry her through unimaginable hardships.
She faced the brutal realities of China’s Great Leap Forward and the famine that followed, yet she never gave up. She raised her children with love and strength in the face of hardship. Later, she made the brave decision to flee to Hong Kong, and finally, to come to the United States—without a safety net, driven by hope, courage, and an unbreakable spirit. Her journey from hardship to hope, from survival to thriving, is the foundation of the strength I carry within me today. Her stories of perseverance and resilience continue to inspire me every single day.
And then there is my niece—our brightest new hope. I had the privilege of being there at her birth, witnessing a tiny miracle—a preemie weighing just 1 pound 10 ounces at 26 weeks. I remember the worry, the tears, and the hope that carried us through those tough days. Now, at just one year old, she’s nearly 30 pounds, exploring the world with curiosity and strength. Her journey, rooted in that legacy of resilience, fills us all with hope and excitement for what’s to come.
My grandmother’s life is a testament to the power of courage, love, and resilience. As her granddaughter, I am endlessly grateful for her sacrifices, her strength, and her unwavering spirit. She has shown me what it means to fight for what you believe in, to never give up, and to always hold onto hope.
Today, we celebrate her 101 years of life—her legacy of resilience and love that continues to inspire us all. And we celebrate the new chapter of hope and promise that my niece represents. These women remind us that no matter the obstacles, we can rise above and together, create a future filled with hope, strength, and endless love.