16 Comments
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Sharon Hom's avatar

Yi Xue, What a beautiful loving tribute to a beautiful loving 姨妈♥️♥️♥️ Full of carefully observed details of an amazing family. Thank you for republishing!

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Yi Xue's avatar

Thanks, Sharon! She was indeed a beautiful person and lived an amazing life!

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Alicia Dara's avatar

I loved reading this when it was published in Oldster, and I still love it today. Gorgeous, vivid and insightful, well done Yi!

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Yi Xue's avatar

Aw, thanks, Alicia!

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Tom Pendergast's avatar

That was a sweet story

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Yi Xue's avatar

Thanks, Tom!

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Jeffrey Streeter's avatar

Just as beautiful the second time around, Yi! This is such a lovely portrait of your Auntie-Mommy! What a remarkable person she must have been.

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Yi Xue's avatar

Thank you, Jeffrey! My Auntie-Mommy was one of a kind! 🙏

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Steph Wright's avatar

Yi Xue 姐姐, what a beautiful piece. I was transported to 上海 as I read along. I can feel the love between you and Auntie -Mommy - so special ❤️

I also appreciated reading what it was like to grow up in 上海 during the cultural revolution. My dad grew up there at the same time but he never shared what it was like. And we don’t speak anymore so I’ll never know. So thank you for giving me a little piece of what it might have been like for him too.

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Yi Xue's avatar

Thank you, dear Steph 妹妹! I am glad you like reading my stories, and I am glad that my stories are able to fill a void, spur curiosity, and bring back memories! I wish you happy holidays and a great 2025 for our writings!

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Karen McGregor's avatar

If only everyone was blessed with an auntie mommy. I was lucky to have a glamorous and creative auntie also. She too died of lung cancer after decades of enjoying her cigarettes. Thank you for sharing her story.

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Yi Xue's avatar

Thanks, Karen! Here is to a great 2025, and to our Aunties!

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Bette's avatar

The image of your aunt magically making your sleeves longer while you napped is so wonderful. I also vow to remember her comment that there are no ugly people, only lazy ones. LOL!

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Yi Xue's avatar

LOL yeah sometimes it is very easy to slip into "Oh, I am just staying home, and no one is going to notice me" mode. :) Thanks Bette for reading!

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Portia's avatar

I love, love, love this story! Auntie-Mommy was a beauty, and she had a beautiful soul to match her radiant smile. You come from a long line of strong, amazing women, Yi Xue. BTW, I'm re-reading "The Dream of the Red Chamber" after yours and Jeffrey's post.

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Yi Xue's avatar

Thank you so much, Portia! I am happy that you liked it!

Let Jeffrey and I know how your reading of "The Dream of the Red Chamber" goes! :)

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