"To that shy and quiet girl, the piano was a friend she could talk to without using words, and music was a world she could escape to, a world of love and dreams." There are so many beautiful passages in this truly moving tribute to your mother, Yi. She was obviously a remarkable woman who showed her love for you in all those wonderful ways you describe. I'm sure she would have loved this wonderful tribute and I hope that writing it and sharing it helps you find your path through grief.
What a wonderful tribute! And a beautiful way to pass on to your son the legacy and love that existed between your mother and yourself. (We other readers benefit from your sharing too) Thank you so much for telling us your story!
I didn't cry until your son gave you the Mendelssohn CD, and then the floodgates were open. You did your mom justice, Yi, with your words, her story, and her AMAZING music. And what a gift to grow up around her playing.
I hadn't thought about my mom's regular ear cleaning ritual until you brought it up. But being so American, I did ask my mom why she never said I love you, or hugged, and now we say it. When I met my Thai side of the family as an adult, I went in for the hug, but my uncles won't do it.
Thank you, Lani! I have been crying on and off all day today reading my readers response💕and it feels good. I felt seen and understood, and my felt my lovely Mom was seen and loved and heard. xoxo
Virtual hugs to you, Yi Xue. Your love and longing for your mother moved me this morning. I found so much of this relatable - from the ear wax picking to not being able to express “I love you” in Chinese and yet knowing love is there all the same. Thank you for sharing. 🤍
Reading your words, while your mother’s music played in the background, was a wonderful way to begin a Thursday morning. I appreciate the artistry in both communication means. I am thankful for you and your willingness to openly share, as you process the loss of your mother. To me, your family’s love is clearly woven throughout both the measures, and the prose.
These beautiful and yes painful memories too, honor your mother’s full life and the love that was clearly expressed in actions and the silence between words. Thank you for sharing 🙏♥️
A wonderful tribute to an even more wonderful woman. I, too, am so happy to know your mother has found her love in music and has always been able to surround her life with it. I don't say "I love you" either in Chinese, it actually sounds strange, and I use the English one with my husband and children. Maybe love is expressed differently to us Chinese, and yes, all you've mentioned is love, and more. And I love the recordings! :) I hope writing this is helping you through your grief, like mine did for me!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel! Writing certainly has been the most impactful and meaningful way to help me sit with my grief, and I am grateful that it did the same for you! ❤️
You are right; maybe as Chinese, we express our love differently, because I sure have difficulty saying (or even hearing) these three words of "I love you." But we are nevertheless passionate people, and we love deeply. 😊
Beautiful tribute! Love expressed through actions speaks louder than words. She’s amazing woman, daughter, sister, mother and grandma. You have done a good job to taking care of your mom, I’m sure she was very proud of you.
A beautiful tribute to your mother, written with so much tenderness and nostalgia. My deepest sympathies for your great loss!
What you wrote about Chinese people not saying those three precious words resonate with me:
"Emotional communication was not deemed a necessary skill for most Chinese. They believed words were not the warren of love."
In your case, the exchange of love between you and your mom was obvious. May your mother's love for you and for music continue to live inside you and your son.
As another comment left by Kevin Kosche, reading this memoir with your mom's piano played in the background is such a beautiful and moving experience. Love can be expressed in so many ways besides saying it out and loud. Your mom's love is manifested throughout your life and we can see you love your mom dearly and deeply through this memoir. Your mom lied down and slept in peace knowing she is loved by God and her family. Wonderful writing, heartfelt love, thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Aiping! Her faith was what sustained her throughout her life, especially the last couple of years when doing things she loved got tough for her. I am so grateful that she had the never-failing and unconditional love from God to accompany her! ❤️
What an extraordinary life that your mother has lived. Thank you for sharing her life, wisdom, and her love for music with us. This is such a well-crafted piece. It moved me to tears. If you every write a whole book about your mother's life, I'd be the first to buy it.
"To that shy and quiet girl, the piano was a friend she could talk to without using words, and music was a world she could escape to, a world of love and dreams." There are so many beautiful passages in this truly moving tribute to your mother, Yi. She was obviously a remarkable woman who showed her love for you in all those wonderful ways you describe. I'm sure she would have loved this wonderful tribute and I hope that writing it and sharing it helps you find your path through grief.
Thank you, Jeffrey, for your kind words words! I am truly blessed to have Mom’s memory and love to remember, and writing to console me.
What a remarkable life so exquisitely captured in your tribute Yi! Lovely, lovely, lovely
Thank you, Ayn! ❤️
What a wonderful tribute! And a beautiful way to pass on to your son the legacy and love that existed between your mother and yourself. (We other readers benefit from your sharing too) Thank you so much for telling us your story!
Thank you, Harshini!
I didn't cry until your son gave you the Mendelssohn CD, and then the floodgates were open. You did your mom justice, Yi, with your words, her story, and her AMAZING music. And what a gift to grow up around her playing.
I hadn't thought about my mom's regular ear cleaning ritual until you brought it up. But being so American, I did ask my mom why she never said I love you, or hugged, and now we say it. When I met my Thai side of the family as an adult, I went in for the hug, but my uncles won't do it.
This is beautiful, Yi, xo
Thank you, Lani! I have been crying on and off all day today reading my readers response💕and it feels good. I felt seen and understood, and my felt my lovely Mom was seen and loved and heard. xoxo
Oh, by the way, you and my husband were born in the same year! Sending you big hugs.
Virtual hugs to you, Yi Xue. Your love and longing for your mother moved me this morning. I found so much of this relatable - from the ear wax picking to not being able to express “I love you” in Chinese and yet knowing love is there all the same. Thank you for sharing. 🤍
Thank you, Heidi! I believe that her faith also played a huge part in sustaining her life and giving her contentment ❤️!
So beautiful! I loved hearing that faith is what brought your parents together in marriage too. I’m so encouraged by your mother’s life! ☺️
Reading your words, while your mother’s music played in the background, was a wonderful way to begin a Thursday morning. I appreciate the artistry in both communication means. I am thankful for you and your willingness to openly share, as you process the loss of your mother. To me, your family’s love is clearly woven throughout both the measures, and the prose.
🙏🙏🙏
These beautiful and yes painful memories too, honor your mother’s full life and the love that was clearly expressed in actions and the silence between words. Thank you for sharing 🙏♥️
A wonderful tribute to an even more wonderful woman. I, too, am so happy to know your mother has found her love in music and has always been able to surround her life with it. I don't say "I love you" either in Chinese, it actually sounds strange, and I use the English one with my husband and children. Maybe love is expressed differently to us Chinese, and yes, all you've mentioned is love, and more. And I love the recordings! :) I hope writing this is helping you through your grief, like mine did for me!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Rachel! Writing certainly has been the most impactful and meaningful way to help me sit with my grief, and I am grateful that it did the same for you! ❤️
You are right; maybe as Chinese, we express our love differently, because I sure have difficulty saying (or even hearing) these three words of "I love you." But we are nevertheless passionate people, and we love deeply. 😊
Fabulous tribute! Meaningful, valuable reflections! Thank you.
🙏
Beautiful tribute! Love expressed through actions speaks louder than words. She’s amazing woman, daughter, sister, mother and grandma. You have done a good job to taking care of your mom, I’m sure she was very proud of you.
Thanks, Janice, for your kind words!
Wbat a beautiful story about your mother. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thanks, Alice! Celebrate your mom's 84 birthday with her - the number is not important but the time we spend together is precious!
thank you!! I was thinking about your mom, and my mom, this morning. Thank you again for sharing about her!
A beautiful tribute to your mother, written with so much tenderness and nostalgia. My deepest sympathies for your great loss!
What you wrote about Chinese people not saying those three precious words resonate with me:
"Emotional communication was not deemed a necessary skill for most Chinese. They believed words were not the warren of love."
In your case, the exchange of love between you and your mom was obvious. May your mother's love for you and for music continue to live inside you and your son.
Thank you, Louisa for your kind words!
As another comment left by Kevin Kosche, reading this memoir with your mom's piano played in the background is such a beautiful and moving experience. Love can be expressed in so many ways besides saying it out and loud. Your mom's love is manifested throughout your life and we can see you love your mom dearly and deeply through this memoir. Your mom lied down and slept in peace knowing she is loved by God and her family. Wonderful writing, heartfelt love, thank you for sharing!
Thank you, Aiping! Her faith was what sustained her throughout her life, especially the last couple of years when doing things she loved got tough for her. I am so grateful that she had the never-failing and unconditional love from God to accompany her! ❤️
The most beautiful tribute! Thank you for writing and sharing your mother's story!
Thank you, Bette!🙏
What an extraordinary life that your mother has lived. Thank you for sharing her life, wisdom, and her love for music with us. This is such a well-crafted piece. It moved me to tears. If you every write a whole book about your mother's life, I'd be the first to buy it.
So grateful for your kind words, Yuezhong! 🙏