10 Years

"The more things changed, the more they stay the same."

This perfectly summarizes today, as it marks the 10th anniversary of my mom’s passing. 

Mommy, 1954-2009

In the past decade, I've went through quite a few changes. For example:

• I’ve worked for 5 different companies. (And if things work out soon, 6 companies!) 
• I’ve moved from Seattle to the Bay Area. 
• I’ve lived in 6 different homes. (1 house, 5 apartments)
• I've had 2 more surgeries to control those pesky fibroids. (Bye bye, uterus!)
• I’ve gained 2 more loving siblings: sister-in-law Annie (Richard’s wife) and brother-in-law Andrew (Bonnie’s husband).
• I’ve fallen out of love - and back in love again. 
• I have 3 healthy, adorable (in their own ways!) nephews: Cyrus, Julius and Connor. 

Auntie V with Cyrus (7), Julius (5) and Connor (9 months)

And yet, so much hasn’t changed one bit.

• I still mourn.  
• I still miss her every day.
• I still tear up when someone brings her up in casual conversation.
• I still chuckle when I remember her contagious laughter as she share stories from her daily routines. 
• I still hear her words of encouragement as I face occasional challenges. (She would say in Cantonese, “The ship will straighten its course once it gets to the bridge.”) 
• I still ask her what she would do when I agonized over life’s crossroads. (“Don’t worry, be happy!,” she would remind me in English.)

No matter how many more days, months or years may pass, I know I will always feel the warmth of her love. 

I love you, Mommy… 💓

Mommy and me (2009)