Tribute To My Grandmother
April 2022 is the 50th Anniversary of my grandmother's passing.
This post is a tribute to my dear grandmother and her unique role in my life, how she influenced me, and how that has shaped me into who I am today.
Her sacrifices, hard work, and unparallel support to prepare me for the most incredible journey to America made me more determined than ever to fulfill the childhood dreams she helped foster. I must not disappoint my grandmother and my family!
Grandma was the oldest girl in her family of seven siblings. She couldn't read or write the Thai language. Despite her lack of formal education, grandma communicated well. Grandma lost her husband, an army soldier, to the war, and she had to take over the responsibility of the head of her household of twelve children.
For her love of cooking and the need to support her family, she purchased a small boat packed with cooking equipment and foodstuff. Every day at sunrise, she would row her little boat heading to the floating market along the canal and selling food she cooked on the boat.
After more than thirty years of raising her remaining children (some passed away during childhood) and running the food business, her two sons helped move the food boat business to the new restaurant downtown. Two years later, she agreed to retire and move in with our family in Chiang Mai, my hometown, Northern Thailand.
My parents were hard-working professionals, a lawyer (father) and a school teacher (mother). With six children (four boys and two girls) in my family, grandma played a significant role in helping my parents raise us.
Most nights before bed, I would write letters, read books and newspapers for grandma. After school, I would help in the kitchen and learn to cook Thai dishes from her "secret" recipes. 
Grandma understood that I was hungry for a life where I could thrive and follow my dreams.
While my parents were supportive of my wishes, they were reluctant to see me leave home alone. My grandma told them: "Neither you nor I will be with her all her life. She wants to fly, and we're going to help her fly. Just let her go!" There were no further discussions or doubts if I would be traveling to the US after that conversation!
My grandmother would calm me when I was scared about the uncertain future. As I sat down with her, she let me unburden myself on her. Her calm presence and wise words assured me that everything would be ok. She reminded me: "To live your dreams, you must Believe!"
Josh Groban's heartfelt song, You Raise Me Up, has special significance for me as it closely describes how my grandmother raised me to pursue my dreams.
The song lyrics captivate and remind me of how my grandmother raised me up to "stand on mountains and walk on stormy seas." She wouldn't accept mediocrity but would always encourage me to better myself, never stop learning, and find my own wisdom.
"I am strong when I am on your shoulders; you raise me up, to more than I can be." -- Josh Groban.
If not for my grandmother, I would not have had this life. I would not have even been aware of the life I lead today and the incredible opportunity to be more than I could ever dream of.
She has made my heart sing. Forever!
"Thank you, dear grandma, for raising me up and allowing me to pursue my dreams. I stand tall and am proud to be ME because of YOU!"
" You raise me up.....to more than I can....can be!" -- Josh Groban
My related post - An Immigrant's Story
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Compassion For The War-Torn Innocence
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