My Mom: A Lifetime of Love, Laughter, and Lessons

A personal story about my mother, the love she gave, the lessons she taught,
and the spirit that continues to live on.

This story was widely shared on Facebook and received
an outpouring of heartfelt responses from readers.

My mom is on a new journey now… 🙏🌹❤️

Your love, your smile, your laughter, your thoughtfulness, your generosity, your cheerfulness, your kindness, your playfulness…

Your sense of humor, your understanding, your patience, your fantastic cooking, your creativity, your wisdom, your hugs and kisses…

These are just some of the many things I will always remember, love, cherish, and carry with me.

Thank you for always loving us, taking good care of us, and working so hard to provide for us. We truly are blessed and appreciate everything you have taught us.

You are the best Mom I could have ever wished for.

I know that your spirit lives on, but I will truly miss your physical presence. My Love For You will be forever and ever.

Margaret, Sweet Sixteen

Favorite Memories with My Mom

When I was 5 or 6 years old, I said, “Mommy, I’ll race you up the street! On your mark, get set (I took off running) ……GO!”

When I got about half way up the street, I heard footsteps behind me. Frightened, I turned my head and saw that you were one-step behind me.

I tripped on a hump in the cement and skinned my elbows and knees. Crying like a baby, you picked me up, kissed me, and carried me all the way home. You fixed up my hurts and kissed them all. 🙂

Mom always told me:

“Just try your best. You don’t have to be perfect. Don’t give up—you’ll get better.”

That stayed with me for life.

I remember standing on your feet while you danced and twirled me around the room… us laughing the whole time.

You always hugged and kissed me, saying, “My little benboy. I Love You!” You called me “benboy”… and sometimes “ben-guin” because I waddled like a penguin in diapers. Even in my 60s, you still called me that. ❤️

1955: Oopsie, I forgot to pull up my zipper! lol

My Brother Alex, and Sisters Loretta, and Jennifer.

You would ask us kids if you snored. We said, YES, it was so loud that we couldn’t even hear the TV from the next room!

I used to crawl in your bedroom while you were taking a nap…and flick your lips, nose, ear, or lightly poke you on your cheek to stop you from snoring.
One day, I played back a recording of you snoring, and you said, “Wow, was that me?” 🤣

You used to take us on picnics, movies, fishing at Lake Merritt, Fairyland, and even Disneyland.

I Loved watching you smile, laugh and sing your favorite songs. Loved watching and listening to you play the piano, and harmonica (self taught).

You teaching us how to pray in English and Chinese before eating and before bed time.

Loved all the different food you prepared for us. Everyone would tell us that we were very lucky that you were a Fabulous Chinese cuisine cooking instructor. Thank you for teaching us how to cook and take care of ourselves.

Enjoyed watching your Chinese Cooking Show on KQED Channel 9 in SF. in the ’60’s..

Always enjoyed your acting skills in the Chinese plays you performed in at Victory Hall in S.F. Chinatown.

Mom, you were so generous with your time and energy, always helping people in need. You always took the time to visit the elderly at On Lok Senior Health Center. You enjoyed cooking something special, or buy something and share with them.

What My Mom Taught Me

When I was 7 years old, you taught me some things that stayed with me forever:

When walking with a woman or girl, always walk on the outside, closest to the street.

It is polite to hold the door open for the elderly, or a woman.

Always offer your seat on the bus to the elderly, or to someone who is having trouble standing..

These small acts of respect became a part of who I am.

A lot of what you did rubbed off on me. You taught me how to be kind, appreciative, giving, and understanding.

My Last Moments With My Mom

In her final days, I spent time with her playing her favorite songs, showing her photos and videos, and making her laugh.

Sometimes, all I did was make funny faces at her—and her eyes would light up and she would laugh so hard and tell me that I was crazy

Since I was a little kid, we had something we always said to each other:

“LOVE.”

Then we would race to spell it out:
“L-O-V-E… I beat you!”

…and those were my last words to her.

I softly said, “I love you so much, Mama… LOVE… L-O-V-E… I beat you…”

Her eyes were closed—but I know she heard me, as she slowly turned her head toward me.

Then I kissed her. 🙏❤️😥

The love, kindness, and wisdom my mother shared with me shaped who I am today—and how I connect with others.

If you are going through loss, seeking comfort, or looking for clarity in your life, I would be honored to help guide you.

Thank you, Mom. ❤️