lighting incense
honoring ancestors, i bow
head to the ground
—On Chinese New Year my father would always cook a large feast to honor ancestors. He would carefully set the table, a place for everyone, pour schnapps for elders, juice for the children, and lay out the food. They would all eat as we stood by waiting. Afterward it would be our turn to feast!
—My father left China as a young man in the prime of his life; his dream of returning home to study medicine never materialized. He brought our family to America, where I have had so many opportunities to follow my heart and realize my dreams. I am forever grateful.
