The Legacy of Grace

Honoring My Mother’s Journey

When I think of my mom, I’m flooded with memories of laughter, cuddles, and a vibrant woman whose presence lit up every room. She was more than a mother; she was a source of inspiration, joy, and strength. Her story is one of grace, resilience, and deep love, and it’s a story that I want to share with the world.

My mother was born in 1925, the youngest daughter of six children, into a wealthy family. Her upbringing was one filled with joy, surrounded by love and privilege. Her family ran a successful carriage business—a kind of taxi service back in the day—and, as the youngest, she was the apple of everyone’s eye. I often imagine her as a social butterfly even as a young girl, flitting about with elegance and grace. She was a woman who loved to live life to the fullest, and someone who never shied away from pursuing her dreams.

But my mother wasn’t only about enjoying life; she was also an incredibly hard worker. After becoming a dentist, she built a career for herself in a male-dominated field, showing her strength and independence. As Proverbs 31:25 reminds me, “She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.” This scripture captures my mother’s spirit perfectly. No matter what challenges she faced—whether professionally or personally—she wore her strength with a quiet confidence that made her truly extraordinary.

One of my fondest memories of my mom is from our time in San Jose. We were on a bus, and she was telling me a story about how people often mistook her for being Vietnamese, Korean, or Japanese. Whenever someone spoke to her in a different language, she would respond with a made-up language of her own. The way she told the story—her animated expressions and playful tone—had me laughing so hard that my stomach hurt. My mom always had a way of turning simple moments into unforgettable ones.

Another cherished memory is from when I was a kid. I would cuddle up next to her on her bed as we watched TV, asking her all sorts of random questions. In those quiet moments, it felt like nothing else in the world mattered but being with her. That was my mom: present, loving, and always ready to share a laugh or a comforting word. She had an incredible ability to make me feel seen and loved, no matter what. Maya Angelou once said, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” My mom embodied that sentiment completely. The warmth and joy she brought into our lives are what I hold closest to my heart.

But life has a way of throwing unexpected curveballs, and I wasn’t prepared for the shock of her cancer diagnosis. It felt as though the ground beneath me had shifted. My mom had always been a pillar of strength, someone I could lean on without question. Suddenly, she was vulnerable in a way I had never seen before. Yet, even in the midst of her illness, she continued to embody the same grace and dignity that had always defined her. She didn’t let the diagnosis diminish her spirit or her kindness. I remember how she would still smile at the doctors and nurses, offering warmth even as her body grew weaker. It was as if nothing could shake the essence of who she was.

In those moments, I realized that her strength wasn’t about fighting the inevitable—it was about embracing life with an open heart, no matter the circumstances. She couldn’t change her illness, but she didn’t let it change the essence of who she was. Her unwavering strength reminded me of Viktor Frankl’s words: “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” My mom couldn’t change her diagnosis, but she showed me how to change my perspective—how to find peace and strength even in the face of life’s hardest moments.

Her grace in the face of adversity taught me that sometimes the greatest strength is in acceptance, in finding peace with what we cannot control. It’s a lesson I carry with me even now, knowing that her spirit of resilience continues to guide me.

Soul Insights

Grace in All Things: My mother’s grace wasn’t just something she displayed in good times. She showed me that true grace shines brightest in the face of adversity. Whether it was balancing her career with family or facing illness with courage, she never let her circumstances define her spirit. I remember when we learned about her cancer, I saw her strength—and it’s something I carry with me whenever I face my own challenges.
The Power of Laughter: Laughter was my mom’s medicine, and she used it to uplift herself and those around her. Even during difficult times, she found reasons to smile and laugh. Some of my best memories with her are filled with laughter. She taught me that joy is essential to life, and that even in tough times, we can find reasons to laugh. It wasn’t just the lighthearted moments that brought us closer, but the way she infused even serious conversations with humor, reminding me not to take life too seriously.
Strength in Vulnerability: For much of my life, I saw my mom as invincible. Watching her go through cancer was difficult, but it also revealed her incredible vulnerability—and through that, her immense strength. She didn’t hide her pain, but she never let it consume her. Instead, she faced each day with bravery, teaching me that vulnerability isn’t weakness, but a part of life’s strength. It was in those vulnerable moments that I realized just how courageous she was.
Love as a Guiding Force: My mother’s love was the constant, unwavering force that grounded me. Whether in her actions, her words, or the way she cared for others, her love was ever-present. The love she showed me taught me how to love others deeply and unconditionally. One of the most important lessons I learned from her is that love isn’t just an emotion—it’s a guiding principle, one that informs every decision and every action.
Embrace the Present: My mom lived fully in the moment, and I strive to do the same. Whether it was spending time with loved ones or pursuing her passions, she knew that the present is where life truly happens. I remember her telling me to stop worrying so much about the future and just enjoy the now. That lesson has stayed with me, and I try to remind myself every day to slow down, be present, and savor the moments that life offers.

Final Thoughts

As I reflect on my mom’s life and the incredible legacy she left behind, I’m filled with gratitude. Her journey was one of love, strength, and grace, and her spirit continues to guide me every day. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “You don’t have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body.” This quote reminds me that while my mom is no longer here physically, her soul continues to exist, guiding me and reminding me of the love and wisdom she shared during her time on earth. And though I miss her presence, I find comfort in the belief that she is still with me—just in a different form.

Soul Path Insights