August
19, 2014
For
Ong Noi:
As a child, I adored you. Happy and calm, strong
and steady, a young grandpa I grew up with. I loved all of my grandparents, I
loved my parents, I loved family.
As I grew older, none of that changed, but I realized how rare and strong our family bond is. Many of my friends had grandparents, but far away, and definitely none that they saw as frequently as I did. Family was an obligation to a lot of my teenager friends, but I was always happy to attend a cousin's birthday or stop by and say hello after a haircut on Saturday.
When I became an adult, studied in college and moved away, I truly began to realize how precious my family is and how lucky I am. At this point, some friends didn't have grandparents who were alive, some didn't even have a good relationship with their parents. Many were lucky their parents were even together. Still, I adored you. Still, I loved family.
Now, married and reflecting on what God has given me, I understand the importance and impact you have had on not just me, but all of your children and grandchildren. No divorces, happy, healthy children with jobs or well on their way to getting one. We are all so, so blessed.
My father is one of the most important people in my life. He's been my guide and my rock, and that is a reflection of you - he is the younger version of you! I have learned over the years that his calming presence, his practical patience, his demeanor and even his laugh come from you. Thank you. Thank you for raising the man who raised me.
When I met Matthew and he told me of his large family, I was surprised. At the same time, it drew me to him. The importance of family and love was in him, and that was what I needed. He understood without question, flying down from Chicago to come see you when you got admitted to MD Anderson the first time. He understood and needed to see you as a married couple, before we were off to begin our lives together. Now, I hope you see, that we adore you.
I want you to know that above all, I respect you. I admire you. The family and foundation you have built, so incredibly strong and enduring, is something many strive for - something only Matthew and I can hope for, to make you proud as we start another branch of your family tree. Learning of our family history, hearing your stories, there isn't enough I could do or say to show you how proud I am to be a part of your life and to have known you as a man.
As I grew older, none of that changed, but I realized how rare and strong our family bond is. Many of my friends had grandparents, but far away, and definitely none that they saw as frequently as I did. Family was an obligation to a lot of my teenager friends, but I was always happy to attend a cousin's birthday or stop by and say hello after a haircut on Saturday.
When I became an adult, studied in college and moved away, I truly began to realize how precious my family is and how lucky I am. At this point, some friends didn't have grandparents who were alive, some didn't even have a good relationship with their parents. Many were lucky their parents were even together. Still, I adored you. Still, I loved family.
Now, married and reflecting on what God has given me, I understand the importance and impact you have had on not just me, but all of your children and grandchildren. No divorces, happy, healthy children with jobs or well on their way to getting one. We are all so, so blessed.
My father is one of the most important people in my life. He's been my guide and my rock, and that is a reflection of you - he is the younger version of you! I have learned over the years that his calming presence, his practical patience, his demeanor and even his laugh come from you. Thank you. Thank you for raising the man who raised me.
When I met Matthew and he told me of his large family, I was surprised. At the same time, it drew me to him. The importance of family and love was in him, and that was what I needed. He understood without question, flying down from Chicago to come see you when you got admitted to MD Anderson the first time. He understood and needed to see you as a married couple, before we were off to begin our lives together. Now, I hope you see, that we adore you.
I want you to know that above all, I respect you. I admire you. The family and foundation you have built, so incredibly strong and enduring, is something many strive for - something only Matthew and I can hope for, to make you proud as we start another branch of your family tree. Learning of our family history, hearing your stories, there isn't enough I could do or say to show you how proud I am to be a part of your life and to have known you as a man.
Van Le
Cain
Dallas, Texas
Dallas, Texas
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