Dear Mother,

Happy birthday! As I reflect on my childhood experiences growing up in Steubenville, I’ve pondered more over time on your experience there as a newly arrived Taiwanese immigrant in the United States - the isolation of suddenly finding yourself in an unfamiliar place with few others like you, your ability to adapt quickly to a whole new culture and language. It makes me admire your strength and resilience all the more.

Looking back, I regret how I treated you sometimes. I was young and didn't understand the challenges you faced. Instead of appreciating your efforts to learn English and integrate, I ridiculed you for your intelligence. Now, I see how much harder it must have been for you than my frustrated attempts at French in Montreal.

Steubenville gets a bad rap sometimes, but the kindness the people there showed you is something I truly cherish. Those Italian women who befriended you, who taught you the secrets of their amazing pasta sauce – they represent the best of that community. They welcomed you when I, unfortunately, did not. Shame on me for not appreciating how lucky we were to have such wonderful people around us.

Mom, you are such a strong, intelligent woman. You put up with a lot from me and Dad back then. I can only imagine how lonely it must have felt at times, not having the support you deserved. Yet, you persevered, earning your GED and building a life here. Even now, all these years after leaving the United States, your English is amazing! It inspires me to see how sharp you remain in your elder years.

I'm so proud of the journey you've taken, Mom. There are so many things about you that I admire now, things I didn’t recognize as a child.

I hope you know how much I love you. Moving forward, I hope to learn more about your experiences, both in Steubenville and Taiwan. Maybe we can even cook together, and you can teach me some of those incredible dishes you make!

Happy birthday again, Mom. This year, and every year, I want to celebrate the amazing woman you are.

Your son,