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This weekend is special!  Not only do I have the amazing opportunity to spend it in NYC celebrating Kim’s phenomenal season on Survivor… and get to spend it with incredible people (absolutely wonderful moms)… It’s also Mother’s Day!

Unfortunately, I won’t be with my mother this weekend, but I wanted to share her with y’all.

This is the gorgeous Linh, who made me the person I am today (with a little help from some other folks).  If you’ve ever had the chance to meet her, you’d know how incredibly generous, sweet, and honest she is.

When I was little I knew my mom was different.  I wondered why she always packed my lunch- rice, meat, veggies.  A complete, healthy meal when all I wanted was to be like the other kids and get a PB and J sandwich or a lunchable.  I BEGGED for lunchables, and she *hardly* ever caved.  I always wondered, too, why she always gave food to people- to the doctor and nurses (I was a sickly child with asthma, getting breathing treatments. Shocking, I know), to our friends, or just about anyone that needed a smile and a full tummy. She is the kinda person that would give you anything you needed (or didn’t) genuinely expecting nothing in return.  I never understood this growing up, but just typing this fills my heart and soul with so much love for her.  My mom is an amazing person and I am so thankful of all of the sacrifices she’s made for our family.  My brother and I have turned out all right so I hope she considers herself successful.

Even more surprising with my mom is that later on I learned that she had nothing to give growing up.  She literally survived the Vietnam war, watched her family die in front of her, was taken in by a family to be raised, separated from her siblings, and still manages to be one of the most optimistic, and loving, people I know.  You’d never know any of this from meeting her.  She’s strong,  independent, and lives her life gratefully and to the fullest.  What an inspiration!  (I tell her she needs to write a book about her journey- encourage her also to do so)!

Mom,

I am so thankful for you.  For all that you have done for me and Joey (and Dad).  You’ve given me a high standard for when the time comes for me to be a mother- I hope to do you proud.   If I had the world to give you, it still wouldn’t be enough for what you deserve.

I love you so very much and wish you a phenomenal Mother’s Day.  Con yêu Ma.

Love,
Your little girl, Jenny