"We had plenty of meat only when we celebrated
Hmong New Year with our aunts, uncles, and
cousins. The old table was heavy with whole, boiled
chickens, more than our family could ever eat.
After dinner, our bellies full, my cousins and I sat
on the carpet around Grandma as she told us
stories.
She always began, "It was a long time ago and
I was just a girl ... "
As we celebrate the important women in our lives today, I thought that this Hmong refugee story would offer reflection on the tremendous impact of their importance in our lives. Kalia's grandmother holds an honored position in the family. No one knows much about her childhood. How old is she? No one knows? How did she escape a tiger when she was very young? No one knows. They do know her stories because she shares them with her family. As you can see, she starts each of her stories in the same way ... in a time when she was very young.
What she did to protect the siblings in her care, and to immigrate with them for a better life, have ensured her a place of honor in her family. Her life has been filled with challenges and hard times. She survived it all, and she smiled. Kalia's family still struggles with not having enough for all the things Kalia would like to have. She wants ice cream rather than ice, more food on the table, and new braces for her crooked teeth. Her parents cannot provide more than they already are.
Grandma asks an important question:
"I turned to her in the glow of early evening.
The sun was low in the sky, and its golden
light fell on her face.
Grandma asked, "Is my smile not beautiful?"
What a special family story. It is accompanied by digital mixed media artwork that is quite remarkable.
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