A' Ma (For Ma)

You chose McHenry for your home . . . Settling here, so that your children could have a bright future. Your life was given for your children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren . . . A loving mother who thought of their welfare, even to the end. Never thinking of yourself . . . Even in your afflictions, your laughter brought joy to others. When your eyesight became poor, "Who is that?" you would say . . . And your smile would always make them feel welcomed by you. Your love enriched the lives of all in this town . . . And many of those well beyond its borders. Though your vision was fading . . . Your love for others never did. We are saddened because you are gone . . . Our world has lost a great treasure. We will miss you "Ma", "Gramma", "Poa", "Nien", "Bat Bat" . . . But we will always treasure the heartfelt love you gave to us so willingly. "GNO HAN NEE, HO AW" I wrote this for my Mother-in-Law . . . who was a Chinese immigrant, raised three children on her own, and started business that touched the lives of many in our community by her singular courage, honesty, and love. The last line means "We love you, very much", and may not be spelled correctly, but is correct phonetically. I was blessed to know her. Although she has been gone nearly four years, I wanted to share my feelings with you.