It is said you die twice. Once when you stop breathing, and a second time when somebody says your name for the last time. This story honors my grandfather, Chan Kin On’s name and memory in America and China so that he will not be lost in time. Monthly posts from members celebrate their contributions to family history storytelling — in all its forms.
An incredible journey of the highest order. As a Canadian I am embarrassed that we have a shameful history of discrimination and abuse of Chinese immigrants.
Restitution and healing may be impossible from our formerly white majority but I see that honouring ancestors and their village does more good than any words of regret from us.
Bravo for your work and raising awareness of your family’s rich heritage.
Every town and village should have jiapu for the founding families. 🙏
Thank you all for the kind comments. This journal was the second time at the Chan village. My first visit was conceived because my deceased grandparents are not able to return to China. So, I would bring China back to them. Grandpa Chan lived his life in America harvesting pears in the rural Sacramento Delta. So, when I went back to Grandpa’s village, found an orchard, and gathered a few pebbles. Ching Ming, is the Chinese holiday to honor the dead. My dad, the eldest son, took the pebbles from his homeland, and gently buried them at his father’s grave. Now, Grandpa Chan, could truly rest in peace, knowing that his soul has come full circle in life, and in death. I performed the same ceremony with all my grandparents.
Such an emotional story. Sometimes the immigrant who leaves the homeland doesn't bring the history of the family with them to pass along to the next generation or the focus on survival in the new homeland doesn't allow the past for fear of not surviving in the new, chosen homeland. This pattern is repeated over and over.
So true, Sindi. It's fascinating to see this dynamic across cultures and individual families. Sometimes hiding these stories of trauma or shame lead later generations to not appreciate the resilience and sacrifices of their elders. This was such a touching story.
Magnificent and moving. ♥️
An incredible journey of the highest order. As a Canadian I am embarrassed that we have a shameful history of discrimination and abuse of Chinese immigrants.
Restitution and healing may be impossible from our formerly white majority but I see that honouring ancestors and their village does more good than any words of regret from us.
Bravo for your work and raising awareness of your family’s rich heritage.
Every town and village should have jiapu for the founding families. 🙏
A fabulous story. Thank you for sharing.
Very moving words and work. Thank you.
Thank you all for the kind comments. This journal was the second time at the Chan village. My first visit was conceived because my deceased grandparents are not able to return to China. So, I would bring China back to them. Grandpa Chan lived his life in America harvesting pears in the rural Sacramento Delta. So, when I went back to Grandpa’s village, found an orchard, and gathered a few pebbles. Ching Ming, is the Chinese holiday to honor the dead. My dad, the eldest son, took the pebbles from his homeland, and gently buried them at his father’s grave. Now, Grandpa Chan, could truly rest in peace, knowing that his soul has come full circle in life, and in death. I performed the same ceremony with all my grandparents.
Such an emotional story. Sometimes the immigrant who leaves the homeland doesn't bring the history of the family with them to pass along to the next generation or the focus on survival in the new homeland doesn't allow the past for fear of not surviving in the new, chosen homeland. This pattern is repeated over and over.
So true, Sindi. It's fascinating to see this dynamic across cultures and individual families. Sometimes hiding these stories of trauma or shame lead later generations to not appreciate the resilience and sacrifices of their elders. This was such a touching story.