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May Tom, Strength Through Adversity

Agricultural life in the Sacramento Delta during the Great Depression combined with the harsh realities of segregation to forge a remarkable woman and our family matriarch.

Our guest,

, co-founder of the , now on Substack, joins us with his fourth contribution to the Projectkin Members’ Corner. These posts celebrate our members’ contributions to family history storytelling — in narratives, recordings, and more. Learn more about joining a future cohort here. Follow Ron Chan and subscribe to his new publication:

Chinese American GI Project

Celebrating Mom On Her 70th Birthday From left to right, Bryan, Luci, Ron, Mel, William, Mae, Al, Jennifer, April 6, 1998

It's hard to choose from a lifetime of memories to share any single memory of my mom. as each is special. I remember

  • the feeling of exhilaration at age five when I found the toy "Santa Mom" put in my stocking, or

  • the look on her face when she found my pet turtle Gazebo under the stove shortly after, or 

  • her open heart—and purse—towards any effort necessary for our family's well-being.

So rather than seeking one moment in time, I’ve tried to characterize a lifetime of lessons she provided as a mother and friend ... to shape who I am today as a man, a husband, and a father.  

As a Man, you've taught me to trust myself, and to know the difference between right and wrong.  

As a Husband, you've taught me to believe in family.  

As a Father, you taught me the joy and comfort my children can bring.    

And lastly, as a Son, thank you for teaching me self-confidence, and the freedom to be who I became.  For showing me how to appreciate life, and to find happiness in whatever comes my way.  For holding me close and letting me go all at the same time.  But most of all, thank you for knowing when to be my mother, and when to be my friend.

Love always, Ron — May 1998

Ron & May, 1954

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Members' Corner
A section of the Projectkin Community dedicated to celebrating the family history storytelling of our members. Explore the stories, add comments, and support their writing by sharing what you read with friends, family, and colleagues.