蕭靖宇／Ever since I started ...

May 20, 2013

Ever since I started having memories, I remember my grandmother would make the long travel across the ocean to spend her summers with me, my sister, and my parents. My sister and I would stand excitedly in the airport, our eyes scanning the concourse to see who could spot her first. She was a constant in our lives; a constant influence on me as the lessons she taught me helped shape who I am today.

There is so much that I have learned from her: from Chinese language and culture to stories of civilizations across the world to the basics of how to treat other people. I could write books about all the amazing lessons I have learned from her over the years. But not only was she a great teacher, she was the most loving grandmother. I will always remember those summer days she would walk with my sister and I to McDonald’s just because I liked hamburgers so much, and then the next day take us to get the noodles that my sister so loved to eat. She was always there to support me and cheer me on, no matter how big or small the successes in my life. I will always cherish her love and support as it has helped give me the confidence to pursue my dreams.

I will miss my grandmother dearly and as I continue to live each day, I hope to live it in many of the ways she has. She was courageous and ambitious, but also extremely kind-hearted and humble. Through all her success, she never once bragged about herself. Instead she always focused on helping others. This was not a lesson she actively taught me; it was something I learned just by being by her side and observing the sincerity she showed towards others. She showed me that success is not measured in the money you make or the titles you earn, but it is measured in the lives you touch and the relationships you make. I hope to live each day forward just as she lived each day in her life: being courageous, humble, and kind.

My grandmother is truly an amazing person and an inspiration in my life. I will always remember and treasure the time we spent together: the stories, the laughter, the love. She will be missed, but I will always continue to celebrate her in my heart.

-Alex Hsiao
蕭靖宇