Moments

Dearest Marisa and Ethan,

I have been absent from writing because I have been so consumed.  Not that I have not thought about what I want to share but honestly, it has been pretty hectic for us.

Since my last entry, we've moved.  It was a difficult decision for our family to move so far from what you both have grown to know.  Since the move was completed during your senior year, it was extremely important that we kept you in your school.  It was a sacrifice that you and your brother had to bear in having to wake up so early to make certain that your brother is in school by 7:30 am.  Despite having to get up earlier, you two have been such an inspiration to mommy!  I have enjoyed our early morning commute and our breakfast at Panera but even more so, I loved that you have been so selfless in helping mommy care for your brother.  One of the greatest gift a mother wishes for is for her children to love one another and what an overwhelming joy I feel from witnessing this with you and your brother.  Thank you my dearest daughter...you are my precious gift!

Gosh, where should I start?  So that I may not forget...the following list is what I want to remember to share with you guys:

1.  Your graduation

2.  Your great aunt's visit for your graduation party (my father was the oldest of 12 children & your great, great grandparents' names were Bunh and Mali)

3.  Your senior beach week (Atlantic City with Amanda, Christina, Asha and Gabby) and even more special, your dad, your aunt and cousins.

4.  Your prom (dinner at McCormicks in Reston) and finding the perfect dress.

5.  Our 4th of July celebration (best time with family & your brother's first to NOT be scared from the noise) & YOU and your cousin spending $100 on fireworks.

6.  Your 18th birthday (can not believe that you are 18!)

7.  Your brother's IEP process (it took four meetings, a Laotian translator, several written correspondences and you keeping your brother company to finally have issues resolved).

I have to run right now since your baby boy is fusing to listen to his "Ma Tum Mai" Thai song by Bird!  

Love,

Mom

Traditions

Dearest Marisa and Ethan,

I know that at times I get a little worked up by trying to keep traditions going on behalf of you two.  I guess it's because growing up with a mother in the hotel service business, I don't remember that we did very much with my own family.  What I remember is spending Christmas and New Year's Eve doing something else with other folks.  The only Christmas that I remember most was when my family first moved to Virginia from Montana.  Even then, we spent it with my Aunt Mai's family.  I remember that I was dressed in a long dress that Mommy Larsen (sponsored my family from a refugee camp in Thailand) had made and that I received a real life size doll.  I guess I just want so much for you both to feel that magic, that innocence, that hope that all things are possible, that for a brief moment - life is perfect.  This is why I love this time of the year - where I know that our Heavenly Father truly see us and I'm reassured that I am loved.

After hearing a comment from someone so dear to me this past week of how she "hates the holidays and how alone she felt", it made me so sad.  Sad because I too understood how she felt.  Behind the smiles, behind the words, behind the laughter,  behind the hugs and the kisses...true happiness is only yours when you are with those who have your best interest at heart.  Remember, family is not just blood but those who you don't have to explain yourself to or pretend to be someone else that you are not.  Mommy responded by telling her that she is so loved and that she too will overcome.  She will find her true happiness because truth is on her side.  This is one of the reasons why it is so important for me to have our little family together during the holidays.  

It matters not what we do, just as long as we do them together...yeap, that's my motto!

Marisa, remember your comment about how much you love having all of us at home in one room even though we are all doing something different?  You, watching "Law & Order"... Ethan, dancing to  "Madagascar or Baby (what Ethan named it)"... daddy sleeping on the couch & mommy knitting scarves & hats for you, your friends and daddy?  This is what I want you two to have...memories of us being together.

I understand that there will be times where you guys will have your own special things to do, but for your dad and I, we hope that you guys will always know just how much you are loved & that we will always want you both to be home to create new traditions.

Happy new year my sweet babies!  May life lead you both to pure love, true happiness, and great health & wealth.