Mrs. Hu

It's Monday morning and I'd like to dedicate today's blog to my mother; an astonishing woman whom I am lucky to have as a parent, friend, supporter, and mentor.

Unlike most Asian parents, or most parents in general, my mother never dissuaded me from pursuing a career in the arts; despite the fact that it almost inevitably leads to waiting tables at some point.

I didn't come from a family of television producers. And I wasn't born with a silver spoon in my mouth nor did I have a free ride hidden in my back pocket on the nepotism express in the entertainment industry.

My parents aren't former soap stars, or Broadway actors. They are 'normal', hard-working Americans with big dreams for their loved ones and extra-large hearts for Life. Especially my Mom.

My mother immigrated here from Taiwan with a full scholarship in the graduate department for linguistics and speech pathology at a university in the Midwest. That's where she met my Dad, apparently, she knew the moment she saw him in the library. They are two of a kind.

In Taiwan, my mother was an actress who performed in the theater and in radio plays. She often tells me the story of how she ended up starring opposite one of her idols back home only to find out she was completely not attracted to him in person.

She didn't pursue her artistic endeavors in the US because she wasn't sure how she would manage, being that English was her second language.

Ironically, today she holds a PHD in education administration in a school system that is in her 'second language'. Try memorizing that script. She is very much loved and respected at the elementary school where she is Principal.

For years, my mother drove me to voice lessons, gymnastics, piano lessons, painting lessons. Along with my father she put me through college, despite my various scholarships, and continues to believe in me and my career no matter what.

She does it without complaint on her end, but not without natural parental worry for the security of my future. I am lucky.

And naive. I guess I thought at 17, that I'd be much further along than I am now. I thought I'd be able to spoil my parents with yearly vacations, dinners at five-star restaurants, and perhaps even a sports car; not that BMWs or Rolex watches were ever a concern for them.

But I thought I'd be able to take care of them for a change. And to a certain extent I have been able to offer some of the above, but not all of it.

Instead, I am where I am, and I know it's not where I'll always be. But it baffles me, the time she has spent in her life listening to me talk, complain, whine, grieve, yearn, reminisce, wonder, contemplate; whether it be about the business, myself, or boys for that stupid matter.

Endless patience, endless strength, endless tolerance, compassion, understanding, guidance, discipline, love, selflessness, agitation, concern, trust, acceptance, and renewal, that's my mother.

And I am her ambition, her work ethic, her free flying laughter, her attention to detail and high standards, her zest and her generosity.

Like the traits and mannerisms of another character; I hear my mother in me every time I clear my throat, see her in the way I cross my legs on the couch and in the way I ruffle my hair with my fingers.

I don't know if I could do it, what she did, how she did. I can barely even balance my own checkbooks, remember to eat three meals a day; let alone think about having to provide for a family while maintaining a healthy marriage and simultaneously working full-time and furthering my own education.

She is extraordinary; an inspiration. And acknowledging and being grateful for the love she has given me and the love and gratitude I feel for her in return is the best I have to give.

When I think back on what my mother has accomplished in her life, how she accomplished it, and where she came from; I realize that I am and only ever will be, half the woman she is today.

And that's more than okay by me. By the way, that's not a picture of me, that's a picture of my Mom. Happy Birthday Mom. Thanks for everything. I love you. 

Yours Truly -- Ann Hu

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[wiL]

Awesome...it's all about Love!