Toasts | Happy Birthday, Mom!

I just wanted to take the time today to wish my wonderful mother a happy birthday!

My mom and me at family party, circa 1991.

My mom is an amazing woman. Her wisdom and unceasing patience has made me the person I am today. The root of everything she has taught me over the years epitomizes one simple thing -- humility. She always reminds me that everything in this world is a privilege -- no one should feel entitled to anything, for you should earn and be thankful for the privilege of whatever is at hand. I continue to carry that philosophy with me today, and I can't imagine living myself any other way.

She is also the strongest person I know and a woman of few words. Her resilience to hardships -- she carries herself through the thick and thin almost effortlessly -- is something I strive to have some day. And although she isn't verbally expressive with her emotions (the typical terse, Asian way), her actions -- both selfless and humble -- just shows me how thankful and lucky I am to have such a gift of being her daughter. We've been through so much together (good and bad), and everything she's done has always been for me, for us, and for our family. I hope that one day I can become an ounce of the mother she has been to me for my future children.

Terri Guillemets, a quotation anthologist, has poetically described mothers best:

“I love my mother as the trees love water and sunshine -- she helps me grow, prosper, and reach great heights.”

Mom, thank you for always being there for me and for helping me grow into someone who will always wish to reach great heights. I know we don't say it as often aloud as we should -- I love you, Mom! Hope you have an amazing birthday today!