Michael & His Mom: Lessons in Wisdom

My mother, Wei Chen, immigrated to America when I was just three years old. She left behind everything she knew – her family, her language, her culture – to give me opportunities she never had.

I remember those early years when English was still new to her, but she would sit with me every night, helping me with homework she couldn't fully understand herself. She would say, "Education is the one thing no one can take away from you."

Mom worked at a factory during the day and cleaned offices at night. Her hands were always rough from work, but they were the gentlest hands when she would tuck me into bed and tell me stories about her childhood in Taiwan.

The sacrifice she made became clear to me only as I grew older. She gave up her dreams so I could chase mine. She worked in silence so I could speak up. She stayed in the shadows so I could step into the light.

When I graduated from college – the first in our family – I saw her in the audience, tears streaming down her face. In that moment, I realized that my success was her success, my achievement was her achievement.

Now, as a father myself, I understand the depth of her love. The way she worried when I was late, the way she celebrated my smallest victories, the way she believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself.

Mom taught me that love isn't just a feeling – it's action. It's sacrifice. It's showing up every day, even when you're tired, even when it's hard, even when no one notices.

妈妈，谢谢您。Thank you for everything you gave up for me. Thank you for your strength, your wisdom, and your endless love.