January 29, 2012
Today the Mr. and I went out to eat. As we went to take our seats, we passed by two Hmong women who sat right across from our table. They were talking about some children who were bad, naughty, disobedient, this and that. She said to her friend, "Lawv mas tsis paub cai li, phem tiag tiag li os. Tub tub nkeeg, tsis paub ib qho hauj lwm li, tsuas paub tias yus ua tau ces txav zog los noj xwb. Tsis yog yus yug mas cas yus saib sab twg tuaj los ntxub. Tsis xav hlub kiag." Apparently, the oldest was only 8 years old, the middle child was 5, and youngest was 3. In my mind, I was thinking... if you can't love the poor souls then why marry their father? For heaven's sake, they were just babies and their lives haven't even begun yet.
I believe that children belong to everyone regardless of who gave birth to them. If we love them, they will love us in return even if they are not our biological children. The fact that they are a part of the man we love makes these children even more beautiful. I love my step daughter.
My heroes are "Menyuam Ntsuag." I have a soft-heart for any Menyuam Ntsuag out there. By knowing them, listening to their stories, and by crying for them and with them, I know that there are no heroes braver than they are. They give me a sense of strength to live my life better, to laugh and to smile more often, and to not take things for granted. I applaud them for their strong wills and spirits. If they can still smile and laugh and live on, who couldn't? Here's a poem I wrote for those who aren't as fortunate...
Every day when everyone receives,
I wish peace, warmth, and good health upon you this eve.
If I could, I’d make all your dreams come true,
And wish happiness onto you all your life through.
I wish for food on your table and smiles upon your face.
May you never feel lonely, unloved, and unsafe.
And you still think of those less fortunate than you,
You still wish that their life is filled with love, too.
Because you should know that you are special,
And that you can reach out, too, and make a difference,
And that you can tell a less fortunate one that you care,
Make them believe that there is love, not only on a special day.
But throughout their lifetime in every special way.
You are my true heroes...