My grandma was a woman familiar with hardship.

From external threats, such as a civil war, to

personal struggles, such as her fight with disease. She had been through it all.
The war in Vietnam forced her to uproot her entire life to escape communism. She had to live an
excruciating 8 days with her family on a small boat, surviving off of rain and a days ration of food and water.
She endured a refugee camp in Indonesia, far away from the country she once called home. But with the help
of my grandpa, she rebuilt. Despite having many children and minimal government aid, she was able to
establish a new home, here in the United States. Her incredible persistence is a reason why my family is here
today.
In the latter part of her life, she was met with a new threat...Sickness. Diagnosed with health
conditions ranging from high blood pressure to heart disease, she would be in the hospital a few times every
year. But every time she went in, she fought with every bit of strength she had, and was always able to leave
within a few days. The fact that she was such an extraordinary fighter is why we mourn her loss today, rather
than many years ago.
The remarkable thing about this woman is that she was always able to show love to those she held
dear, even in the hardest of times. Kindhearted and affectionate, my grandma gave each and every one of her
children the love they needed to grow and prosper. As a result, each and every one of them has turned out
more than alright. And even at the twilight of her life, my grandma remained selfless. On the bed which she
would later pass away, she continued to ask visitors about how the family was doing.
In no sense did my grandma live an ideal life. She had to survive a war and fight disease after disease.
However, throughout these many struggles, she was surrounded by the people she loved. And where there is
love, there is life.
If I could speak to this magnificent woman once more, I would thank her. For giving me the family I
have today, for taking that family to this nation, and (pause) for her unconditional love. I wish her the very
best in the life that follows.