It's hard to believe it's been five years since Grandma passed away. I was thinking about what to write and a memory quickly surfaced ... When I was 17 years old, Grandma called me and asked me to stop by her house. When I came, she took me into her bedroom and took out a small box and gave it to me. I was so shocked when I opened it because it was a sapphire and diamond ring. I was definitely not expecting to receive it because it wasn't even my birthday. Before I had a chance to thanked her, she started to tell me why she was giving me the ring. She said I was coming of age; therefore, I can start looking for a "friend". She then proceeded to give me some advice. These were her instructions: 1. Make sure he believes in God. 2. He should be educated, but not too dumb. 3. He doesn't have to be very good looking, but not too ugly. By this time, I was dying inside! Up to this point, I had never discussed dating with grandma so this came as a complete surprise! I didn't even talk about it with my own parents! In the years that followed, she would occasionally asked, "Milou, have you found a friend yet?" The answer was always "No, not yet, Ba." Twelve (12) years later, she met Frank. Her final advice to me was.. 4. Whenever you two take pictures together, you should wear flat shoes and bend your knees so he would look a little taller in the photos. I shared this with with Dad and we had a great laugh! I never took offense to what Grandma told me but figured that she was "old school" and was just looking out for me. I still have that ring and whenever I wear it or look at it, I always remembered our conversation. It is a constant reminder that Grandma loved me even though she never told me. I miss her and I hope she's enjoying another heavenly birthday!

Happy birthday, Grandma! I hope you are celebrating with grandpa and my dad and all of our other family members who have gone before us! I was reminiscing the other day about coming over to your house when we were younger. You always had a stash of cookies or candies hidden somewhere in your bedroom for us and you always cut up fruit or cha lua for us. I wish you could see all of your grandkids and especially your great-grandkids today. It would be a miracle if we could all get together one day and take a family photo of the entire Vuong family. I am keeping your memory alive by sharing with my children all the stories and memories of you and grandpa when you were alive. The best memories of course are the photos that goes with these memories! Until we meet again, Ba Noi! We love you! Have a wonderful heavenly birthday!

Today would have been my grandmother's 100th birthday. This past Saturday we gathered at my cousin's house to celebrate her life. Had she been there, I know she would have loved her party...so much food, laughter, and poker! Seeing her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all together under one roof would have made her smile. Happy birthday, grandma. We love you and miss you very much!