39 Comments
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Chi-Chao Eng's avatar

Dearest Henry, thank you so much for this beautiful Mother’s Day tribute. Reading your words is a gift that moves me deeply. I am incredibly proud—not just of your many accomplishments, but of the thoughtful man and father you have become. I am so lucky to be your mother and to see the wonderful life you’ve built. Sending all my love to you, your wife and my two lovely grandchildren.

Kelly Higgins's avatar

Henry what a heartwarming testament to the unwavering love and resilience of your beautiful mother.

I think even we are all blessed just to read her outlook and perspective on what would usually break people. Happy Mother's Day to her. Stay blessed 💐

Aimee Liu's avatar

A truly extraordinary mother, Henry! You ARE blessed!

Work In Color's avatar

"After everything she’s lived through, she still believes the world is fundamentally good." this is my favorite part

Linda's avatar

Beautiful post for Mother’s Day, Henry. I don’t think your mother could have asked for a better gift!

One Mom's avatar

Absolutely incredible!

Isabel Lin's avatar

That’s such a beautiful celebration of your mother!

I read your mother’s wiki page—what an amazing scientist! Please thank her for me for living her life fearlessly and with such grace, paving the way for those of us (women and immigrants) who follow her in scientific research!​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Henry Eng's avatar

Will do, I see her in an hour! She was always the one who received professional accolades in our house. I think that’s how I learned early how badass women are!

Erika’s Book Club's avatar

I loved this ❤️ thank your for sharing your mom with us today

Henry Eng's avatar

Thank you Erika!

Clara Clar's avatar

Really touching ♥️

Henry Eng's avatar

Thank you Clara ❤️❤️❤️

Margaret C Nikoleit's avatar

Goodness, Henry, now I’m tearing up. Blessings on you and all your family.

Henry Eng's avatar

Aw thank you Margaret and to you and your family as well

Steena Hernandez's avatar

Such a powerful reflection on your mother and how differently people carry what they’ve lived through. Thank you for sharing this, and Happy Mother’s Day to her and all mothers like her.

Henry Eng's avatar

Thank you so much Steena. And Happy Mother’s Day to you!

Steena Hernandez's avatar

Aw thank you. 😊

PamWhatAm's avatar

Henry, I can't believe the strength of your parents. Your mom is the shiniest example of unconditional love. I truly admire Chi-Chao. What grace and modesty!

Henry Eng's avatar

Thank you Pam! I’m pretty lucky that the output of their experiences has been to protect me from everything they went through

PamWhatAm's avatar

I hope you are having a lovely day today. And that all your days are full of peace, serenity and joy with your family.

Giang Pham's avatar

What moved me most was the gap between what your mother lived through and how lightly she carried it.

I think a lot of us who grew up with parents from older generations know this feeling of looking at them and realizing they carry entire histories inside themselves that they barely speak about. And yet somehow they still move through the world with warmth, generosity, and gratitude anyway.

There’s this almost bewildering ability to carry immense suffering without making it the center of their identity. I recognize that same strange buoyancy in my own parents too, especially my dad— the way they almost deflect their pain, carry difficult histories lightly, and just keep going. When you’re younger, it can feel frustrating or even dismissive, but as I get older, I think I understand it more.

I also loved that your first memory wasn’t centered around injury, but around longing—the urgency of wanting to get back to someone who made the world feel safe and whole. That part really stayed with me.

And after everything, your mother still saying “We’re blessed” felt so simple, but so enormous at the same time.

This was really beautiful. Thank you for writing and sharing this. Sending love to your mother this Mother’s Day.

Henry Eng's avatar

Ah Giang you captured it so well! These things that should define them somehow haven’t. But it makes sense in a way because if these tragedies had then they probably wouldnt have been able to accomplish all the things they have.

Lauren Reisner's avatar

This is beautiful! We need more people like this in the world. Not just the positivity but the warmth and kindness.

Henry Eng's avatar

Thanks so much Lauren!

Claudine's avatar

Such a beautiful tribute to your mom. Your words made me want to sit down over a cup of tea with her and listen to the incredible mind behind the woman who loves you so deeply. You are truly blessed!

Henry Eng's avatar

Thanks so much Claudine :)

Susie Chow | Sambal House's avatar

Gosh... is someone cutting onions in here?! 🥹 Beautiful tribute to your mom and they are just forever our rocks, aren't they? I guess we are the lucky ones. Happy Mother's Day to your Mama! 🫶🏽

Henry Eng's avatar

Thanks Susie! I agree that moms are the best