My mother’s hometown is a small village in Southeastern China——a village populated by 500 residents and can barely be found on Google (or on Baidu).

She is one of the very few who were able to leave the town, earn a stable living, and provide her children the opportunities to study abroad.

Until recently, she told me we are descendants of the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Shang, and that he was a loyal figure to the king at that time. She believes very much in karma and thinks her luck is the result of the loyalty that person served.

That might be part of the reason, however, I think it is truly because how hardworking she is. In a community where women are destined to be housewives, she denied her fate and worked her way up on the social ladder.

I can’t begin to imagine what my life would have been if my mother hadn’t left the village. I would, probably, never learn the word “photography,” not to say even being introduced to it and being able to afford cameras and film.

My presence here on this website is the result of her determination, her persistence, and the many risks she has taken. I haven’t been obvious about my appreciation towards her but I think it’s time to let her know.

To let her know I have grown up.
To let her know I love her.