Grow in the dark

As a single mother of five wonderful young men, my journey has been a kaleidoscope of cultural nuances, personal struggles, and the enduring quest for a sense of self-worth. While suffering physically, mentally, and emotionally, I began my path of self-discovery and healing in order to come out stronger and brighter on the other side.

Beginning at the tender age of five, I worked in a traditional Taiwanese market selling dumplingsa rather humble beginning to a life filled with challenges, twists, and turns. I found myself navigating not only the harsh reality of language barriers within my family but also the societal preference for male offspring that my parents adopted and carried over into every facet of their lives.

Beyond the surface of every challenge arranged by the higher power, I believe every step of my journey delves into the complexities of unpleasant chaos but also a remarkably rewarding journey, unveiling both its shadows and its light in brilliance. By embracing the duality of nature that exists in every corner of the universe and within every individual, we can become the masters of our one-way journey, evolving and celebrating in the darkness and the light, both of which serve a meaningful purpose in our human growth.

Just like my life, the following chapters unfold at a random, un-

i

predictable pace, documenting the challenges encountered during a painful, dark childhood, a journey of looking for a place I could call home, a 17-year international marriage without knowing who I was or what I wanted, and assimilation into the uncharted western cultural landscape known as America. Most of my journey was completed alone, without any family around to support me, yet I was guided by an innate strength and divine wisdom gained from my previous life experience that prepared me for each new challenge. Thankfully, I confronted countless obstacles posed by a foreign culture and discovered the true essence of my being.

In sharing every profound, memorable, and dark turning point of my journey, I hope to shed a light for those who are trapped in the dark and struggling to keep moving forward to the next step of their path. Because of a Chinese proverb and my aging father, I was able to see beyond the suffering in my reality, and I hope I can inspire others to do the same. It can be a hard pill to swallow, but there really is meaning behind this darkness, which is necessary for a beautiful transformation that will allow us to reconnect with our true essence and experience rebirth through self-discovery and resilience.

May my story act as a light to guide you along your own journey.

Let's walk each other home.

Dettagli