Poa Poa
Yesterday, I learned the sad news that my Poa Poa (grandmother on my mom’s side) unexpectedly passed away. Although there was a huge communication barrier between us (she spoke a dialect of Chinese that I didn’t really understand), I always knew that she was proud of her grandchildren. After all, she was the first to bring her family–my mom, my uncles, and aunts–to America to seek a better life. And a better life she gave them. Our family is a true life rags-to-riches story. One day I hope I get a chance to document my family history. It’s amazing and much more interesting than my own life.
I’ll always remember how Poa Poa would grab my arm affectionately during family dinners and tell me in Chinese that I was too skinny. “Eat more,” she’d say, “eat more.” That was one of the few phrases I understood in Tai San, her native dialect. Then, she would point me in the direction of a huge spread of roasted duck, chow mein, and pork buns. Poa Poa would spend hours in her kitchen wrapping sticky rice dumplings filled with pork for all of us. She’d make piles and piles of them–so much we could never eat them all. But, making food was her way of contributing to her family. And when my cousin would bring his two adorable daughters to our family parties, Poa Poa would point in their direction and tell me that I needed to hurry and have some kids too. I always laughed her comments off, but now I wish she could’ve seen her future great grand babies.
Poa Poa, I hope that you know I love you and you will be dearly missed.
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Comments
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news Kel. My thoughts and prayers are with you and I am so glad you have happy memories of this special lady to cherish.
I’m so sorry for your loss….my sincerest condolences to you and your family. May your Poa Poa rest in peace and may her memory live forever.
you and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. i can tell from reading that you loved her so i’m sure she knew.
I’m so sorry to hear about your recent loss of your grandmother. I hope that you find comfort in the memories of her. That’s how I cope with the loss of my grandmother. I miss her terribly every single day.
I’m sorry to hear =( My father’s side is Toisan too and I’ve had very good memories of my grandparents when they were alive, and funny that a lot revolved around food as well.
Your poa poa sounds amazing. I’m glad that you guys shared such sweet memories together while she was still here.
My condolences about your Grandmother. My grandmother passed away as well, so I know how it feels. She will always be with you 
Kelly,
Remembering you and your family with special thoughts and prayers during this time of sorrow.
So sorry to hear about your Grandma. A bit delayed since I haven’t been reading, but my thoughts are with you and your family.
My husband’s grandparents are also from Tai San (he was born in HK). I can understand some Cantonese but I can only understand a few Tai San phrases.
I’ve just now read about your loss and my heart goes out to you. I remember when I lost my Poa Poa in my early teens…. prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family during this time of sadness….
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What a wonderful way you have to speak about your poa poa.
You are in my thoughts.