I would like to take the time to acknowledge my hard working mother who has provided us with so much unconditional love.

As a young child and teenager, it was funny because I told myself that I would never want to have kids. The pressure of being a dad and the pressure of having others that would have to rely on me would too much for me to handle. Which is kind of ironic because all throughout college I was babysitting kids, worked at a preschool, worked at Kindergarten, worked at a daycare, a pediatric dentist office with kids with special needs, and overall would consider myself to love to be with kids.

I was constantly blaming how unfortunate my life was being born to parents that weren’t as rich as all of “the other kids” I was in school with. Little do I know it gave me the strongest foundation I am truly blessed for. I always prided myself on being able to “outwork” the competition. I can run one more lap than you. Do one more push up than the competition. Make one more cold call than the next person, read one more book… Etc.

Life was such a competition trying to “prove” to others that this little poor weak looking kid can compete and compete with the best of them.

The moment, I stopped trying to prove myself and just started being present. Everything in life started clicking, opportunities came my way. I started developing real relationships, started to have people come back to me years later to thank me for all of the impact and motivation I had to push them to get to a certain stage. I am super thankful and blessed to be afforded such opportunity that I truly do think I am the luckiest guy in the world today.

I know I might sound like a broken record but please text or call someone to tell them that you love them today.

Are there any grudges you are still holding over somebody over something “they did to you 5 years” ago? Seriously, are you really still bitter over that one little thing?

It is much easier to blame our circumstances rather than be the bigger person and just be at peace who you are you. Yes, we all have our faults and flaws but being able to accept everyone for who they are and seeing in the greatness in others that sometimes they do not see in themselves takes boldness and takes a lot of courage.

Would you all accept my challenge and stop judging yourself and stop judging everyone else around you? As long you know you are giving it your all and you are constantly improving one day at a time that’s all that should matter.

I would like to acknowledge and thank my mom for being such a strong woman and caring mother. For being resourceful and teaching us that family always comes first. For being fun and playful especially with all the misfortunes that you have gone through with divorce not having a formal education and being a refugee especially the Vietnam War to make a better life for yourself and your potential kids. For being an unconditional loving daughter to your mother. Jenny, Tina, and I are blessed to always see your smile when you are with us and for making the effort to come visit us even though we are so far away. For being the glue that keeps us together.

Thank you, mother. I will always love you no matter what, even though my words are harsh at times. I promise I will always try to be a good son to you and grandma.