04/10/2026
A few days ago, I grabbed a cart and pushed it towards the fruits and vegetables section. My first stop was to check if the oranges were still ripe. As I reached my hand towards the first orange that caught my eye, I heard an elderly woman’s voice in Hmong, “Mi ntxhais, kuv tsis paub ntawv zoo es koj paus paub cov ntaub so quav nyob rau qhov twg?” I responded, “Tais, kuv paub kawg mas. Kuv mam coj koj mus muab.” As we reached the toilet paper aisle, I asked her which one she wanted. She pointed to one and was about to lift it, but I insisted on lifting it for her instead. I asked her if she needed anything else, and I could accompany her to get it. She refused and said that was all, but a part of me sensed she did not want to keep bothering me. As many of you know, it’s been four years since my grandma left. Although this grandma, a stranger to me, was seeking my help, she warmed my heart in return. It felt like a reminder from my grandma that everything will be okay; it will all work out in my favor, as she is always watching over me.
(Photo for attention)
