The past couple months have been emotionally heavy despite the festive time of year. We lost two more Lee women.
Aunt Anny (talented at drawing, singing and playing the piano and mother to my cupcake/cake designing cousin Jessica) passed away unexpectedly before Christmas. This week we lost our matriarch (talented dress maker), who we affectionately referred to simply as A-ma. She passed away in her sleep at the age of 92.
Aunt Anny (talented at drawing, singing and playing the piano and mother to my cupcake/cake designing cousin Jessica) passed away unexpectedly before Christmas. This week we lost our matriarch (talented dress maker), who we affectionately referred to simply as A-ma. She passed away in her sleep at the age of 92.
Here is A-ma with A-gong, surrounded by their children. Mom is on the far right, and Aunt Anny is standing next to her.
Here is Mom with A-ma.
I thought I'd share some jewelry heirlooms I inherited from Mom. They are typical in material and style to her culture's generation and to A-ma's time.
A-ma gave Mom this white gold ring for her 18th birthday. I replaced the original stone with a diamond.
Coral jewelry has always been popular on the Lee family's home island. This is a brooch and a ring that belonged to Mom.
For many months after Mom's passing, I wore this 18k coral pendant that also belonged to her.
Mom used to wear these earrings often. They are 22k gold. Usually Chinese jewelry is made of at least 18k, 22k or 24k gold.
Mom loved pearls, and I bought this 18k gold pearl pendant for her during one of our visits to her hometown, while I was living in Taiwan.
I particularly love this piece because I have a memory, a story, associated with it. We were window shopping on one of Makung's narrow streets, and this delicate bunch of grapes caught her eye.
It was a pleasure to shop for it together and for me to give it to her. Each time she wore it, it put a smile on my face.
I particularly love this piece because I have a memory, a story, associated with it. We were window shopping on one of Makung's narrow streets, and this delicate bunch of grapes caught her eye.
It was a pleasure to shop for it together and for me to give it to her. Each time she wore it, it put a smile on my face.
Aunt Anny and A-ma left the world a more beautiful place. May they rest in peace.