Until Infinity

For as long as I can remember, my mom would always sit with me as I ate. Some of the time it was probably to see if I enjoyed her cooking, other times maybe to scope out some French fry treats, but I think it was also just one of her ways of spending time with me. Lucky for her, I was always hungry and lucky for me, she was a master of the kitchen as well.

Throughout the years, we spent a lot of time eating together, whether it be at home or adventuring to new and/or favorite restaurants (which was often). Everything I know about Vietnamese food culture and cooking, can be accredited to these times spent with my mother.

She had this way of always asking for my last bite though, especially, when I would be eating a cheeseburger, sandwich, or pizza. It was never the first bite, even if I offered, nor was it any of the numerous middle tasting opportunities she had. Always the last.

When I was in my teenage years, sometimes it was annoying that she would just watch me eat and not say a word. I often felt a fair amount of scrutiny that made chewing uncomfortable, but I didn't really know why. Sometimes, I'd try to escape the room with my food and she'd just follow me, so there wasn't very much defense, worth playing on my behalf. It was just a sequence of life under her roof and for the most part, I enjoyed the company.

Funny, it wasn't until recently, as I was enjoying a delicious cheeseburger in front of the television, that it dawned on me what my mom was doing watching me eat all those years. She was studying me. You see, whenever I eat, I always do so in a manner that leaves the best bite for last. It doesn't matter what food it is, I'll make sure that the essense of my meal, will be saved for one delightful memory. A perfectly balanced bite. My mom knew this, that's why she always wanted my last bite?! She knew whatever it was I was eating, the last spoon, forkful or morsel held between my fingers, would be the best of the entire meal. It continues to amuse me, how smart she was. "Can I have a bite?" Haha, I finally figured it out, mom.

Normally today, we would be at the coast, having fish'n chips for lunch in Cannon Beach or Astoria. I miss these times and all the times, dearly. 

Happy infinite birthday, mom. I picked the biggest plum from the tree for you. 💙

Anh Thi Nguyen
A.K.A. Best Mom and Friend Ever
8/25/44 - 12/27/16