Life and Times

I guess I am a rare breed of Canadian Born Chinese. It was lucky that my father's mother came to Canada before Head Tax. My mother's father had to pay the $500 for his wife to come. This was a small fortune in 1921. Between 1923 and 1947, the Exclusion Act prevented all Chinese immigration. Many Chinese men were stuck here unable to get a wife and unable to return home during the rise of Communism. I'm starting to read an interesting book I saved from my Aunt Alice's collection "From China to Canada" by Harry Con, Edgar Wickberg et al

The long silver strands of our lives branch out and touch each other's lives. It is sometimes surprising where our roots find fertile ground and flourish. Yet all our growth can be bounded or unbounded. We can see beginnings and endings. We can limit our growth within boundaries, within walls and borders. Yet we should seek opportunity. Where there is no fertile ground or ground that bears only tears and sorrow, we do seek new life where we may flourish again. Sometimes this brings new growth, sometimes this brings an echo of former glory, and sometimes this brings an unexpected beauty. We should not shy away. Where our silver lines have been blunted by sadness and loss. That is not an end. That is an opportunity and a challenge. We must fill that void to touch and support others. For not everyone may know what we know, the places we have seen and what was there unless we show them.

My aunt was a sturdy tree with strong roots. A support to the church, the community and those she knew. A pillar providing consistency, continuity and consolation. A tranquil respite in her shade. She said, "Go and do what you have to do." And when we returned hours later, days later, years later, she was always there. Now we live amongst the new light. May we bask in it's glory.

LEE, Alice Mah (born Mah Fun Yuen Hep Chong) January 26, 1916 - December 29, 2005 Peacefully at the General Hospital on Thursday, December 29, 2005, in her 90th year. Born in Cranbrook, B.C. Beloved sister of the late William and Henry Mah and sister-in-law to Mary. Much loved aunt to Diane, Edith, Eric, Robert, Joane, Elizabeth and Wayne. Friends may visit at the Central Chapel of Hulse, Playfair & McGarry, 315 McLeod Street on Sunday, January 1, 2006, from 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Monday, January 2, 2006, at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers donations to the Ottawa Chinese United Church would be appreciated.

Published in the Ottawa Citizen from 12/30/2005 - 12/31/2005.