It has been 5 years now since Mom passed. I feel so hollow thinking about it. It’s almost like it was today. Like the line “Aujourd’hui, maman est morte” in Camus’ L’ Etranger.

I thought of Mom a lot the night before. I thought of things I didn’t do with her and for her, things I didn’t say to her and now I no longer have the chance.

Every year, Giô is my meaningful way to honor Mom and connect my kids with her memory. I believe that food carries the love, warmth, and identity of the Mom that I remember. This year, I prepared a Huế-inspired memorial meal with dishes that are humble yet deeply flavorful, very much in line with Huế tastes. I made Cà Tím Nướng Mỡ Hành, Thit Heo Rim (or Thịt Kho Bà Đẻ), Canh Chua Cá, and Xôi. For dessert, I made a simple Chè Ðâu Xanh that is very refreshing after baking in 95 deg here in Walnut Creek.

I appreciate it very much that my kids made a point not to miss any of the Giô, whether it’s for Ngoai or Nôi. I also think of the occasion as a chance to me to bring the family together, and I hope they will be carrying on the tradition one day when I’m not here (like when I travel, not when I die! I never die :)