Lucky

Lily first came to live with my sister and her family as a high school sophomore. Her real name is Zizhui. She was an international student from China and she has been a part of our family ever since.

It was August of 2013 when Lily arrived, two days before my dad's birthday. When it came time for the birthday celebration, she sang Happy Birthday to Dad in Chinese. He smiled from ear to ear and a friendship was born.

It didn't take long for all of us to see Lily as more than a visitor. Since then she has spent many a Thanksgiving with us- she's always in charge of rolls. I don't think anyone will forget the first year my sister, Jeen, told her she'd be handling the dinner rolls. She looked at my sister and with perfect comedic timing asked, "What is roll?" 

Now she proudly shows off her dinner rolls to her mom in Shanghai- who always calls in to say hello on Thanksgiving.

Covid has had its silver linings. Due to travel restrictions, Lily hasn't been home since December of 2019. I know she's missed her family in China. But her American family has enjoyed every moment she's spent with us.