She was bedridden falling a fall which broke her hip. X-rays showed that she had cancer of the colon which had already spreed. To my surprise I found her cheerful and free of pain, perhaps because of the small doses of morphine she was being given. She was surrounded by neighbours and friends who congregated at her bedside day and night. In this cosy, noisy, gregarious world of the "all-chinese" sickbed, so different from the stark, sterile solitude of the American hospital room, her life had assumed the astounding quality of a continuous farewell party.
Adeline Yen MahRevenge is not worthy of you. If you concentrate on revenge, you will keep those wounds fresh that would otherwise have healed.
Adeline Yen MahI read because I have to. It drives everything else from my mind. It lets me escape to find other world.
Adeline Yen MahYou have your whole life ahead of you. Be smart. Study hard and be independent. I'm afraid the chances of your getting a dowry are slim. You must rely on yourself. No matter what else people may steal from you, they will never be able to take away your knowledge. The world is changing. You must make your own life outside this home.
Adeline Yen MahThe future belongs to you. Should anyone insult you, tell yourself this: I am a child of destiny who will unite East and West and change the world.
Adeline Yen MahYou may be right in believing that if you study hard, one day you might become fluent in English. But you will still look Chinese, and when people meet you, theyโll see a Chinese girl no matter how well you speak English. Youโll always be expected to know Chinese, and if you donโt, Iโm afraid they will not respect you as much.
Adeline Yen Mah