My dearest sister, Ling,
Today is your 49th birthday.
As a mother of four, you were your kids' most ardent supporter and, without a doubt, the best mother they could have asked for.
To say you were a loving daughter to our parents is an understatement. You were also an inspiration to us, your siblings, a guiding light who influenced us all.
But what many didn't know was your profound love for languages, a passion that played a pivotal role in my own journey.
Without your influence, I likely wouldn't have taken the linguistic path I did. After high school, I was set on nursing, drawn to the white uniform and the idea of wearing white shoes. It was you, just before classes started, who called with the question that changed everything. You knew my true inclinations lay in geography, languages, and exploring the world. You challenged me to reconsider, opening my eyes to new possibilities.
During enrollment, you were by my side, transforming into a passionate advocate for my new university and my new program (the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service). When it came time to choose a major in my second year, I fell into the trap of "easy": Spanish with its familiar loanwords in Ilocano, our native language. However, you recognized the superficiality of my decision, and you knew that since high school I already wanted to learn French. So, in your inimitable way, you challenged me to go for French instead. Thanks to you, this decision proved incredibly rewarding.
But even before this, your own interest in languages was already evident. You had French and Spanish dictionaries, remnants of dreams whispered in high school about someday speaking fluent Spanish. I recall your awe recounting an encounter with Spanish speakers on a bus, a glimpse into your own linguistic aspirations. This realization dawned on me gradually: you too were a language enthusiast, your passion hidden beneath the surface.
Following my university degree, I pursued other languages, including Spanish and Portuguese. During this time, your own linguistic journey continued. You became a member of the Instituto Cervantes library, allowing you to immerse in Spanish literature. You even applied for an Icelandic scholarship. Though things took a different turn when you passed the bar and began your successful legal career, your enthusiasm for languages was undeniable.
As I neared the end of my studies in Spain, your calls would ring in, the potential phone bill a forgotten concern. You'd excitedly discuss sending our parents to Madrid for my graduation, even though graduation ceremonies weren't held then. It didn't come to pass, but the spirit behind it never faded.
Another good memory shines through: the overseas call where your voice burst with joy, announcing our sister's scholarship to pursue her master's program in Sweden. You, the bearer of good news, painted a vibrant picture of her future opportunities.
I remember that coming from my Portuguese language immersion in Brazil, I was touched by your genuine happiness in receiving my gift for your kids: 10 DVDs with children's programs in Portuguese that were meant to spark their interest and foster a multilingual environment for them to grow up in.
I'll never forget your act of unwavering support as you offered to cover my exam fee, my roundtrip airfare, and even my accommodation, making it possible for me to take the Portuguese proficiency exams at the University of Macau.
I fondly recall a few years ago on my birthday when you gathered all my travel photos and shared them on your Facebook. Despite knowing you're not a tech-savvy person, the result was nice and I understood the considerable time and effort you invested in that gesture. What made me happy was feeling the pride you held as my sister.
Your encouragement extended beyond me, inspiring our siblings as well. You were especially enthused when our youngest sister started her French course, eagerly asking how you could support her learning journey.
We were all so happy when our sister from Canada suddenly showed up one day at your doorstep! You convinced her to go back home and finally become a lawyer, something she'd always wanted to do.
You sent another sister to law school, and now she is also a lawyer like you.
You instilled in your children a deep appreciation for language learning, knowing the lasting benefits of multilingualism. I vividly recall all your kids and our niece huddled together for Portuguese lessons in our backyard. With all of us laughing, you'd transform into my language assistant trainer, capturing the kids' progress on camera and peppering the sessions with encouraging remarks.
I remember that our family house used to echo with the sounds of Spanish and French as you asked me to tutor your eldest son, my nephew, in those languages, we'd then send you voice recordings of his progress, which you treasured like sweet melodies. Seeing his dedication spurred on your own linguistic dreams. You eagerly sought my help in finding a university course for your eldest son that paired international relations with languages, your eyes lighting up at the thought of him studying French or German with an immersive European experience.
The treasure trove of happy memories with you could fill a library, but alas, this space is a bit cramped!
Ling, you led by example, forgiving and understanding. You ensured that your loved ones were safe and secure.
Your life may have passed, but the impact you made remains strong.
You may not be able to read this letter anymore, but your kids can, and they will know when they grow up about your other facet that many people do not know.
You became a human rights lawyer, believing your legal practice could help more people, and you did. You funded the education of underprivileged students, many now professionals, sharing your blessings even beyond your immediate family. Pro bono cases were your norm, demonstrating your deep commitment to justice.
Ling, you were a linguistic explorer, too, in your own right. And while you will no longer receive physical gifts, this language blog, The LINGuistic Explorer, serves as a dedication to you and the influence you continue to have on my every undertaking.
It's your 1st birthday in heaven. Happy birthday!
We love you.
Your brother,
Moses