My paternal grandmother passed away earlier this year. I got to see her one last time, but wish I had spent more time with her. We had a lot in common - she loved traveling and going on adventures as much as me. She was also an artist, but didn't have the privilege of pursuing this full time. She was pregnant with my dad when she and my grandfather fled communist China after the civil war. She gave birth to my father on the run, on an island south of China. Kind strangers helped and gave them food to eat before they embarked on the rest of their journey. My grandparents and my dad settled in Taiwan and worked hard, but things were tough, especially in the beginning. Having an egg to eat was a luxury. And yet my grandmother managed to raise four children who would go on to prosper and have families of their own. Without her courage, my dad wouldn't have gotten an education in Taiwan, or immigrated to the US. I wouldn't have been born in the US, where I have the privilege of being able to pursue my passion for filmmaking. My grandmother created this paper cut art piece, and I keep this next to my desk to remind myself of her, of her strength and resilience. I'll never forget you, 奶奶. Love you forever. ❤️❤️❤️ #refugeeswelcome #notravelban