As I reflect on my childhood, I’m filled with a deep sense of nostalgia for a time when I knew a remarkable woman who embodied the spirit of our Hmong heritage. My grandmother was a village healer, a woman who knew every plant, shrub, and tree by heart and the purpose for which it was used. She had an incredible collection of herbs, each carefully selected for its unique properties, and she never needed to consult a book or a recipe because she had memorized each one.
Unfortunately, my grandmother is no longer with us, and with her passing, much of the wisdom and knowledge she held has been lost. I remember her telling me that wisdom and knowledge come with age, and that there’s no need to study like a book. But in today’s fast-paced world, I fear that this kind of wisdom is becoming a thing of the past.
It breaks my heart to see our culture and traditions disappearing before our very eyes. Our language and customs are being abandoned, and I fear that if we don’t take action now, there will be nothing left for future generations to inherit. Let us not forget the rich heritage that defines us as Hmong people. Let us work together to preserve the wisdom of our elders and pass it down to future generations. Let us not let the traditions that bring us so much joy and comfort disappear into the annals of history. Let us hold on to them, cherish them, and pass them down for generations to come.
