When I was in third grade, she urged our teacher to organize a field trip to Chicago museums. My mother helped the teacher rent a bus and plan the trip. She even served as tour guide, pointing out landmarks and recounting local history.
我上三年级时，母亲力劝我们的老师组织一次到芝加哥各个博物馆的实地调查旅行。她帮老师租车和安排行程。她甚至当起了向导，指出一些重要的标志物，并介绍一些当地的历史。
When it came time to think about college, there was never a question that we'd all go. Inspired by our parents' sacrifice, we studied hard to earn scholarships, and applied for grants and financial aid. We also took jobs to earn money for school. Working in a grocery store, I learned the value of a dollar. "Work is a blessing," Mama always reminded us.
到了该考虑是否继续上大学时，毫无疑问我们都要上。在父母自我牺牲精神的激励下，我们更加发奋学习以获取奖学金，并申请助学金和财政援助。我们还靠打工挣钱来上学。我曾经在一家杂货店打过工，体会到了一块钱都来之不易。"工作就是幸福。"妈妈总是让我们记着这话。
She never asked for anything for herself. "You don't have tobuy me a birthday present," she said one time. "Instead write me a letter about yourself. Tell me about your life. Is anything worrying you? Are you happy?"
母亲从不求回报。"你们不要为我买什么生日礼物，"她有一次说。"只要给我写封信讲讲你们自己就行了。告诉我你们过得怎么样。有没有烦心的事?是否快乐?"
"You Honor Us All." My mother made family values and pride tangible. One time when I was a high-school junior, our school put on a production of The Music Man. My role was totally insignificant. I played bass in the orchestra. "You don't have to come and see me," I told Mama.
"你们给我们大家带来了荣耀" 母亲让我们都能感受到家的价值和为此骄傲。我在上高二时，一次学校上演一部叫《音乐人》的作品。我在里面的作用真是无足轻重，只是在乐队的低音部演奏。
"I'm not doing anything important."
"你们不必去看我演出了，"我对妈妈说。"我只是打打杂。"
"Nonsense," she said. "Of course we're coming, and we're coining because you're in the program." The whole family showed up.
她说："瞎说，我们当然得去，因为你参加演出。"结果全家都到场了。