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.
我上三年級時，母親力勸我們的老師組織一次到芝加哥各個博物館的實地調查旅行。她幫老師租車和安排行程。她甚至當起了向導，指出一些重要的標志物，并介紹一些當地的歷史。

　　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.
到了該考慮是否繼續上大學時，毫無疑問我們都要上。在父母自我犧牲精神的激勵下，我們更加發奮學習以獲取獎學金，并申請助學金和財政援助。我們還靠打工掙錢來上學。我曾經在一家雜貨店打過工，體會到了一塊錢都來之不易。"工作就是幸福。"媽媽總是讓我們記著這話。

　　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?"
　　母親從不求回報。"你們不要為我買什么生日禮物，"她有一次說。"只要給我寫封信講講你們自己就行了。告訴我你們過得怎么樣。有沒有煩心的事?是否快樂?"

　　"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.
"你們給我們大家帶來了榮耀" 母親讓我們都能感受到家的價值和為此驕傲。我在上高二時，一次學校上演一部叫《音樂人》的作品。我在里面的作用真是無足輕重，只是在樂隊的低音部演奏。

　　"I'm not doing anything important."
"你們不必去看我演出了，"我對媽媽說。"我只是打打雜。"

　　"Nonsense," she said. "Of course we're coming, and we're coining because you're in the program." The whole family showed up.
　 她說："瞎說，我們當然得去，因為你參加演出。"結果全家都到場了。