In loving memory of our beloved Mak, Nary Trin

“The Way is not in the sky; the Way is in the heart.” And the way that our Mak (mom) lived was within her own heart.  She did everything from the heart for us, even the littlest things such as if we needed her to prep ingredients for us.  She took pride in everything she did and her face would just glow from the thought that we needed her assistance.  That was our Mak. She was the matriarch of the family; the person who we would call to ask for advices, whether it was about a rash in our kids' diapers or a stain we can't get rid of in our clothes.  Mak knew it all and she knew that was the way to our hearts was by being there for us.  Mak did not come from a wealthy family, having survived the Khmer Rouge regime with 7 kids in tow was a blessing because not everyone would survive the Regime but we did and as a family, we came here to the USA, bearing the scars and wounds of the war. 

Mak lived a balanced life. She was independent, full of energy (even after many kids). Her grandchildren also continue to keep her young and active.   Our kitchens were her refuge while she visited us.  She would stand on her feet hours after hours, cleaning, cooking, and back at it again if we wanted her to cook extra rounds or do the dishes! She didn't hesitate to do any of those things for us.  She was just happy to do simple things. 

After her kids were grown, she decided to devote her time at her chosen temple, eventually becoming the matriarch nun and indeed she took great pride in it.  She was depended on by many of her peers during many of the important buddhist ceremonies, whether it was an annual event or a simple 30 minutes chanting, she was there for people within her community and for those who came from long distances. We are positive that everyone who stepped foot into her temple, knew her and interacted with her.  She was needed and that was how she lived her life.  

The day we found out the news that she was diagnosed with bile duct cancer from our older brother, our heart sank and shattered. We didn't know she was ill because Mak wouldn't want us to worry. She didn't want to be the center of attention.  She didn't want us to worry about her health, even though she knew that inside of her, she did not feel right.  October of 2021 was the month and year that marked and commenced a journey of her fighting cancer.  When she was at the hospital, each of her kids took turns to visit her.  We tried to fight our tears when we saw her at the hospital, but Mak was strong herself.  She told us not to worry about her and that if this should be how she exited her life, then she would face it.  Her Buddhist devotions, together with family gatherings help prepare her greatly for this journey.  She was only given 3 months to live and she fought for over a year to continue on her legacy of being the way in our hearts.  She passed away on a beautiful Sunday, right before noon.  She took her last breath surrounded by all of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mak wouldn't want it any other way. 

With any funds received, we are greatly appreciative as these funds would go toward her funeral expenses. We thank you in advance and hope that this little story our Mak would help you understand that she was a fighter.