UofA Alumni Honour Award
October 23, 2025 – Cherishing this moment forever. So grateful to the University of Alberta for this recognition. So deeply thankful for all those loved ones who were able to come to cheer me on. Tearing up again thinking of this special gift that Scott, Grace, and Bao Thoai had given me. Life seems to have come full circle.
October 26, 2025 – Our World: Vietnam Book Signing/Launch & Hugs
Gosh, my heart is so full. Yesterday’s Book Signing/Launch of Our World: Vietnam was more of a Hug Fest than anything. I was so moved by all the amazing friends who came by. I am especially humbled by the community of beautiful and incredible kid-lit writers — Richard Van Camp, Alison Hughes, Joan Marie Galat, Jeananne Kathol Kirwin, Karen Spafford-Fitz, Tololwa Mollel — who also stopped by to bless this book. This little board book actually holds great significance for me because Barefoot Books Publisher reached out to me in Aug 2024 while I was in the hospital for the liver resection. They asked if I could write this children’s book on Vietnam to be released in fall 2025. In the midst of surgery, I said YES! My heart rejoiced because I knew it was a sign that the Universe still had work for me.
