Editor’s note: Wise Words is an ongoing series where members of our community share their words of wisdom on a given topic.
“I have a lot to be thankful. Over the years, we have hired many people at our restaurants, who need jobs to survive. Recently, one former employee came to dine at our restaurant to thank me. He worked for me 18 years ago. Now, he’s the medical director in a California university. He came to us at a critical time, no money and with a pregnant wife. It’s gratifying to help so many people who needed help and now they are successful. I am so happy to see them and they still remember us.
— Hsiao Ling Wang, Owner of China Harbor Restaurant
“I have the rare privilege of gaining wisdom from people who have lived 100 years or more. I am grateful for the profound lessons they teach me: To enjoy the present. We are so busy working to live—that we forget to live. So I pause, breathe, and savor moments of joy.”
— Dwayne Clark, CEO, Aegis Living Assisted living and memory care
“After family, I’m grateful for my profession. As a child, my grandfather told me:
“‘If you like your work, you’ll like your life.’ How fortunate I am to love my work.
“I find pursuit of justice truly meaningful. And, it gives me the opportunity to make my living helping people.”
— Charles Herrmann, Herrmann Scholbe
“When my friend (a jogger) died recently, it was a wake-up call for me. Stress causes people illness. If you don’t have good health, you have no money, no life and no family. My biggest gratitude this year is I got my health back. We took our health for granted. The market clashed in 2008, and I lost a lot of money. The past few years, I focused on making money.
“So this year we have been eating well and working out; we focus on our health. And everything falls in the right place. I am grateful I have my health back.”
— Thach Nguyen, Thach Real Estate Group
“I have had a brain tumor for the past three years. It hasn’t grown, spread or bled. I don’t feel anything either. I am grateful every day that I can see my family grow, how things are in the world. I never take things for granted. Nothing is promised.”
— Nate Miles, Vice President of Government Relations, Lilly
“Each time I visit my parents in Hong Kong which I most recently did this November, I am just grateful that they are still alive and well. Not many people at my age can say that. In fact, most of my friends have lost at least one parent. There’s nothing that makes me feel more grateful than seeing both my parents at this point in my life.”
— Dennis Lam, Law office of Dennis Lam
“2014 has been a challenging year. From a Financial Service Professional to a Partner of a major financial services firm, I have gone through many transitions. I am grateful for my family and colleagues for believing in me, providing their patience and support despite my learning stage. I have learned a lot, gained confidence and set great goals.
“My experiences, successes and lessons from failures have shaped me to be a strong leader. I thank the people around me for their wisdom and understanding. Today, I am especially proud that I can be a leader and role model for the younger generation. As a team, we achieve more than we expect. I am very cheerful to having my partners.”
— Eric Mok, LUTCF
“Last month, I led a Washington state delegation of 30+ members to Swatow, China, my native land.
“Lt Gov. Brad Owen and Miss Washington were with us. Our goal was cultural exchange and trying to promote our state. I was so proud of our delegation and satisfied with the whole trip.
“But my biggest reward is my family. I am grateful that my children are the best, the grandkids are so lovable, and my wife supports and helps me in everything and every day.”
— Tan Tho Tien, President of Teochew Association of Washington; Owner, House of Hong Restaurant
“Last spring, I went to the DMV to get my license renewed. As I entered the DMV, a woman behind a wall and a small window asked ‘How are you?’
“I said, ‘Not so good. My wife has cancer and has gone in to hospice. But I am here to renew my license.’
“I took the forms she gave me and sat in a long line of chairs to wait my turn. After a few minutes, the woman from the window walked over to me. She quietly handed me something and then walked away. She gave me a small little card. It said, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Be happy because it happened,’ a wise quote from Dr. Seuss.
“I have carried that card in my wallet ever since. It was a small act of kindness that meant so much to me at a dark time. It not only reminds me of this stranger’s kindness, but it perfectly sums up the relationship I had with my wife. I miss her every day, but I am also incredibly grateful for the 46 wonderful years that we shared together.”
— Ken Colling, President Emeritus, Goodwill
“I am grateful this year because I got married last month. It’s something I have been waiting for a long time, and then finally happened. It’s nice to know that I found my love. It gives me the foundation I want, to build the rest of my life. And I am happy that I just got a new nephew. My family grows by birth and marriage.”
— Erica Buckley, Buckley & Associates
“Give thanks to what you have, give to those who have not. No matter what your beliefs, it is essential to be appreciative of where we are today.”
— Rosa Leung, dedicated to charity with her passion in singing
Editor’s note: This article was sponsored by members of our community.