Deep down, she had to know that this was not the highlands of Laos. It must be evident on some level that the "emergency" of housing aging, sickly parents for one night while plumbing repairs were waiting, would be to simply buy them a room at a local motel. But the 1000-year-old doctrine was clear. They must be housed inside the home of a close relative. Even if that meant an uncomfortable bed or needing to climb up and down stairs and no chance of escaping the fire-escape if it was ever needed. She had her 1000-year-old reasons why it had to be done in the most difficult, laborious and time-consuming manner possible. Convenience was a thing for Americans. It was not how it was done in her culture—even if it was the better choice. In fact, even though he was not a Hmong, his idea to house them comfortably in a motel room was a grievous insult! One that would be handled in the "old way." With lengthy, passive aggressive tactics. Closing communication and sulking would prove him wrong! There was no other way. Even if everyone would be miserable! It must be done "our way!" Even if we are nearly 8000 miles from the old country and have been in the USA for four-and-a-half decades, the solution must be the ways that were established over 1000 years ago in the jungles of a slash-and-burn society. It must never change. Everyone should do it our way! There is no choice!
The thoughts of a writer.
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