Alderperson Maiyoua Thao's (District 7) Invocation At 12/21/2022 Common Council Meeting

Mayor Jake Woodford: Good evening I now call to order the Wednesday December 21 meeting of the Appleton Common Council. Tonight's invocation will be delivered by Alder Thao.

Alderperson Maiyoua Thao (District 7): Nyob Zoo Xyoo Tshiab. Happy New Year. In our Hmong culture the New Year festivals are celebrate between the months of October to December. It is the combinations of years of hard work. During this time, my husband perform religious rituals that are essential to our family's life. First, he will perform the soul calling, which he calls the soul of members of the family to come back home for the new year and give everyone an egg to represent each spirit. Second, he renews our sukkah, which is the golden spirit who protect our family. And last but not least, he offered food to the deceased relatives and ancestors.

In this season where we pause to remember and pay gratitude to our loved ones, I would like to dedicate this new year to my late mother Hu Thao Cane who passed away unexpectedly in June of this year. My earliest memories of my mother were in the refugee camp in the Thai refugee camp. I am the oldest of six children. And she taught me at a young age how to care for my younger siblings so she can earn a living doing tapestry Paj Ntaub to support our family.

I recall carrying my baby brother in Hmong cloth carrier that she hand stitch, so my hands would be free to help the other siblings. I vividly recall the first time she asked me to go to the street market to pick up groceries for her to cook for dinner. This was the first time that she let me go along and sent a verbal grocery list. I felt nervous. Until this point I always only accompany her, yet I feel so big and so independent.

In my teen years, I attended Hmong New Year celebration just like many other girls did, dressed in traditional outfits and went to the ball tossing with young men as a form of courtship. My mother will pull out the tradition clothes each year that she prepared for me and dress me up. This is a tradition and a bond between a mother and her daughter. I have so many beautiful memories of my mom. The foundation of my life is built of love, lessons and support from her.

In the last year. I have missed all of the little things she did that now seems to be so big. From her phone calls, visits meals, and yes, of course, mom's lectures. I miss it all.

Mom, while I may not see you, I feel you and I know you continue to guide and protect me as you have always done. In this new year. I set an intention to strengthen my love for my children like you show my siblings and me. So in gratitude, thank you for being my mother and my friend. In you I found so many dreams that came true. All of your greatness resides in me. I hope your travel in the afterlife has led you to my loving father and our ancestor. You are always in my heart forever. Happy New Year to you. Kuv hlub koj, niam. I love you mom.