The Tissue Box
When I was teaching, I had several Hmong students who had immigrated with their parents from Laos and lived in Chico, California where I taught Math at Bidwell Jr. High.
One of these students was a girl named Phing (pronounced “Ping”). I remember her as working very hard at her schoolwork and though English was not her first language, she also had a slight learning disability. But she was quite a trooper; always kind and thoughtful as well.
Like many students, she gave me gifts at Christmas and at the end of the school year. One year she gifted me with this beautiful embroidered tissue box cover. Almost 20 years later, I still have it.
When ever I look at that box I always remember Phing. I hope that if she ever reads this, she will get in touch and let me know how she is doing.