True story. I am a banana.

My parents are Taiwanese and immigrated to the states in their twenties.  They worked at many restaurants where my dad trained to cook and my mom served as a waitress.  Eventually, they saved up enough to open a family owned and operated restaurant with my uncle, 3 aunts and my grandmother.  I can remember the long hours they worked, the tired looks, the sore muscles and the determination to work to create a better life for my sister (J) and I. 

J and I were both born and raised in Tennessee. They raised us as best as they could by traditional Chinese standards. One of the main things they focused on was respect. Respect for all people; young, old, rich, or poor.  Upon entering a room one should always "call" or acknowledge the elders. Always put studies first because that's what leads to success. "Use your brain so you don't have to use your muscles" 

They never complained, they never griped and most importantly, they never expected anything to be handed to them. My dad would always tell me when things got tough "you work hard when you're young so that you don't have to when you're old". That stuck with me.  

You're probably wondering "Why is she telling me this?"