Mrs. Wong

When I was growing up in Orange County, almost all of the Chinese restaurants we'd frequent would be in L.A. (Hop Li, Hop Woo, Ocean, Lime House, etc.). When we'd get it near home, it was always at Yen Ching. Located just east of the Orange Circle and across the street from Hart Park, there weren't many places like that in the '80s. It had a miniature golf course, too!


The other night, Wendy and I were behind the Orange Curtain with my parents, sister, her husband, and their baby. Trying to find someplace where we could all eat, my sister remembered Yen Ching. (Of course, and why don't non-Chinese restaurants have round tables so everyone can talk to each other?)

When we walked in and asked for a table, the owner took our name and returned a second later to ask my mom, "Are you Mrs. Wong?"


It turns out that his wife remembered my mom, who taught their daughter's kindergarten class. She is graduating from UCLA this year, and they gave credit to my mom for instilling her with confidence and helping her to succeed. They were super grateful, and the wait staff asked us if they could bring us drinks on the house.


That was just the beginning. We also got appetizers, extra dishes, and dessert. I really love the caramelized apples...

It was so cool on so many levels to see my mom get recognized like that. First, she heard what an effect she's had on her students. They come and go every year, but how often does she get to find out how they turn out? Second, mom must have felt pretty good about being recognized at least 16 years later. That must mean she hasn't aged much! (We got a lot of excellent food, too.)

I'm super proud of my mom. I can only hope to affect people like that--and to age as well as a bonus.

p.s. Thank a teacher whenever you get a chance. I spotted my 12th-grade political-science teacher, Mr. McCoun, who was very influential to me, at a sporting goods store a couple years ago, wussed out, and have regretted it ever since.