A [Fashion] Story: My Grandpa's Blazer

Hi, everyone.

Today, there is a slight shift in mood from my usual cheerful posts. I'm going to tell you a rather personal story.

Exactly 100 days ago, cancer took my grandpa's life. I was fortunate enough to be with him in Taiwan that last week and saw him go from being able to acknowledge my presence and smile at me to being completely unconscious. But I'm grateful I had the opportunity to say goodbye to him in person.

I am my grandpa's first grandchild; he was only in his late 40s when I was born. I had the privilege to spend quality time with him throughout different stages of my life. As a child, I took advantage of him countless times, because I knew how kind he was, how he would never scold me, and how he would always have my back. As an adult, I learned to cherish every visit to my grandparents' house, every meal I had with him, and every time I said, "Hi, A-gong" (which means "grandpa" in Taiwanese). Even when he told me the same story, again and again, I listened to it, again and again.

After my grandpa passed away, I stayed in Taiwan and helped my mom sort some of my grandpa's belongings.

It was then, as I came across this blazer, I mentioned to my mom that if he were to have worn it this fall, he would've easily been the most fashionable grandpa. She nodded her head but left the blazer aside. My grandpa came from a good family. As a young adult, he had his suits made by professional tailors who would go to his house, and this blazer was one of them. I assumed she thought it was too nice for me to "play around with."

I got back to New York and forgot about the blazer. But one day, as I came home, there it was in a box at my door. My mom got it altered to fit me. Then I put it on and couldn't stop crying. Yet once the sadness passed, it was replaced with comfort and warmth. Both emotionally and physically.

I decided I wanted to share this special story with you. And in order to do so, I asked a very dear friend of mine, Edward (@edchyau), to help me make it happen. I hope you like it as much as I do.

Thank you for watching.