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"Family Matters"
Introduction
My name is Ray M. Wong, and I’m a writer. It’s taken me forty-seven years to get to a point where I can say that. There’s still a loud, insidious voice in the back of my mind that disputes this notion; it tells me I’m not good enough, that it’s only a silly little dream. But after listening to its disheartening message for most of my life, I’ve finally learned to talk back to this voice, and it feels good to tell it to shut its trap!

Next to my family, there’s nothing that makes me happier or challenges me more than writing. It’s what I was put on this earth to do.

The purpose of this site is to help me connect with people by sharing what’s most important to me. That’s why I created a column called “Family Matters” to chronicle the joys, heartaches and follies of this wondrous and painstaking institution known as family. To me, it’s the core of who we are. It’s our greatest strength and the source of our deepest wounds. A writer’s work can be a lonely endeavor, so if you read something here that resonates, it would please me to no end to hear from you. I usually include a “family tip” at the end of my columns to convey info, activities or resources helpful to families. If you would like to send along a family tip, I will cite you as the source if I use it in a column.

I’ve written a memoir about a life-transforming journey to Hong Kong and China that I’m working diligently to publish as a book and graphic novel. An excerpt from the memoir will appear in an anthology called “Chicken Soup for the Soul: Thanks Mom!” that is scheduled to be released in bookstores at the end of March 2010. The stories in this collection are touching tributes to mothers, and wouldn’t it be great to give your mom something that will nourish her soul rather than the same old, tired flowers and a card this year? I will have the book for sale at a discount through this site in April, and if you want me to personalize an inscription to your mom with your order, just let me know her name and a little something about her. I’ve included a prologue to my memoir on this site, and I’m looking to collaborate with an artist on the graphic novel. If you have any feedback, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Also, I write for a number of newspapers and magazines, and I focus on the positive things people are doing. I want to spotlight those who are making a difference in the community. If you are aware of someone worthy of recognition, please e-mail me at ray@raywong.info. Thanks!

Below is my latest family column – enjoy and thanks for being part of the family.

 

                                                                         Lesson Learned

                                                                                   By

                                                                            Ray M. Wong

I was stupid and paid for it. I had just taken my kids to Chinese School in City Heights on a Sunday morning, and we were headed north on Fairmount Avenue to get home. Fairmount is a two-lane road, and I was in the right lane. The sedan in front of me was moving at a pace that indicated the driver was either daydreaming or lost. A quick glance to the left showed me a white SUV accelerating past the snail-paced car ahead of me, so I changed lanes in order to pass the sedan.
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Check out the books below because I have stories published in them. "Chicken Soup for the Soul" is the bestselling anthology series that has touched people throughout the world. One story is an excerpt from my memoir that takes place in China. I dedicate it to a remarkable and courageous woman -- my mom. The other is a Christmas story for my stepfather. If you would like me to personalize the book to a parent, please let me know their names and a little something about them. Thanks!

                  

                             
Peggy in Texas wrote on Oct. 13, 2007 1:29pm:

"You have a wonderful way of making me feel so much better. Your thoughts are right on target. We all need to think about what this means in the real world of just regular, wonderful people. Thank you for saying it."
 
Brian Eveland wrote on Oct. 13, 2007 2:52pm:

"Ray Wong hit the nail on the head. 'I can imagine how devastated I would feel if it were my son in that hospital fighting for his life. I can also tell you how much it would mean to me to see all the people from my community sharing in my pain.' -- The support from the community, family, and friends, has been phenominal. The parents I have spoken to that have "been here" have been the most help to me. I have said the prayer that every other parent in this situation has spoken through tears. 'Please God, take me and allow my son to heal.'" -- Brian Eveland, Scott's dad.
 
Jim from Asheville, NC wrote on Oct 17th, 2007 7:56pm

"Ray Wong has an ability that appears to be on the wane in America -- he empathizes -- walks in another's shoes and then feels their anguish and pain. The Evelands' pain must be enormous, yet it is likely tempered thanks to the outpouring of empathy and prayers from many others who share their anguish. And the most powerful support comes from those that have been 'there.' Like AA or Al-Anon, we are best supported by those who know our pain. Thanks to those who have walked in the Evelands' shoes and have reached out even though it must rekindle their own painful memories."

"Ray is a wonderful Brother-in-Law, I look up to him as a role model"    Phong Huynh (brother in law)

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