THANK YOU, in your way By Yin Zhen, Chief Operating Officer, Miry’s List
Sunday mornings back in China were spent with my grandfather at the local dim sum house, crowded around a communal table, enjoying hot tea and loud conversations. My ye-ye always saved me the last shrimp dumpling and I always ate it up to show my appreciation. Years later and thousands of miles away, I found myself spending another Sunday morning at tea, in an elegant house set a g a i n s t a p i c t u re s q u e m o u n t a i n landscape. My American friend served me generous trays of dainty finger sandwiches and warm scones and I echoed “thank you” over and over to show my appreciation. My feeling of gratitude was the same in both memories but, more notably, the impact of my expression was also the same. Expressing gratitude is an experience as unique as the country you’re in. While the words “thank you” translate easily from one language to another, they carry with them the weight of centuries of tradition. In China, “thank you” is a formal term; to use it between friends implies that we are so distant in our connection, that we must be proper in our conversation. When I immigrated to America, I learned that saying “thank you” bridges the distance between two people and to forget is what causes a rift. Today, my work at Miry’s List connects me with people from all over our country and the world. I have learned so much more about food, friends and gratitude from the members of our cherished community and, one day, I hope we can sit together for a cup of tea so I can thank you, in your own way.
“Today, my work at Miry’s List connects me with people from all over our country and the world.”
