On this special day, I find myself feeling especially lucky. Why? Because I get to celebrate not just one, but three incredible mothers in my life. Of course, there is my birth mom, the one who raised me from day one. Then there is my "Ma," my mother-in-law, whose love and support have been unwavering. And finally, there is someone uniquely special: my "Chinese Mom," Susan.

A visit to the Temple of Heaven in Beijing with Susan, 2014. (People's Daily Online/Michael Kurtagh) 

I met Susan back in 2014 when I first came to Beijing. I was a college student enrolled in a summer Chinese language program and had the choice of staying in a dorm or joining a local family through a homestay. Despite barely being able to order a bottle of water in Chinese, I chose the homestay option, a true trial by fire. I was matched with Susan, her husband Steve, and their son Scott. Scott spoke excellent English, but he was not home the day they picked me up. I remember how anxious I felt about communicating with Susan and Steve that day, but they were experienced hosts who had welcomed many international students before. They immediately made me feel at home.

What was supposed to be a two-month stay stretched into three when they generously let me stay during the break between my summer and fall programs. They even helped me move into my dorm, but sure enough, I found myself back in their home half a year later while searching for an apartment. That set the tone. Whenever I found myself in need, I knew I had a home in Beijing with a family who welcomed me with open arms.

None of us knew that what began as a short cultural exchange would turn into a lifelong bond. Over the years, Susan has welcomed friends of mine from all over the world into her home. Her insatiable curiosity means no one ever leaves without a deep conversation, often stretching well past midnight. We have celebrated everything from Thanksgiving to Rosh Hashanah together, while she has included me in every major Chinese holiday. When I broke my arm in an accident, it was her home I first returned to after leaving the hospital. They took care of me like family, because by then, we were.

It is not at all an exaggeration to say that meeting Susan and her family is one of the more important and fortuitous moments of my life. The fact that I've been able to spend so long here in Beijing is in large part because of the support I know I have through them.

This story, of an American college student and a Chinese professor forming a lifelong connection, is only possible because of open hearts and curious minds. In today's world, it is easy to feel divided, but stories like ours remind us that at the end of the day, we are all just people. No matter your nationality, ethnicity, or religion, meaningful relationships are not only possible but vital. While I'm happy to share my story, I'd be even happier if it inspires others to approach the world with tolerance, patience, and openness, to create and embrace relationships that cross borders, languages and cultures, because it's exactly these kinds of connections our world needs most today.

So this Mother's Day, I celebrate all three of my moms. My birth mom, my "Ma," and my "Chinese Mom," Susan. Thank you for shaping who I am and reminding me that love knows no borders.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms across the world.

Source: People's Daily Online