She's Always Here: A Memoir of a Mother's Indomitable Love

In this deeply personal and heart-wrenching memoir, Casey Yau chronicles her mother's courageous journey from Hong Kong to Canada in pursuit of a better life for her children. A tireless worker who faced an unhappy marriage and numerous hardships, Casey's mother was unexpectedly diagnosed with stage four lung cancer at the age of 55, despite never having smoked. As lung cancer rates rise among Asian women, her story sheds light on the broader, often overlooked struggles within this community. Through a powerful blend of raw emotion and reflection, Casey details the missed opportunities for early detection, the agony of watching a loved one deteriorate, and the unrelenting search for hope amid despair. Even in her final days, Casey's mother faced her illness with remarkable resilience, discussing everything from funeral plans to family matters with quiet strength. Amid the grief and harsh realities of palliative care, moments of connection with hospital staff and other families bring brief solace. But it is the unbreakable bond between mother and child, and the legacy of love, that offers the greatest comfort. This memoir is a testament to the enduring power of love, resilience, and memory—a tribute to one mother’s extraordinary strength and an intimate exploration of the universal journey through loss and healing. (Some names have been changed for privacy.)