“I was lost. Those days were very difficult for me, and that terrible night is better off forgotten, except for the fact that your grandfather saved my life. And if you respect his legacy, he will save yours too. Be very proud that the family blood coursing through your veins is of the races of both your father and mother.”
“I love you uncle,” he said giving him a huge embrace.
“I love you too my nephew, now get some sleep,” as he turned out the light and closed the door. But Hudson couldn’t sleep. With his arms crossed behind his head he relived his Uncle Kwongs story over and over again and realized he was given a great gift. After that night he never felt like an outsider again. He started accepting his mixed heritage with honor.
Not only was his beloved Uncle Kwong Li an important influence in molding his life, but he also had enduring role models in his father, Hudson Henry Sr. and his legendary grandfather, Uncle Charlie.
But there was one more person that Hudson attributed to his finally being accepted. While attending East Yesler Elementary School in Chinatown, the stars surly aligned when he was assigned to sit next to a classmate, future best friend and confidant, Kloe Dufresne.