READY. RISE.

On stroke of midnight’s pass, I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t shut down my mind with anticipation. I wrote this early morning before Ang was schedule to be delivered through caesarean section. With the COVID-19 pandemic and wildfires of California burning, the air quality index (AQI) was a hazardous 200+. There were so many factors increasing my fears. At the same time I was eager to meet a happy and healthy baby with my beloved wife.

Ready for the Rain
And the Phoenix
To Rise from the Ashes

Ready for the Birth
Of a New and Better

—Andy A. Nguyen

UPDATE: Ang is home safe. That night the air quality improved after Ang was born and the AQI went from 200 prior to Ang being delivered to 8 after. Thankful to the ancestors and Air Quality gods!