Chapter 8 Summary and Analysis

The author recalled her introduction to Hmong culture and the Lee family. She was interested in investigating the circumstances surrounding Lia's health care but was warned by fellow colleagues. Their advice was daunting and they felt her journey lacked promise. She was instructed on the proper etiquette of Hmong conversation and expected her visits to be awkward. Indeed, her first few visits were disastrous, but this was not because the Lees were unwelcoming. Anne (the author) learned to navigate their cultural differences. Anne employed numerous translators before finding a resource in Sukey Waller, a psychologist who worked regularly with Hmong clients. Sukey was not associated with MCMC, so any negative feelings the Lees had about their daughter's health care were not automatically transferred to Anne. Sukey introduced Anne to the leaders of the Hmong clans. With Sukey at her side, Anne...