DEAR READER

By Christine Liu

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DEAR READER,

I type these words from my parents' house in Maryland.

Ordinarily, under these circumstances, I would be enjoying myself in the land of Old Bay-dredged seafood, free art museums and Mommy's home cooking. However, this time marks a deeply sad occasion, as I am back to be with my family, for my father died this weekend from cancer complications.

Though sobering thoughts may seem (literally) contrary to our annual cocktails issue, there's a connection. As we revisit New England's notorious history, I think of my dad's own complex past—surviving the Sino-Japanese War, fleeing to Taiwan, raising a family in the US. I trust there were times, whether in celebration or sorrow, that a cup of rice wine was held to his lips.

Though mortality can be kind of a downer, it's nature's reminder to cherish the people you know—now. If bumping shoulders to Morton Subotnick, stealing popcorn during Monkey Warfare or snort-laughing to Margaret Cho brings you kids all the closer this week, the better. 

A toast to all whom we love.