Jerry Khan
/My father and mother have always been the example for what strength in a person looks like. As an American born child of immigrant parents, there is much I can never imagine. When my father and mother tell me their immigration story, why they came to America, and what kept them here despite the many many sacrifices paid in damage and so much pain, I can’t help but feel like my entire existence in America is owed to my parents, and older siblings who were part of sacrifices made.
I asked my mom one day, “was it all worth it?”
Mom: “I don’t know.”
Everything that my parents have ever done has been in pursuit of creating opportunities in hopes that their children have better and greater lives.
Everything that I am trying to accomplish now with attempting to start a food business to share our wonderful food, culture, and history with the community has been an idea my father started with a little business venture named Khan’s Roti and Curry. It never saw the light of day because, ….well I can only answer for myself, and that answer would be, I was not ready. Food has always been a passion of the Khan family collectively. It was a passion ignited by my father Jerry Khan and was never fully pursued until now.
My relationship with my father has been a difficult journey filled with cruel exchanges, stances of ego and stubbornness, and loud defensive walls built. That entire journey, time, and energy has been short-circuited in a matter of one major surgery earlier this week. Seeing Jerry Khan in this truly crippling pain is hard because he has endured so much for so long.
I recently found out that Jerry Khan not only had a difficult childhood, but was under-loved. It probably contributes to why he has not been the easiest to love now. I think that’s why he had 8 kids. The greater amount of kids, the greater amount and chances to be loved.
I guess what I am trying to say is, I love you dad and I know this week has been hard for you, but I'd like to wish for you endurance, not strength. Your strength has always been there.
Your daughter, Amanda Khan
Jerry and Barbara Khan
