Iris' 40th Birthday

June 19, 2009

Our dearest daughter Iris,

You are our first child born in the Kaiser Hospital in Oakland, California at 4:17 p.m. on June 19th of 1969 with a weight of 6.8 oz and a height of 20.5 in. A small baby has grown up to be an honorable and proud doctor in the family helping many needy children just like your own. The name, Iris was chosen honoring a kind and generous lady who extended her kindness and generosity to your Dad who came to this country without knowing anybody and needed guidance and assistance. We thought that “Iris” was so beautiful and fitting you well as you were a so pretty baby. Mom claimed that you were the most beautiful baby in the whole wide world.

You were not only beautiful but also smart and hard working. Your teachers in Australia and Rapid City used to tell us that you didn’t need any advice to work hard since you were self-motivated. At the same time, your Dad used to make sure that you had enough home work and often gave you additional work to do, and you did not complain about them.

You have made us feel blessed parents in many occasions. You always excelled in violin at school and we were so proud of you when you were chosen to be the first chair for the second violin section in the state orchestra when you were only a freshman in junior high. That was a record breaking event and you were subsequently selected as the achievement award of the year at the junior high school. Your hard work had paid off handsomely when you were admitted to the medical school whose competition was exceptionally tough in the year you entered. You were selected as a resident at the most prestigious hospital in the nation.

You always wanted to come to the west, especially to Portland to practice your medical career and all of your wishes have been granted. You have married to the most handsome and kind man and we are so proud of the couple you have made with him. Furthermore, you are a mother of two most beautiful and handsome children.
We as your parents declare that you have been successful in life which not everyone can claim. We are so proud of you since you are so considerate, caring, and kind, and everyone who knows you says that you are the role model professionally and also as a wife and a mother. We would like to add to that that you are an exceptionally wonderful daughter. We love you so much and would like to extend our congratulations on your 40th birthday. Love Mom and Dad.

The Crest

Our journey in life
Resembles the path
Of mountain climbers

They always move forward
But then one very special day
Reach the summit

Most prepares very little
But the star of the day is different
A well organized and planned moment

The time for the excitement and joy
Because she deserves
Everyone else agrees

She was born 40 years ago
The most beautiful baby
Was born into the Han family

In the afternoon of one summer day
A breeze from the Pacific Ocean
Delivered a happy news

She is the most precious daughter
The doctor in the family
Helping children like her own

The world has become
A better place because of her
Millions moved by her gentle touch

Iris, our sister
Industrious, kind, intelligent, considerate
Sisters and brothers chant in unison

Iris, our mother
Caring, loving, responsible, resourceful
The role model to us all

We all put our hands together
Praying for good health, spirit, and happiness
For the next 40 years and beyond


June 19, 2009
Kenneth N. Han
On his lovely daughter’s 40th birthday

Our Dearest Daughter
Iris’ 40th Birthday
Photo Collection

This is how you have grown to be
A wonderful daughter, sister, wife, and mother!

Iris was five years old. She sent this to her Dad who was on sabbatical teaching at UC Berkeley.

Iris has been an outstanding artist since she was little.