Our Family & Friends
Family and friends play an important role in our everyday life. We believe strong relationships are built through care, mutual support, and showing up for one another — both in moments of celebration and during more challenging times. Being part of a supportive community has shaped who we are and continues to influence how we live as a family.
Our Family
We both come from large, close-knit families. Growing up as the youngest children in our families, we were surrounded by guidance, encouragement, and love. We were raised in homes filled with shared traditions, strong family bonds, and a deep sense of togetherness. Holidays and gatherings were marked by laughter, care, and connection, and those early experiences helped shape our values and our appreciation for close relationships.
Yiwen comes from a large, close-knit family and is the youngest of six siblings, with three sisters and two brothers. His mom is also one of six siblings, which means aunts, uncles, and cousins have always been an important part of family life. His parents, Yilan and Zhiliang, raised their family with a strong emphasis on togetherness, care, and mutual support. One of Yiwen’s sisters lives in St. Louis, Missouri, while the rest of his siblings live in China. He is also an uncle to nine nieces and nephews, and those relationships bring him a great deal of joy. When we visit family in China, time together is filled with conversation, shared meals, and simply being present with one another, reflecting the importance of family connection, culture, and tradition.
Karen’s family is also a meaningful and supportive part of our lives. She is the youngest of four children and has three older brothers, each of whom remains closely connected to her and to our family. Her parents, Patricia and Edward, built their life together in Kingston, New York, where they lived for many years and raised their family. Karen’s brothers live in different places — from Missouri to New York — but despite the distance, family ties remain strong. Karen is also an aunt to seven nieces and three nephews, and being part of their lives has long been an important and joyful role for her.
Although our parents have passed away, their influence remains deeply present in our lives. Through their care, values, and the examples they set, they shaped our understanding of family, responsibility, and showing up for others. The love they shared continues to guide how we build our home, nurture close relationships, and support one another.
Our Friends
When we first moved to the Albany, New York area, it was new for both of us, and we didn’t yet have an established community nearby. Over time, through work, school, and local activities, we’ve met wonderful people who have become close friends. Many of these relationships have grown into meaningful friendships, and today we celebrate holidays, milestones, and everyday moments together as our lives have grown side by side.
Our family and friends have been supportive and encouraging as we look ahead to this next chapter in our lives. Knowing we’re surrounded by people who care deeply — whether nearby or farther away — gives us a strong sense of reassurance and gratitude. Their love, guidance, and steady presence continue to be an important part of our family’s story.
