Zhu Shen grew up in China, where food has always been at the heart of family and tradition. Years later, living in the U.S., she found herself caring for her beloved husband, a Stanford-trained biotech founder and the family’s home chef, as he battled a tragic and ironic fight with cancer. One day, as Zhu prepared roasted red bell peppers—a dish he adored—she noticed a dark spot spreading on one of the peppers. The slow decay mirrored the painful changes she saw in her husband. As she cut away the rotten parts, she was overcome with emotion, realizing how closely food and grief had become linked in her life.

During this difficult time, their twelve-year-old son Perry decided to process his sorrow by creating an animated film about his father. Inspired by Perry’s gesture of love and determined to honor her husband’s legacy, Zhu stepped out of her biotech career and fully supported her son’s creative journey, becoming the film’s producer. As she documented Perry’s growth as both an artist and a young man, Zhu found herself changing too—moving from the strict “tiger mom” she once was to a more collaborative and supportive “Zen mom.”

Through this journey, Zhu learned that even in the shadow of devastating loss, there is still hope and inspiration to be found. Embracing family connections, creativity, and gratitude, she discovered new meaning in both grief and joy, proving that it’s never too late to begin a new chapter or make a cherished family dream come true.

To learn more & connect with this amazing woman (& her son):
Journey of a Thousand Miles: https://www.journeyof1000milesfilm.com/

Link with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhushen/

This minisode was clipped from a LIVE virtual Show & Tale: My Favorite Thing (Kitchen Edition) for the Historic Green-Wood Cemetery. I’m a regular host of events for G-W for the purpose of building deeper connections, community & legacy one story of stuff at a time.

Looking to build deeper connections, community & legacy with your employees, volunteers, donors, community, alumni, family, friends, residents, team or event participants? Hire me to host a unique story-sharing gathering, playshop, exhibition or retreat. Email me at martie at showandtales dot com

Have a story of a special item you’d love to share? Reach out to Martie McNabb at info at showandtales dot com and be part of a future episode with the Subject line: Podcast Guest✨

If you were asked “What Things would tell your life story?” What Things would you choose? Look around your home, office & even on yourself …. what Things do you surround yourself with & what stories would they tell? Grab my My Life in 30 Things playsheet to list your Things that matter here: https://www.showandtales.com/30-things-story/