Before I left for China, my dad said numerous times, "Remember that you could have been the one living in China." it resonated the most today as we met Yu, my mom's cousin. He and my mom and Yu were called "paper twins." They were born quite close together and at the time of fleeing China, the papers were to bring both he and my mother to the US. Immigration did not buy it and allowed my mom and grandmother to enter, but not Yu.
That is where the words of my father stand out. We could have been the ones living in China. Without the luxuries and amenities.
As we sat having lunch with Yu, he ate little and watched the Americans gorge themselves. He seemed simple and happy. He talked about his son, working as a cargo manager.
I see the opportunities presented to me, purely by the mere fact of circumstance. I see more now than before that I happiness is not driven by what material things you have, but the memories and the things you can create with family and friends.
Yu and aunt Janice
10/16/11 Stanley's Market
Later that afternoon, we headed to Stanley's Market (known for knock off stuff). I have to say, Shannen you would be proud to know that I did not indulge the trademark infringed goods.
It was busy and bustling with people trying to work "deals" on cheap stuff. Hagglers paradise. But it wasn't the shopping that was the headliner.
As Marci and I headed down the main thoroughfare we heard a little girl (4-5 yrs old) crying for her mamma. She held a pink umbrella and a sticker page with Cinderella in her hand. She was crying so hard tears steamed down her face. Not one person stopped and most looked as if it were entertaining (quite disturbing). We ran after her and it must be instinct, but I grabbed and picked her up. She clung onto my neck as we asked her name and if she new her moms cell number. Her name was in Chinese and I could not pronounce it. She didn't know the number. You cpuld tell that she started to feel comfortable as the tears went away and she began to talk about why she had a new umbrella (her old one was too small). A vendor came out and was helping translate in Chinese, though the little girl spoke English well. It felt like eternity waiting to see if a frantic mother was going to come flying through the crowd. And then there was a woman asking the crowd if they had seen a little girl. We brought her back to her mamma and she thanked us for helping. The little girl was safe and sound.
As I reflect on this moment, the worst thoughts came to mind (too much 20/20 stories). She could have been abducted by a bad person. I'm glad we did not sit back like those other people thinking that she wasn't ours and it wasn't our problem.
I miss Samuel and Shannen everyday. I love you both!!!!
Stanley's Market
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
It was so nice talk to you earlier today, and Samuel & I miss you too. We watched a little bit of the Besrs game but he's sleeping now. I think he mint have a fever, so I'll let you know...
ReplyDeleteI'm glad to hear about you meeting Yu. I'm so glad that God brought you into my life!
Sounds like quite the adventure! Thankfully fortune smiled on you all, way back when with your parents, with the little girl at the market, and your family and friends now! Sounds like a wonderful experience over there, keep on updating us!
ReplyDeleteWhat an opportunity to be able to spend time with your family that shared in so much of your past without being in this country. My heart goes out to Yu....What a shame that everyone could not be let into the U.S. so everyone could be together. You have to wonder what your life would have been had your family been kept back in China.....if roles were reversed. I feel so fortunate to be able to get to know you and Shannen. You two are a gift to all those whose lives you touch! Enjoy your family!
ReplyDeleteThank you son for calling this morning. It was wonderful that Mom could speak and see YU. Grateful for technology. She thinks of him often and so happy he is able to join you on this trek back to our home. He has not been back to his birth place in many years, prior to building the new roadways, it was a long and rough trip to go back to the rural areas. He has a very special place in her heart. Take care, safe travels. I'd like to share a very special quote by e e cummings, it helps Mom and I when it comes to missing you and Marci and anytime we are away from loved ones. "I carry your heart with me, I carry it in my heart. I am never without it, anywhere I go you go my dear." We miss you and Marci, but we are there in spirit as you are with us. Love, Mom and Dad
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