The year 2008 brought many blessings and joys for the family. We were promoted to grandparents, welcoming our first granddaughter, Wei, was born. She is absolutely adorable, with a charming smile and a gentle temperament that draws everyone in. May and Tom, as new parents, are well-equipped, with the ‘Google’ search engine providing 24-hour support. Little Wei is truly blessed.

Another highlight this year was the creation of a garden in memory of my dear father. “A Garden of Love” was launched at our church. Many Saturday mornings were spent in the garden, covered in soil and mud, bathed in sunlight or rain. Surrounded by the sounds of birds and flowers, I found a peaceful moment away from the busy routine of life. I want to thank all those who devoted their time, effort, and financial support to this project. I will always treasure the fun we shared and never forget your dedication.

Beyond our little star, Wei, the family is healthy and content. Yong and I are senior citizens in today’s tech world. By God’s blessing, we were fortunate to work alongside a group of talented young people, close to our children’s age. Tom continues to work hard on his start-up company, and May has decided to leave her full-time job for a more flexible part-time position to spend more time with Wei. Chi continues to work for a financial software company and, even during this challenging economic time, is highly regarded by her employer. We are very proud of her.

Next year, I will celebrate my 60th birthday. As I look back on my life, I think of the moment my father held my little, cold hand on a chilly winter night, the stuffed animal my mother made that accompanied me through my childhood, the college friends who supported me through my youth, my sisters who comforted me when I needed them most, my sweet Yong who has always walked beside me, and my two wonderful daughters who have brightened my life. Nearly 60 years of blessings. In my life, I’ve prayed for impossible dreams, cried in sorrow for my losses, and stood up again and again after stumbling. Life is a journey, and love is a gift. Everything I’ve achieved in life is for ‘Love’ — the love I have received and the love I have given. It is ‘Love’ that holds my tomorrow and guides my hands.