True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us. — SOCRATES
During Thanksgiving, I had the opportunity to watch an old documentary film titled From Mao to Mozart. The film follows the renowned violinist and music teacher Isaac Stern as he inspires young Chinese musicians to move beyond being merely technical masters and to infuse their playing with heart and emotion. He told his students that to truly be a musician, you must have an intense desire to express yourself musically. One of his phrases struck me deeply: “You need to have LIFE in every music note.” LIFE, in this context, can be understood as the physical, mental, and spiritual experiences that shape our existence. Yes, indeed, we need to have LIFE in every moment of our being on Earth.
The year 2010 has brought many blessings to our family. Our second granddaughter, Ro, was born, and Wei started nursery school, stepping into the role of a big sister. Tom has an opportunity in the Bay Area, and the family may consider moving back next year if it materializes. May has her hands full, taking care of two babies while still managing a part-time job. I can truly say she is a supermom. Chi has grown in maturity, becoming more confident and passionate as the years go by. She has learned to balance work with other activities, such as playing the violin in the Peninsula Orchestra and volunteering as a Spanish translator for the Kiva network. We are so proud of them all.
One of the highlights of this year was our trip to Hawaii during the Thanksgiving break with the whole family. The grandchildren are healthy, full of energy, and bring so much joy to our lives.
Over the past ten years, Yong and I have spent a lot of time discussing and researching various aspects of preparing for retirement. The prospect of this new phase has stirred some challenges in our marriage after more than 35 years together, with struggles and emotional ups and downs. I suppose we don’t yet know how to navigate this next chapter of our lives. At twenty, we worry about the future. At forty, we have no time to think about anything. At sixty, we wish time would slow down, and we hope to be remembered. Sometimes, my heart still leaps up, like the rainbows in the sky, just as it did when I was 21.
Though life is like the ocean—full of conflicts and pains—there is no doubt that the memory of love has enriched my life with beautiful colors and joys. I shall never regret getting older. Instead, I wish my days could always be filled with the curiosity and hope of a child. My spiritual strength endures, and my heart is big enough to help others. My love can move mountains. These are my wishes for Santa Claus, though I realize it’s quite an ambitious list.
“Oh, Holy Night” is my favorite Christmas song, and I sing it almost every Christmas. “It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth… A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.” May the stars guide your way in the coming year. May the memories of love fill your heart this holiday season.
May God bless you all.