Writing a Christmas letter has been a cherished family tradition for us. My first Christmas letter, written 46 years ago by hand, announced the arrival of our first newborn baby girl. As I look back, each of these letters brings forth many fond memories, as well as the wisdom that has come with the passage of time. These letters have become a treasured part of our family’s history.
The year 2024 is filled with milestones for our family. Our oldest granddaughter, Wei, turns 16—truly a glamorous teenager. Ro enters high school and attends her first homecoming dance. Le and Qing, born just a month apart, continue to showcase their talents in writing and acting. And the youngest, Ying, has a way of lighting up the room every time she walks in. Our children are all busy navigating their own lives, managing the demands of middle age. As for us, an older couple, we realize it’s time to rekindle our first love and rebuild our relationship after years of tireless devotion to others.
This year, our essential mission has been building my blog website. With Yong as my technical advisor, the support of our children, and the help of modern technologies like AI and ChatGPT, I truly believe my vision is no longer just a dream—it can become a reality.
I’ve always wanted to be a writer—someone who shares their feelings, thoughts, and dreams with others, someone who makes their presence felt in the world. As I’ve grown older, my understanding of life has deepened, yet my life hasn’t unfolded as perfectly as I once imagined. I’ve encountered countless obstacles, and sometimes it feels like my writing is slipping away. But recently, as I’ve entered a more reflective stage in my 70s, I’ve begun to see life from a new perspective. I’ve realized that even in moments of disruption and imperfection, there is room for growth and transformation. Life doesn’t always unfold smoothly—it often presents cracks and breaks—but when we embrace these moments, we find new perspectives and beauty in the process of change.
This blog is about that journey. I’ve named it Spicy Tofu:
“Spicy” represents life—flavored with the richness of experience, filled with both joy and challenge.
“Tofu” is one of the least processed and most traditional foods, symbolizing purity with its innocent white color. Its delicate texture makes it easy to break apart.
Together, these elements capture the complexity and simplicity of life—the journey of navigating both flavor and fragility.
I hope that by next year, I’ll be able to share this blog with you.
May God bless you and your family.