On Wings of Song – A Gateway to Our Lively Youth
Like a bird in song, spreading its wings—wings that shelter us and a voice that carries us to paradise.”
The year was 1967. I was eighteen, standing on the threshold of a new chapter, having just been admitted to university. On the first day of freshman orientation, the five of us had lunch together—a simple gathering that would spark a lifelong friendship lasting half a century.
In 1960s Taiwan, society was deeply conservative. High schools were segregated by gender, students wore uniforms, and girls were required to keep their hair short and their skirts below the knee. We carried heavy schoolbags, dedicating nearly all our time to studying, with little room for leisure. Getting into university was every student’s dream—the long-awaited reward after years of relentless effort.
Mothers busily prepared new outfits for their daughters, marking the transition into adulthood. We permed our hair, slipped into trendy miniskirts, and occasionally dabbed on a touch of lipstick and powder. For the first time, we began socializing freely, forming friendships with the opposite sex. On a bright spring day, we wandered across the picturesque campus like butterflies newly freed, drawn toward the warmth of new friendships and the endless possibilities ahead.
By our senior year, we stood beneath the familiar green canopy of trees, knowing that this chapter of our lives was coming to an end. Laughter lingered in the air, yet a quiet ache settled in our hearts—when would we meet again? We made a silent promise to one another: to live lives that were fulfilling, brilliant, and without regret.
From that point on, our paths diverged. Some traveled abroad for further studies, while others became wives and mothers. We faced the realities of life—learning to rise after setbacks, weathering hardships, and growing stronger with each challenge. As we matured, the innocent and romantic days of our youth gradually faded into the past. Yet, whenever we reunited, we couldn’t help but sigh at how swiftly time had passed.
Now, as memories ripple through my heart, I realize that time may be relentless, but true friendship is timeless. No matter how many years pass, those cherished moments remain—etched forever in the fabric of our lives.
As I reflect on our journey, I am reminded of Psalm 104:3: “He rides on the wings of the wind.” Indeed, God has paved a wondrous path for us, guiding us through the seasons of life with His grace.