It was one of the happiest moments in my life. And yet, one of the saddest. Something was missing from my life and that was spoiling my happiness. That day I won my first piano competition and was standing in the middle of the stage with all lights shining down at me. It seemed like the center of the Universe was somewhere there. I saw hundreds of faces in the audience and heard the applause. But there was just one face I wanted to see more than anything else. But my Dad was not there. He who supported me throughout all of my life in good moments and bad was not there for me. He was half the way across the world, there, in China, when I needed him the most. He could not share the happiest day of my life. All the other prize-winners were waving to their parents. And I was ready to cry. I put my hand in a pocket and found something worthy of Thoreau’s advice. I had my necklace with a jade bamboo in the pocket, and it made me feel so confident and assured in my success, as if my Dad was there, proudly smiling and patting me on a shoulder.
Dad was with me smiling happily, when I got principle’s award “best student of the year.” He was sharing joy with me when I was awarded diplomas for Beijing State writing, Math, and English competitions. He was never so proud, I guess, as when I received major’s award for being the best student in my school. The schoolmates and teachers nominated me for that award. It was the greatest honor I could receive in school. And the clearest recollection from those days is my Dad’s pleased eyes. Continue reading