In Memory of My Greatest Father - Ten Year Anniversary

In my deepest memory of my greatest father who passed away this day, March 15th, in China's time, ten years ago. A brightest and a darkest afternoon, 2:45p.

May Flowers 五月的鲜花

In a splendid afternoon, of the last spring of the 20th century, my dearest Dad has passed away in our arms. We covered him with full of blossomy flowers, wished his soul still singing : May flowers, prosperous on a vast ground … Dad sang this song since he’s in the guerrilla, against the Japanese Fascist in the World War II, then Jiang Jieshi in Jiefang zhanzheng, with his bare feet and empty stomach. Dad loved flowers so much, in his entire life. He planted numerous flowers occupied half roof of the building. He watered them twice a day, and even moved each 50lb plant pot himself from the first floor to the top 8th floor roof at the age of 74! Without even an elevator! Everyday numerous times! I persuaded my Dad coming over to the America, to see America’s May flower, for almost ten years. But he resisted, like resisting the Japanese in the World War II. He also resisted his cancer, fought like a young warrior. He hoped, he would be able to see the 21st century, in this last winter of 1999. He even laughed at himself to his friends in 70 years: how will I catch cancer!? I want to see the 21st century! Finally, Dad realized something, he realized something, but it's too late… This is something I will never ever forget, till I die. I deeply knew, and hoped, the final words we wished to exchange someday in the heaven, were: the May flowers in China would be still beautiful in 21st century, and hopefully forever, forever blossom.

This is my dearest Dad's soul. And my soul. And China's soul.

I always wonder. I feel deep pain. Sometimes these two types of May flowers on different lands torn me apart... Oh, May flower, where is my own space I could possibly plant some, May flower?

*This is my writing in 1999, just days before the 21st century, a century my dearest Dad wanted to see dearly. My brother cried and cried like a baby when he read it from my e-mail.