Surprising Source Of Education

Mom and Dad came to the US 3 weeks ago, it is Dad's second visit and Mom's very first in the country. Dan and I have been taking them everywhere, Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Ocean Beach, China Town, Standford, Half Moon Bay. They were also invited to have a BBQ dinner at neighbor's house on the first Sunday afternoon they got here, Dan made burger and ice cream last weekend, and we had nice T-bone and rib eye steak for a late lunch today after some crispy cream donuts for breakfast. Everyday we take a walk somewhere around the town, Steven's Creek trail has been one of the easiest, we get to cross 5 wood bridges and the trail is almost all shaded by pine trees and wild flowers overhead. We went to Palo Alto duck pond last weekend and watched thousands of doves, pigeons, and of course some black teal, feeding and diving, quite a scene.

It has always been in my mind that this is the time for me to show my parents the way of life. It has been 20 years since I lived with them, first went to college and spend 6 years in Beijing, then came to the US, first in Pittsburgh and then in NorCal. If it is anyone who understands life, who but myself would have the right to say so. But it hit me tonight that parents are still the best teacher in my life. Mom said to me before she came that a house of harmony is a house of success, regardless of recession, and external stress. That went into one of my ears and came out of another very quickly. But I am realizing the spirit of it now more than ever that the love within a family overwhelms you like the ocean waves washing over sharp stones over and over again, it works on you gradually and mostly quietly until it does its job of completely melts you away.

From the smallest things, mom and dad have almost been restless from the minute they got to our home - mom nearly took over when I was preparing the welcome noodle; dad made a menu of non-repeating dishes for the whole week. Mom cleaned the kitchen floor so much it can serve as a mirror. They comforted me in a way that only Chinese parents can, and they are constantly giving and not asking anything for return.

Indeed, I am still learning from my parents and humbled by them, who can't speak English and don't have millions to brag.