I guess this is going to be the first time for me to write a letter to you. It is going to be a new experience. I'm excited at the same time scared because this is going to be included in my book.
Let's see, where should I start? Let me start by saying I love you! In my generation, my family do not say those three words openly. We do not hug nor kiss. You probably noticed that when you went to Manila. Ever wonder why? Well, I do not have the answer. Growing up, I have not seen grandpa kiss or hug grandma. The only time I saw him kiss her was during his 80th birthday celebration. Still, that was after cheering and pushing from all of us around them. It actually felt like they were newly weds!
In my generation, love is expressed in terms of care. When you went to Manila, grandpa will go to his room and bring out all those gifts for you. That is love! In Chinese, there is a saying: 望子成龍 (wang zi cheng long). It means hoping the son become a dragon. In other words, hoping that the son will succeed. That is what grandpa did to me. Grandpa only completed two years of college. He dropped out to work in sales. He knew how hard it is not to complete school and how hard it is to do sales so he did all he could to make me excel in my studies. There were long tutoring sessions with him even during elementary school. There were review sessions before each test. Without his tutoring, I would not be able to come take all those test in this country and practice medicine. Without him, you will not be born in this country and have a different kind of opportunity. I wish you great success in you present plan to enter medical school.
As I write this book about your great grandfather's journey from China to the Philippines, grandpa's story in the Philippines, my journey to America and your life in this country, I feel a sense of belonging and pride about our family. As they say, blood is thicker than water. Let keep the family lineage going!
Till next time,
Dad
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