Paper 18 in x 24 Inches
Graphite
Hi, Grandpa.
I still remember how hard you worked to
encourage us, all of your grandchildren to study, and I still remember how
hard your assignment was for me, when I was really young, not knowing many Chinese characters. At that time, I could not tell the values for those ancient articles
you wanted us to keep in mind. Actually, I didn’t really understand what I was
talking about while sharing with you what I had learned from the reading every
time.
When we grew up a little bit, you still
assign readings to us every time we met, and certainly, you wanted us to share
our thoughts with you after those readings. It was great that we had
developed a more relaxing way chatting with each other, especially while we
were playing Chinese chess together. We were getting to know each other in that
period.
After several years and with your
encouragement, our brothers and sisters started to study their Masters or PHDs
overseas one after another. I was the only one who still stayed in Taipei and
tried to make a living there. Your physical condition began to go down. I still
remember, although it is not so clear, the last chess game we played at that
table in the living room, which was a long time ago.
In the past several years, your consciousness
had become unstable. Part of your memories had been lost, and part of them came
up unexpectedly and creatively. However, there was a magic. For many times in
our available conversations, you used to first ask about the study and career
for those brothers and sisters who were not by your side, and then you asked
about me – when are you going to study abroad? I always answer “Soon,” even
when I was in fact doing a job there. Then I could have a smile from your face.
I am finally a student again in somewhere
that is far away from you. Now you are sleeping in your bed, and seldom wake
up. I have recognized those things of all the past years between us. They are
all about love.
Your grandson,
Chih-Yung
