A Letter to my Grandpa

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