Happy Earth Day!

Time: 6:58am; Temperature: 28F

Tulips in a spring morning under freezing temperature... but they are still beautiful!

 

Naperville, IL

April 22, 2021

 

 

Life After the 2020 Pandemic

Yes, there is life after the pandemic! 

As of 4/8/2021, I have completed two Pfizer vaccine shots and started looking beyond the pandemic. Booked two trips already for May and June. What's next?

1.  I will never forget the pain caused by the pandemic to countless families related to over 560K lost souls. As I reflect on this horrific experience, the most important lesson I've learned is: life is fragile and unpredictable. To truly understand and accept "unpredictability" is extremely difficult to do. This is partly why adversity sometimes is our best teacher. It helps us better understand what life truly is, and how to manage through its ups and downs.

2.  I am so grateful that all my families and close friends are safe and healthy. There is nothing more I should ask or expect -- people don't usually arrive to this thought until they go through a horrendous global disaster like Covid-19.

3.  Life is precious and beautiful. It goes through its sunny, rainy and even stormy days. But in the end, winter will pass, spring will come, with flowers blooming and birds singing... The world will resume with new HOPE!

With that, I shall continue living my life with gratitude, awareness, and a strong willingness to give back. 

Chelle-chelle's Baby Diary: 1990.12.30 to 1991.9.17

Dear Chelle-chelle, 

Attached is the baby diary I recorded for you between 1990.12.30 and 1991.9.17. A total of 262 days, without a single day missing. The diary stopped on 1991.9.17 because you went back to China with Grandma and Grandpa on that day. 

Each entry has been translated into English, so you can read it some day. This may be the best gift Mama could ever give to you. Cherish it, Chelle, as I don't believe many people in this world have something so special. Through these words, I hope you realize how much you were loved. We still love you deeply.

Cover Page:

漫漫，这里绘着你在人生路上留下的最初的几个小小脚印…

Chelle-chelle, the very first few footprints of your life long journey were left here…

Love,

Mom