Bucket List: A list of things one hopes to accomplish during their lifetime.
Photo by my Chandra
For years there were oodles of things sitting in that bucket of mine, but it has been getting lighter. There were countries I wanted to visit and see, and trips I wanted to make. I had promised a family of favorite students, who had returned to Taiwan, that I’d visit someday. That day kept being put off.
The Wu family. Rear: Kevin, Megumi, Jason, dad Hank, front: Jennifer and Ethan the whiz (as clever as his dad)
Once I (mistakenly) thought since I was paying a visit I owed to a friend in New Zealand, Taiwan would be close by. (Shows you how little I knew.) I immediately called Jennifer in Taiwan and told her I would come to see them, but then learned it would be another eight hours tacked on to the 14-hour plane ride to New Zealand.
That was too much for me with the Vestibular Disorder I live with. Jennifer was, understandably, disappointed. I felt stupid..
Years passed, some of which were difficult for me. I required a knee and later a hip replacement. (I’ve refused so far to have the other knee done, though it needs it.) Nonetheless, I’m now a bionic woman.
All those who could attend from the Wu family came to Canada from Taiwan to attend my 80th birthday celebration two years ago. That did it. I decided, no matter what, immediately after I recuperated sufficiently from the hip surgery, I’d have to get there. They certainly deserved it — plus if not now, when?
We ate our way through Taiwan — lavishly.
In Taiwan, I was treated like a queen. How interesting that you do a few little things for someone to be a good kid and you can get so much more in return. That is certainly what happened with the Wu family.
They have never forgotten anything I may have done for them years ago, and have given me back more than I ever could have given them. I, on the other hand, remember with pleasure the times Jennifer invited me to stay for dinner after the boys had their ESL lessons. They truly owe me nothing!
The Wu family saw to it that Arthur, their driver, took extra good care of me. (Chandra, Arthur and me outside the oh-so-ritzy hotel we stayed at)
It was thrilling to see Kevin again, whom I taught so long ago.
With Kevin, that old close feeling
We hadn’t seen each other for about 15 years. It felt as if not a day had passed, that old warmth was still there as strong as ever and I felt I could say anything I wanted to him.
He now has a beautiful wife and two young boys. The oldest, about four, seems as clever as his dad, the younger, at two, doesn’t ever walk. He only runs and must keep his mom, Megumi, on the run.
Jennifer adores Chandra — the feeling is mutual
My Chandra, who traveled with me, captured everyone’s heart. Without her it would have been more difficult for me — I am getting older.
I’ll also owe my Chandra forever for remembering to bring coffee and the means to fix it, which she did for me every morning. (I’m addicted to the stuff.)
Jennifer adores her, and rightly so. I do too….. Son Rafi, who stayed home, gave me the greatest gift when he chose Chandra for his wife.
Everywhere we went, we ran into friends of the Wu family. (Having sushi in Taipei)
So, how are YOU doing with your bucket list?
View from Over the Hill 