Was not feeling so good last night and decided to rest early. Woke up around 3 + in the morning… an event I read came to mind and decided to join in the online activity and write a letter to my dad for this coming Father’s Day. (https://bwmonastery.org.sg/fathers-day-2020)
As we are Cantonese, I wrote my letter in Cantonese to my dad who passed on about 27 years ago.
Here’s a translation in English:
Dear Dad,
Thanks for all the love that you have showered onto me since I was a child. Remember you holding on tightly to the bicycle with me on it and running in rounds in the car park to prevent me, the learner cyclist, from falling.I loved collecting stamps as a child and you would look for used stamps from different countries for my growing collection.
You doted on my grandparents and were very respectful towards them. On the first and fifteen day of the lunar months, we would find you actively volunteering in the temple.
Also heard from my aunts that you would cycle up to the cemetery to my mom’s grave on a weekly basis as you missed her dearly after her passing.
Thanks for showing me how to respect and love.
Though we have our moments of heated arguments, where I was so very upset and mad. Nonetheless, like the Chinese saying goes, “Blood is thicker than water”, as father and daughter we should not have anger left unresolved.
I sincerely apologize if I shouted or was rude to you.
I am really sorry.
I thank you for telling me the following when you were unwell and needed assistance:
“Irene, you are a good person.”These six words are not at all fanciful but it felt that all the difficulties and challenges faced were worth overcoming.
I pray with great might, that for infinite lives, you will be blessed by the Triple Gem and that you are able to continuously learn the pure teachings of Master Tsong Kha Pa until you attain Buddhahood.
Thanks for giving me a life of leisure and opportunity.
Loving you dearly, Dad.
Irene22.5.2020
On My Way to Happiness 我在幸福路上 