Love Letters from China

The year I gave birth to my first child, my parents were in Mainland China.  I wrote about their experience here.

I spent my fiftieth birthday (2005)  in Beijing and talked about various “long marches” in global history to my parents’ students.  I remember one student in particular–Sharon.  Dad told me that Sharon had converted to Christianity and was planning on doing some revolutionary things.  She was going to visit university campuses and read the New Testament aloud, positioning herself firmly on a sidewalk.  She could go to jail for it, Dad said.

She did her revolutionary acts and did not go to jail.

During our visit to China in 2005, we went to Tianenmen Square.  It was June 5th, the anniversary of the massacre.  We asked a few art students there what they knew about that historic day.  They answered evasively.  “S0omething happened,” they said.  “We don’t speak of it.”

A friend of ours, a diplomat, told us a bit of the real history–that students had protested and young men the same age had been sent in tanks to stop them.  The students had talked to these newly emboldened soldiers and had told them why they were protesting.  The tanks turned back.  Then the government had gone to the country where the less educated people lived.  A new army was conscripted and given the tanks.  They were told that terrorists had taken over the square and that they were to listen to nothing but only do their duty.  They bulldozed the protesters.

Now, in 2016, China is a much different country than what my parents saw thirty-five years ago.  China is an economic giant.  Women are fashionable and everyone on the city streets has a smart phone.

My parents’ students–from years ago–have seen this transition.

Sharon is a mother seeking help for her baby, who was born with a cleft pallet.  It was she who sent the news to her fellow students that my parents were ill.

These students sent photos and emails to Sharon, who compiled them and sent them on to Mom and Dad.  A few samples:

Dear Julia and Bob:
I remember the first class we wet.  You gave me a sweet name “Sophi.”  I love it.  We have spent happy days together.

(Dad gave each of his students western names, since he and Mom were teaching them English.  He used all of his children’s and grandchildren’s names, and added a few others. “Sophi” was named after my niece.)

Dear Robert and Julia
I miss you very much!  Many years later, I still talk about your love and kindness to my close friends.  It was such a b eautiful memory with you two.  Recently, I saw your picture in the ICU.  It is really a difficult time, but I see your faith in Jesus.

May the Lord help you go through the storm each day.

Louine.

(We doubt that “Louine” believes in Jesus, but she has heard my father speak of his faith, and she honors him.)

Dear Robert and Julia,

It is very sad to hear that your health is not well. I am so grateful that you were my teachers. I still remember how you encourage us to speak in public and direct us to perform A Christmas Carol, and you recorded every classmate’s birthday and gave us birthday presents. Your love, smile, and patience is always on my mind.  I hope this picture will make you laugh. As in my memory both of you are always laughing and joyful.

(My mother directed two plays in the PRC: Romeo and Juliet and A Christmas Carol.)

Hi Julia and Robert!

I am May, a girl who was a little bit shy and seldom participated in discussions.  You might have forgotten me, but I will never forget you,  for you were always so kind and patient and helped me so much.  My name, May, was given to me by Julia.  I like it very much, so I keep it as my formal English name.

(I had a discussion with one of my daughters about “new names” in scriptures and in Mormonism.  These students’ “new names” link them to my parents.)

Dear Julia and Robert:

I miss you so much.  Are you getting better now? I always remember how great both of you are.  Dear Julia, you always have a big smile and I miss your hugs so much. It was so warm and safe. And dear Robert, you are so gentle and knows so much that I always hope I can have a grandpa like you.   I often tell my friends your stories and how lucky I am to be your student. Now I am a high school teacher.  I wish my student will love me one day as we love you.

I am Jane.  You gave me this English name.  I like it and will use it.  I miss you both and really thank you.  Because of you’ve [sic] spent a colorful college life. In Christmas Carol, I was first actor.  I still remember my whole words even today.  How happy we were! We hope you two keep health.  We pray for you.

And random excerpts from the letters:

Your kindness and love lit up my life and inspire me to explore the world with open mind.

Your smile warmed us up like sunshine.

You leave so much love in our class and in everyone’s heart. I was married last year.  My husband  McLane often thank the campus who makes me who I am, and I know that in my garden of soul, there are minds from YOU.

I am thankful to have you in my life.  You taught me to love.

Such a profound legacy my parents have left!  China continues to rise while my parents decline.  Who knows who their former students will become in that nation, or how  my parents’ hugs and smiles will impact not just the students, but the world?