Always a place in our hearts.

Liwei is my ex-colleague from CityCare and I chose this picture of us because of what she mentioned in this story. (Pardon my messy hair)

Read on!

On a recent overseas trip, I went on a day trip at St Andrew’s and Fishing Villages in Scotland and one of the last stops of that trip was at this place known as the Falklands. 

By the time we reached this little town, it was sunset and everywhere was getting dark. As we were heading back to the car, a little light from this “Craft Cottage” caught my attention and we decided to do a quick pop in! It was brightly lit and inviting as the outdoors was too cold and windy. We then headed back to the car quickly as we were the last ones. Just as when the car was moving off, I suddenly realised I forgot to take a picture of the cottage! I wished I had because pictures on Google is just not the same. This is likely my last time there and my photo would have captured more than the scenery, it would capture my feelings and memories of the place.

A striking resemblance of this immediate moment led me to think of my dad as we approach the 11th anniversary of his departure from this earth. 10 years ago, camera phones were not prevalent and they were rather lousy. PLUS he doesn’t like to take photos, so I have only a few or close to no photographs with him. 

But like that little shop, he will continue to live in my memories, I will always remember the way that he made me feel, the warmth in the midst of the cold, the safe harbour that I know that I could always return to. I will always remember the nightly call at 11pm, like an alarm “你还不要回家啊?” even when I am already in my 20s, now in my 30s, I long to be able to hear that voice again – perhaps something I only grew to treasure after I no longer have it.

10 years on, I still recall the little acts of love that he would do, driving me in his taxi from strange locations I ended up at with my friends and the little notes on special occasion from the man of few words but showing his love through his actions. 

They say that the memories will fade over time, maybe they do, but the way they make you feel, the warmth in your heart, those for some reason, you will always remember and hold in your heart. And sometimes in moments like that, you just remember the person who make you feel love and special in their short journey here on the earth. 

Featuring the only 2 proper photos I ever had with my dad, one on my first birthday and the only other one at my university graduation, probably his proudest moment I guess of me.

My dad never made it to my wedding, but thankfully his worry of 嫁不出去 was put to ease, like the empty seat that was meant for him was empty, there is a place for him in our hearts that will live on in our memories. 

And to everyone out there who still have your parents with you, spend time, make memories, take (lots of) photos and enjoy the laughter and the warmth for as long as you can. It will bring a smile on your face on a cold & chilly day like it did for me in that cold, windy, gloomy Scotland day.

Uncle, your daughter married a good man and she was gorgeous that day.

Yuzhen – Ur daughter’s friend