episode 24: Dad Turns 70

Pops turned 70 this week.

When I saw him a few days prior to his birthday, I joked, “the big seven-O, that’s pretty old.”

“It’s actually only the beginning,” he replied with a smile.

Coming from Dad, a person I respect and know so well, it’s quite reassuring and inspiring that it’s not too late for me to begin a more meaningful life.  

Though he feels 70 years young, his birthday made me pause and think.

I only recently realized that Dad was about my current age when he and Mom had me (I have an older sister). While I’m still a bit lost career wise, I feel that he already had it figured out at that age and understood what he wanted in life - take care of his loved ones, treat people with respect and contribute to the field of international and foreign affairs.

A friend of mine once told me that he believes a happy, balanced life requires four elements: 1) Family and friends 2) Success and respect 3) Sufficient disposable income 4) Leisure and entertainment.

If that is the case, then Dad certainly achieved it. He has a great family and numerous loyal friends. He is highly respected both in his professional and private lives and reached the pinnacle of a diplomatic career. While not a super-rich, he is certainly comfortable and has the resource and time for hobbies such as tennis, golf, bridge, travel etc. 

There were a few things Dad did when I was young that I now find quite interesting, and really helped shaped who I am today. 

-He would get upset when I borrowed toys from classmates.

-He valued manners.

-Went absolutely berserk when I lied.

-Always read a lot, and made me read.

-He hated asking for favors for personal reasons, even though many people would be honored that he had asked.

-A self-taught pianist and he couldn’t even read music.

-I attended a boarding school in Hsinchu, a city south of Taipei, when I was in 9^th grade. On the last day of semesters, many parents that were also civil servants sent government cars to pick up my schoolmates and their luggage. My Dad could have done the same thing, but never did. I took the bus or he would come pick me up personally.

The past weekend, we had a family gathering to celebrate his 70^th birthday. All his brothers and sisters showed up and my Sister flew in from Seattle for the occasion. Mom said that Dad, the eldest son, is beloved and respected by the whole clan. The epitome of a patriarch

While he has achieved plenty in the 7 decades, I suspect that he would say his greatest accomplishment is the family that he had built.  

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