The Process

Little did I know that my mother's hand written note on a little piece of paper would launch a project which would take more than 10 years and 6 trips back to China to complete. I sometimes wondered what if I had just ignored the note or never found it at all. Well, it seemed we were destined to recapture our past with pride. Luckily, with Aunt YuYing recently retired then, the timing was perfect. She was determined to help me whole heartedly to the end. Thus, the book 'His Dream' was born.

Many people helped and gave constructive advises during the process. I can't thank them enough. Many of the older generation from that era read the Chinese version with tears and sadness, because they knew a great patriotic man had struggled so much during the most turbulent years in the history of China.

For the non-Chinese readers among our family and friends, Aunt Rebecca and Aunt Chinnie put in countless hours to complete an English version, which would also be accessible to the general public.

Even after the book was written, I was still unable to convey to everyone how much our ancestors meant to China. As I counted the number of my Chinese visas, I found I have been back a total of 8 times already. I met up withe the officials at least 6 times. Their interest and admiration for our ancestors were authentic and unwavering and they have made plans for a TV mini=series about our father. Their enthusiasm really humbles me. It is both touching and gratifying to have father's life depicted on the screen to be remembered after almost seventy years had gone by.

I wanted very much to share this exuberant feeling with my family. I did not know how to do it. I finally decided that I will have to take everyone on this root-finding trip and let each and everyone experience in his/her own way our family past. Unfortunately, we had to cramp in a lot in a very short time.

I am very happy that all seemed moved by what they saw first hand. Being there to see with your own eyes and feel with your heart is very powerful and different. Indeed, we have lots to be proud of!

p.s. don't worry that the Textile Museum is just on the outskirt of Tianjing city now. At the rate the cities are growing, in no time it will be part of the city. Besides, Tianjing city is trying to get back to the glorious days as being the most important port closest to Beijing.

3Yi or Aunt Roberta