My aunt’s best friend called me last night suggesting a Christmas picnic lunch today at aunt’s front yard. She said she’d order Chinese noodles for lunch and I just “show up”. I offered to pick up the food since the restaurant is closer to me and said I’d bring drinks.
I loved the chewy, fat, hand-pulled noodles and happily brought the left-over home. Aunt’s friend also gave me a brown bag gift. Inside, there were a packet of shredded squid, a pack of cheese and cracker, and some walnut, date & black sesame slices…a nice goodie bag, especially the shredded squid, a snack I enjoyed as a kid. An old friend of aunt came while we were eating. She was a Santa with Chinese grocery and treats: a sesame ball and orange quickly went into my stomach. I brought a tofu and 豆花 (prounced: dou hua) bean curd home. Dou hua is another popular snack at home that I love and haven’t had for ages. I’m glad aunt has many thoughtful friends around. Due to Covid, she paused the big banquet party yet people found alternatives and continued caring for each other. I’m a lucky beneficiary.
Tonight I watched professor Vic Strecher’s Life on Purpose, video, part of “The Science of Success” class. He converted the grief of losing his daughter to a mission: supporting 1 billion people to find purpose in life.
Giving/ sharing is a life spirit beyond religion and holiday.
What is my gift to give in life? What is yours?