The writing part of my French exam was about my family.
So, I'm gonna introduce my family to you, both the good and not-so-good sides.
Photo: A person who is so close and important to me that I see her as a family member. I'll tell you her story in the last part.
Last night, I had a big family gathering at a nice hotel. Same old place for big family reunions.
Every single big family dinner is more or less the same.
Dressed up, good mood in the beginning, but never managed to stay genuinely happy all through the night.
Um...don't really like meeting some of the family members.
Some of them live in a very small world of their own, bragging about their wealth and luxuries they own.
And it's not even about the quality of the living, but the number on the price tags.
I wish they can see themselves from another perspective; it's actually funny to see them being so pathetically self-absorbed, living in a bubble, proudly spending the money that their parents worked very hard for.
I asked if they are happy, how they have been doing lately.
One said, 'Yes, I just got the hottest to-die-for bag!'
Another said, 'Oh yes, partying the entire week, seeing different girls.'
I said, 'Alright, so...are you happy?'
They looked at me as if I'm talking gibberish or an alien language.
Seeing their confused, speechless faces, I almost heard their minds saying 'duh, I got the bag/girls. Of course I'm happy.'
I gave up, faked a smile (they couldn't spot the difference) and ended the conversations politely.
Yea, now you know some of my relatives and what kind of people they are.
Welcome to my family.
Maybe to them I am really the alien but I don't care.
I think I'm doing the right thing by being me & being a real person.
I won't even try to ask them 'What do you wanna do in your life?What are your dreams?'
Would be a waste of my camera films, because all I got would be:
Before I die, I want a new bag/house/car/whatever that is.
Maybe I'm being mean and sarcastic, but I really don't wanna fake another smile for them.
No, I don't hate them. I just don't agree with their lifestyles and attitudes.
There is nothing wrong with materialistic desires.
But when it becomes larger than life and makes you no longer treat people as people, that's a problem.
A huge problem.
As a matter of fact, I do love them; because we are family, I hope they can live happy and meaningful lives.
Probably they don't and will never understand me.
I do admit that I get temporary highs when I have new material possessions.
But I don't want to build my life around those.
I want my life to be all about love and positives changes that I can make.
I wanna be a better person.
I wanna work very hard to make a difference in the world.
How I wish we can have more cozy intimate family dinners instead. Talking about more important things in life.
I really envy my boyfriend's family. Whenever there is big gathering, it's all about laughter, joy and love.
But mines seldom do...
Except my parents and brother, there are only 2 types of family members I'm truly happy to be with:
My grandparents and young children.
I'm glad my grandparents understand and appreciate me.
They are the ones who worked hard to earn the money and build the family business.
They are wealthy, but they live in a simple and graceful manner.
They did not have much education, but they live and learn. And they have manners.
My true role models; very wise, working hard, giving their best, live and learn, graceful, simple, humble.
Every time I see my grandparents being so happy and healthy (looking like 60), only joy and grateful can describe that feeling.
As for children, including babies, I always think that we have so much to learn from them.
For example, their simplicity, and how they always see the beauty and good things in the world.
Being simple is different from being naive and ignorant.
Being simple is when you are clear-minded and focus only on the important things in life.
Children appreciate and explore the world more than any others.
So, who is the person in today's photo? My domestic helper, let's call her F.
F used to have a fiance. But he ended up marrying her best friend.
She was changed forever; determined not to get married or ever rely on men.
She became such a strong woman. She's been with us for 14 years now.
We see her as a part of our family.
She's 51, even older than my parents, and my brother and I are like her children.
There are a few things that she taught me, I'm gonna quote her exact words:
'Be strong; if there is a problem, solve it yourself. Be strong.'
'You pretty girl, always make happy happy.' (The way she cheers me up, how adorable)
'If a boy makes you sad or cry, I will hunt him down and kill him with my own hands.'
(Trust me, she is strong enough, both physically and mentally, that you'd never wanna make her that mad).
I'm grateful for her devotion and love for our family. Always grateful and glad to have her with us. : )
On a side note, I passed my French exam: 31/40.
I want, and I think I can, do better than that. But still, I'm happy to be one of the best in my class.
My 3rd term, here I come.
Love,
N
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