The other day, I bought two small pots of white African daisy for Grandpa. I always like daisy and am attracted by its “simplicity”. I prefer white daisy over roses. Although it might be overshadowed by brightness and strong fragrant of red roses, but somehow in its simple form, brings out brightness. In its non-competitive way, it stands out naturally. Few words come across when I think of daisy: simple, brightness, sunny, kind, humble and happy. It shines through darkness. Daisy is a happy and kind flower.
Many characters of daisy remind me of Grandpa. He lived his life in the most simple and humble way. The kindness he showed his children and grandchildren that I can still feel even years after he’s gone.
I was Grandpa’s favorite grandchild (P.S. don’t get mad for all my sisters and cousins who are reading my blog J) – or maybe just the way Grandpa treated each one of us and made us feel special. Many people said I look like Grandpa – maybe that’s why Grandpa spoiled me a lot.
I will always remember one thing that Grandpa did for me when I was in 2nd grade. I had an art project for school. It's for Chinese Lantern's Day, we needed to make Chinese lantern using clear paper and bamboo stick. BTW, what a stupid project, how can the school except a 10 years old putting that kind of art project together- it’s pretty much a school project for the parents (or grandparents)…. it automatically became a project for Grandpa. Grandpa was very handy and creative – in my mind, he can fix anything. I remember he used to clean and to fix my Mimi (the stuffed animal I slept with for 10+ years J).
Back then, Grandpa lived in Tai-Chung (mid-west of Taiwan). Instead of buying those pre-cut thin bamboo sticks from the art store, Grandpa hiked to the mountain and cut the fresh bamboo. He said it’s nicer and easier to shape with the fresh one. Grandpa is a perfectionist. Grandma said he worked days and night for my 2nd grade art project. When it’s completed, Grandpa took an overnight train ride from Tai-Chung to TaipeI so I can turn in my project on time…. I remembered the night before the project was due; I was so worry not able to meet the deadline. And when grandpa arrived 6 am that morning, I was so over joy by able to turn in my homework on time, and didn’t even realize Grandpa didn’t sleep the whole night.
I still remember that lantern... It’s a beautiful flower vest. Grandpa put different color of clear paper on each side of the vest – yellow, red, and green. There were Chinese characters cut in gold paper. He covered each bamboo with gold tape. He also filled the vest with bright silk flowers. It was a most beautiful flower vest lantern I ever seen. Of course, I won (or I should say Grandpa won) the 1st prize.
The lantern was hanged at the lobby of school for weeks. Even now, I can still picture that lantern hanged in the lobby, with the reflection of light the flower vest was sparkly under the sun. I wish I took the picture of that lantern so I can share with you… Deep in my heart, it’s more than just a flower vest, or 1st prize for the school project. It’s the most beautiful and simple love from a grandpa to his favorite little girl. It's like a white African daisy that warms up my heart. Thank you, A-Gong. I miss you!
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