I told my friends, and my students many times that the one person who had influenced me most is my older brother, Dr. David Ting-Kai Chen. My brother has many stories that I am going to share with my readers so that you can also learn more about me.
This is about a story how he survived pneumonia when he was an infant.
About five years ago, I went to his New York's house for Thanksgiving. He showed off an infant photo of him taken after he had survived a pneumonia attack.
Yes, he had a pneumonia attack when he was an infant. My brother is 10 years older than I. The time when he had the attack was the time during the World-War II and during that time, the medicine supply was very bad in Taiwan. The doctor told my parent that the infant's life may not be saved.
My mom asked my dad to run an errand to ask about my brother's fate from the fortune-teller living in the next village. My mom was very superstitious at the time. My dad obediently did and came back with a VERY GOOD news.
"Our son will live, the fortune-teller said." My dad said enthusiastically to my mom.
My parent rushed back to the doctor and begged the doctor to try "one more time".
My brother miraculously lived and survived the seemingly deadly pneumonia attack. The threesome immediately took the infant picture to celebrate saving the infant's live.
Later, my dad confessed that he never went to see the fortune-teller. He just made up the story so that my mom and he will have the FAITH again to save the child.
I shared this story with my students during our last gathering of English coffee social. It is the FAITH that gives us the courage to face difficulty in our life and to live every day with joyful celebration. Everyday of our life is a gift.
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2 comments:
Hi Frank,
I am enjoying your stories.....you father was a wise man......Meeilei will be in Taiwan soon.....I know the two of you will enjoy being together. She is tired of the ice and the snow. You picked a good year to be in Taiwan. It sounds like you are enjoying some fun experiences. I will be anxious to hear more of your stories when you return. We miss you in Appleton. Lucy
Lucy, thank you for your comments. Meeilei and I had wonderful time in the last three weeks in Taiwan. We toured many places in Taiwan and learn many things in Taiwan; I will report what I have learned in Taiwan in the blog.
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