Chang Shuangfeng: A Family Letter

Dear Mother:

How are you lately? Is the farm work at home almost finished? I've been a little busy with work recently and haven't been back to see you for a long time. Your daughter feels ashamed!

Recently, I've been constantly remembering my uncle. He wasn't tall, quite thin, with sparse and graying hair. The last time I saw him was at his housewarming banquet. He was always quiet and taciturn, silently doing his work and farm chores. The years had left their mark on his back and hands; his back was a little hunched, and his hands were calloused. In my memory, he always wore a somewhat ill-fitting suit, gray work pants, and not-so-shiny leather shoes. Though seemingly frail in appearance, he possessed an incredibly resilient spirit. He shouldered the burden of the family, working at the cement plant to earn money for my cousins' college education, and also helping my aunt with farm work to supplement the household income. Later, my cousin (female) started a family, my cousin (male) established his own career, and they built a new house. Just as their lives were improving, he passed away. My uncle died in a work accident, falling into cement residue. He left no last words; his last meeting with his children was during last year's Spring Festival.

I remember the eulogy my cousin (male) read at the funeral: Father, you are gone, leaving my sister and me with endless regret and longing! Time has taken your body, but it can never take your soul...A child wishes to care for their parents, but they are no longer there; a tree wishes for calm, but the wind does not cease. !

Writing this, my tears won't stop flowing. Every time I leave home, you always help me carry my luggage and see me off to the car, only leaving after the car is out of sight. I especially love potatoes, and every time I come home, the table is filled with potatoes prepared in different ways. Even after I got married, you still care about me so much, always asking on the phone: How is your health lately? Is work going smoothly? Don't be lazy at home, be diligent. ...... You always have so much to say to me. Every phone call lasts half an hour, until I say, "Mom, I remember I have other things to do." Only then will you reluctantly hang up the phone.

I remember last winter, I took you to Yunnan Red Cross Hospital for cataract surgery. I held your hand as we registered, queued, paid, and collected the medicine. You held my hand tightly, afraid of getting lost. At that time, I suddenly remembered when I was sick as a child, and you took me to the hospital: You used your calloused and cracked hands to lead me to the doctor's office. When the doctor wanted to take my pulse, you held me in your arms, gently handing my small hand to the doctor, and telling the doctor in detail about all my discomfort. As these scenes flashed through my mind, I suddenly realized that, Mother, you are really old! Mother needs my care and love, just as you cared for and cherished me when I was a child!

At my uncle's funeral, I held your hand again, a hand that has been washed by time. The cracks in your fingers were deep, and your hands were covered with spots, the skin loose and sagging. You leaned on my shoulder, your eyes, which had undergone surgery, were swollen shut from crying, and you quietly nestled against me. Unknowingly, my eyes also welled up. You are old, and the days we spend together are getting fewer and fewer. I don't want to leave the same regrets as my cousins!

A child wishes to care for their parents, but they are no longer there; a tree wishes for calm, but the wind does not cease! You are still leaving the last light for me! On the stone by the village entrance, there is your anticipation for my return! On the simple dinner table, you have specially reserved a set of tableware for me! Thank you, my mother! Thank you for everything you have done for me!

Your daughter: Chang Shuangfeng