Party in My Heart: Chu Wenlin: A Lifetime of Remembrance

My maternal grandfather was a Party member. He passed away from a myocardial infarction in his seventies, nearly twenty years ago. Before his passing, my grandfather was vigorous, healthy, lived a regular life, had a cheerful personality, and was always willing to help others. He was the only elder in my family who could guide me, and the most respected member of my family, possessing the highest moral character. He occasionally shared his life experiences with us, and he had a clear memory and sharp mind regarding his Party membership, Party dues payments, Party Constitution, and Chairman Mao's quotations. The Party Constitution and Chairman Mao's quotations became his frequent opening remarks when guiding us or advising others. His simple understanding and application of Marxism-Leninism and Mao Zedong Thought were deeply ingrained in him. When I was young, I didn't understand the meaning of being a Communist Party member, and I treated my grandfather's life experiences as stories. Only after I grew up did I gradually understand that my grandfather was a true Communist Party member.

My grandfather lived a regular life. He woke up at 6 am every day, smoked a pipe of dry tobacco, drank a cup of tea, and then calmly began his day's work, appearing relaxed and carefree. He maintained this good habit throughout his life. Sometimes it rained, sometimes it was freezing, but my grandfather's schedule never changed, until the day he passed away. On that day, he still woke up at 6 am, smoked a pipe of dry tobacco he had grown and fermented himself, drank a cup of tea, and leisurely worked in the fields for half a day and wove bamboo products for half a day at home. At 9 pm, when he was about to rest, he suddenly felt chest discomfort. By the time he was rushed to the hospital, it was too late. My grandfather's death is the saddest memory I have to this day! Because I never properly showed filial piety to my grandfather for even a single day, yet I always received help, comfort, and support from him.

My grandfather was notoriously old-fashioned. He was the village head for over twenty years. He had three sons and two daughters, and the seven members of his family lived in a cramped and dark adobe house for many years, until his eldest son's wedding, when they managed to buy an abandoned cowshed from the village and renovated it as a wedding room. Because of this, my grandmother and three uncles always complained, saying that my grandfather, having been the village head for so many years, had never done anything for the family, not even taking advantage of any land, something that was not considered important in the past. My grandfather heard these words during his lifetime, but he always laughed them off, arguing, "I am a Party member, I am the secretary, how can I embezzle public funds?" I also confirmed this from my mother. My grandfather's reasoning was simple, but others found it naive and old-fashioned, and I didn't understand it when I was young. My grandmother once sadly wept: When my mother was a baby, she was sick, feverish, and wouldn't eat or drink. The family only had coarse grains left. When my mother needed rice porridge, my grandfather refused to take any rice from the village granary. In the end, he silently borrowed a few kilograms of rice from a friend in the neighboring village to get through the crisis. Now that both my grandparents have passed away, my mother still remembers this incident.

The most commendable thing my grandfather did in his life was sending his eldest son to the army. He personally sent him off and personally welcomed him back. Although his eldest son only served three years as a conscripted soldier, my grandfather always considered it a glorious achievement. Moreover, his eldest son later joined the Party and served as village head for several years, which made my grandfather very happy. My grandfather often told our generation: "Currently, we have two Party members in our family. There is no hope for your parents' generation. I hope that your generation will study hard and strive to become qualified Communist Party members. Even if you don't contribute to the country and society, you should at least set a good example." My grandfather's words were simple and unadorned, but few of us young people took them to heart. When I was young and mischievous, I once stole my uncle's Party badge and wore it as an ornament, not understanding the solemnity and sacredness of the badge. Thinking back now, it was a terrible waste.

During my grandfather's lifetime, he was amiable and upright, calm and cheerful, and never quarreled with his neighbors. He was respected in the village. In the years before his death, to supplement the family income, he used the skills he had learned in his youth to weave bamboo products every day. The villagers appreciated his kindness, and his products were pre-ordered before they were even finished, which kept him busy all day long. During this time, I visited my grandfather many times. Each time, I saw him very busy, his calloused hands wrapped in white medical tape, skillfully creating beautiful bamboo products. When he bought bamboo, he always paid a high price, and when he sold his products, he always charged a low price, never taking advantage of others. The bamboo products he made used more bamboo skin and less bamboo core, making them durable. At that time, I was naive and ignorant, full of passion for life but also at a loss. Every time I visited my grandfather, seeing how busy he was at his age and the injuries on his hands, I always wanted to help him with things within my ability. However, not only did I not help, but I also listened to his comfort and advice amidst his busy schedule. I also tried to give him some insignificant money when I left, but he never accepted it. Instead, he secretly gave the money he earned from weaving bamboo products to my mother to help with household expenses. He lived a simple life, worked diligently, and was always willing to help others. He not only helped poor families in the village with the money and goods he had saved, but also regularly gave away the fruits and vegetables he grew to help others.

I never saw my grandfather sad or sighing. His optimistic, cheerful, and talkative nature brought selfless help and comfort to those around him. My grandfather had excellent handwriting. When he got older and developed hyperopia and shaky hands, I helped him write letters to his relatives far away. At the end of each letter, there was always a sentence: "I am fine, don't worry, if you have any difficulties, be sure to tell me." When I was young, I didn't understand the deep affection in these words. Now, as I write, my heart is full of sadness.

My grandfather lived a kind, hardworking, selfless, upright, and noble life. He is a relative I will cherish for the rest of my life, and a true Communist Party member. Although he never faced the temptation and test of huge sums of money and great power, his ordinary life demonstrated the qualities and principles of a Communist Party member, which became my motivation for joining the Party later. My grandfather was an ordinary and common Communist Party member. He will always live in my heart, and the image of a Communist Party member will always remain in my heart!

Time flies, and the stars change. The Communist Party of China has experienced a century of trials by fire and is about to celebrate its centenary. Our country and our lives have undergone earth-shaking changes. I am proud to be born in great China, and proud to witness this great era. After the dust settles, the glorious light reappears. The Chinese nation has ushered in a moment of great rejuvenation. Green mountains and clear waters are showing their strength, the fight against poverty has achieved a great victory, rural revitalization is flourishing, and the Communist Party of China will lead people of all ethnic groups across the country towards prosperity and strength. On the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party, I would like to pay tribute to ordinary Communist Party members like my grandfather, and to the countless revolutionary martyrs who died for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is you who have made China even greater!

【Six Ministries/Chu Wenlin Editor/Hu Hengjin】