In fact, the leader of the pack sets the tone for the entire family unit. That leader was my father. I'm lucky dad never pushed any of his children to excel except maybe swimming! He was demanding only to the extent he wished for his children to be responsible and he was never aggressive in getting what he wanted from his children, in his own life or in this world. The kind of tone he set for his family was that of 'connectiveness' - the bond between him and his children, between me and my sisters and brother, and between him and his own family siblings. He saw these connections as the backbone, the strength and the pillar for which great things can happen like community and service.
What I remember about my childhood were Dad's countless visitors - former colleagues, classmates and professors and childhood friends - who stayed with our family. I recalled lots of great stories Dad would share even on a school night. One strong childhood memory was dad coming to school to help the school nurse with my bloody nose when I was in the 2nd grade.
My dad passed away from cancer 10 years ago this year. I believe he had made a difference in my life and my hero! I've received all of his wonderful gifts and now I get to share them with others. Thankfully, he was never the stereotypical and traditional Chinese parent everyone has heard about. I'm lucky the Universe would have him be my dad in my lifetime. He would also dread the 'tiger moms' too! haha!
Happy Father's Day! We love and miss you, Dad!
