Sending love

Written by Zhang Jin Fu   Yuanyang No.1 Middle School

Translated by Fei Wang

On Saturday, I ran home as fast as I could before the day became too dark. I was carrying something heavy on my shoulder--the weight of the responsibility that comes from the help from all the warm -hearted people.

Auntie Jeng, you are the sunshine after the rain. You bring warm clothing to those poor people to get through this freezing winter. The sky is getting darker, but soon I will bring hope and warmth to those who are truly in need. I can almost see the smile on their faces.

After I got home, I couldn't find my mom. Then I realized we were going through the busiest farming month of the year. I quickly turned to the farm, a place with many childhood memories, and saw my mom. "Mom, I am back,” I told her, “and I've brought the clothes aunty mailed me. I received her package." She looked at me, and her pale face seemed illuminated with joy. All her wrinkles were melted away by her smile. She threw the farming equipment over her shoulder and I tugged at our cow. We were going home….

These days, my grandpa is at our home. Mom told me this morning Grandpa's is wearing my mom's because it is too cold and his clothing is still being washed and he doesn't have any other clothes. When I got home, the first thing I did was to give some of the clothing I received to grandpa. When I handed him the clothes, grandpa's dark face brightened. He said, “My grandson is a really good boy. You are already bringing clothes back for your grandpa. I am so happy."

Afterwards, I grouped the clothing and prepared to pass them out family by family. Mom thought I should keep some for our own relatives, but she didn't insist after I told her, "Mom, we cannot be so selfish. All these clothes are mailed from the US with all of the aunties' kindness. We cannot disappoint them. I hope you can understand."

I really want to share some pictures with all of you:

After my grandpa, the first person I gave clothes to is an 83 year-old granny with no family. She lives alone, and so far she can still take care of herself. When I handed her the clothes, her hands and lips were shaking, while her wrinkled face broke into a smile with joyful tears rolling down her cheeks. She showed her appreciation by repeatedly telling me that she wished I would live as long as her. Finally, after I told her where these clothes came from, she was already too excited to say anything. She just held me, and said: "I thank you a million times. I am so happy that I can wear clothes that came from so far away. You should study very hard so when you grow up, you would be as nice as Auntie Jeng is…"

Her voice sounded unclear and trembled. She didn't continue. Mom couldn't hold in her tears anymore, but I did, because I am a man. No matter how much pain my heart feels, I cannot cry. Auntie Jeng, can you see us from the other side of the Pacific Ocean? If I can take a picture of Granny wearing the clothes you sent, you would be very happy.

After we left, we went to a family of two elders who have no children. I saw the shadows of the two elders having dinner under a dull light when I was going in to the house. They immediately stood up and invite d us to sit down. After Mom told them why we went to visit, they were shocked.

Maybe it was because our visit was very sudden or perhaps it was because they don't have any children, so they weren't used to being treated like this. Grandpa says, "There are so many warm-hearted people in this world. I wish them all good health and hope they are blessed.” When I was talking, they all looked at me intently. They kept thanking us and saying because our country has a young generation like mine, it will definitely become wealthier and more united.

Their house is very small. The cow pen is connected to the kitchen and the living room is connected to the bedroom. Living like this, this couple walked through many years of their lives together. I believe they really need these clothes. Auntie Jeng, maybe it is not very hard for you to do this, but to them, the people on the receiving side, the clothes are like pies dropping from heaven.

After I left their small house, we went to a third family. The lady in this family has been sick for 13 or 14 years, which means she has been sick for as long as I can remember. When we went in, her husband was feeding her congee. They looked at us, expressionless and silent. They looked very dark, possibly because of the smoke, or the dull light. I wanted to walk closer to them, but because Mom was rushing me, I only spoke a few sentences with them. the lady could barely see me. She only knew there was someone standing in front of her. Her eyes are almost completely blind. Her husband needs to help her with everything. Because their children are disrespectful and negligent, they are extremely burdened.

I am regretting that I didn't move closer to them. However, I also understand why Mom stopped me from doing so; it is because she didn't want me to get infected. The lady said, "Oh my god, there are still such nice people in this world. The clothes are from such a far away place. Now I can leave this world without any regrets!" Auntie Jeng, I think not only was I happy, and my parents were also happy, but you must be very happy as well!

This time, my mom has changed a lot. She is not as stingy as before. She has become generous and graceful. Maybe this is how we influence each other. The fact that my mother, a person who has never received any education, can be so generous is definitely a surprise. Auntie Jeng, do you know my parents? They represent me. I am their hope. My mom's way of thinking has changed a lot through this event. Are you happy for me too?

Auntie Jeng, all the families in my village, including mine, who have received clothing can have a warm and happy winter. Don't worry about us. I took one of the clothes as well. Wearing it, I can totally put my heart into my studies because I am so warm!