Gary & I crawled up into the dusty attic to explore his uncle's trunks. There, amidst heavy embroidered silk Chinese wedding dresses, carved ivory chopsticks, strange slippers and caps, I discovered a Chinese newspaper. I turned it around until I determined which way was up and stared at the characters. Exotic! Yes, but also friendly, slightly familiar, fascinating. It was love at first sight, and I never forgot. That was in 1956 or 1957 at Gary's house in town--- about ten minutes drive from where I live now and where I lived then, at the beginning of my journey and at the end.
Gary died last summer. I had just seen him again after thirty years, at our all-school reunion. It will be my turn next.
4/20/06 Permanent link