Ti Ti, Snow, and Fatty, Having Fun Without PaPa Al

Ti Ti, Snow, and Fatty
Having Fun Without PaPa Al

It has been a half a year since I was in Taunggyi, Myanmar. I miss Moh Moh, Ko Ko, and my three grandchildren. We live far, far away from each other. The great distance pales in comparison to my missing them though. Moh Moh sent these photos of Ti Ti, Snow, and Fatty at an amusement park.

This is Ti Ti offering me a yummy dessert.

This photo is of Snow offering me a Coke while Fatty wonders whether if she would offer me a pizza, I would come back sooner for a visit.

While Fatty wonders, I ponder. I ponder about the meaning of them and their place in my life. It is difficult to get all the pieces of the meaning of my puzzle all put together. It was apparent to Dr. Marchand, my cardiologist, that something happened to me personally in my life on my first trip to Myanmar/Burma over four years ago. He said, “You have seen the light.” I buy that…I saw the light then. However, after my return to Myanmar a half year ago during winter break…the light is far brighter.

A large piece of the puzzle of my life was due to dancing with death . It is strange how dancing with death caused me to come alive…really alive. However, it also reminded me that my clock is ticking…really ticking. I was alive before my two dances and knew that I was not immortal. Nonetheless, after doing my dances, my awareness level is on steroids, which isn’t a hyperbole. When I see photos of my grandchildren, it is a haunting experience. I love seeing their pictures, but there is another side to seeing the photos. I’m forced to deal with the ticking sound that echoes in my head. I get to see my children and grandchildren who live in the States far more often than once every four years.

Now, my choice is to sit and pout and feel that life isn’t fair. Or I can do what I can for them now and plan for my return to Myanmar, which I’m doing. There are several things that need to be done before my next journey. I need to raise nearly a half million dollars for over 1000-laptops for students in the two schools where my grandchildren attend. That sounds like a real task. However, I also need to improve Internet service to two schools in Taunggyi where they go to school. John Kennedy said, “Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction.” JFK would be proud of both my purpose and direction. I found my purpose.

Life is about your purpose for being here.

George Burns and I were both born on January 20th. Therefore, whatever he thought about during his 100-years on Earth, I listen to his advice. “When you stop giving and offering something to the rest of the world, it’s time to turn out the lights.”

Finally, this essay is about me. What is your purpose for living? Don’t waste too much time pondering that question. Your clock is ticking.

We Are Family