From the first cup of tea...

On Friday, we had a very special visitor at our house; someone that we have not seen for probably 15 years. It was her first time in Toronto, and one of her main purposes here was to see me.

Who is this person?

My babysitter, D, from when I was 1 to 3 years old.

To be honest, I have very little memory of D. Everything I do know about her was from what I have heard from other people. The only thing I do remember is a vague idea of her figure.

But there is one thing about me that, perhaps, is an extension of D. The fact that I love milk tea (奶茶). It is because of her that I drink milk tea. It is because of her that I started drinking milk tea when I was only 2 or 3 years old. Back then, in HK, D would take me out to breakfast every day and let me take sips from her milk tea. Eventually, the people at the restaurant gave the little old me my very own cup, for free.

For the most part, D thinks I still look the same.

But surprisingly, her life has changed drastically.

In the 15 years, D's daughter got cancer. Three times. Apparently, her genes are naturally highly susceptible to mutation, putting her at very high risk of cancer. They've been to Singapore, Europe and the US to find the appropriate treatments. Luckily, she has survived. But who knows when it'll happen again?

In the 15 years, D's son got married and then divorced. The woman threatened him with suicide and other nasty things and eventually took almost all his money. He refuses to get married ever again. But at least he's now happy.

Just earlier this year, D got divorced, after over 40 years of marriage. Who would have thought that the man who waited for D to turn 18 so that they could get married would end up having an affair? D is chronically taking sleeping pills and other psychiatric medication.

To add to all this, the other reason for D's visit to TO...was to support her sister's divorce.

*sigh*

Why do such horrible things have to happen to such a good person?

I look at all this and think that I am very lucky.

Before leaving, D was very excited in telling me that she could come and visit when I got married or had children in the future...

*speechless*

What is more important to a parent? That their children are 'normal'? Or that their children are happy?

*prayers*

Why must people fight?
Why do people cheat?
Why is it so hard to love?

I wish there was a way for everyone to get along.