Few weeks ago, I received an invitation
from a columnist who wanted to write an article about “Story of chili oil”. I
refused. Later, I mention this story to my sister, but she said: “Why you
refused the interview? Mother will be excited to be in the magazine?” I replied:
“I don’t want to be in the spotlight!”
My mother was born in Hong Kong, she grew
up in a patriarchal society as it used to be in Hong Kong. For that reason, and
for the condition of her family, she had no chance to go to school. She did a
field work, worked in the factory and whatever painstaking jobs she does to
support her family. Even so, she is an optimist, never complained, always
smiling and contentment. She always had
profound feeling to communicate to anyone, no matter the language barriers.
Everyone likes her because of this excellent characteristic.
After the deliberation, I decided to call
back the columnist to discuss some details and few conditions for the
interview, he accepted my requirements. I also admire his ideas -
"Although I wrote the food column, but it seems pointless using a flat
description. I believe food must have its unique story, so I want to inject the
soul in it." Finally, we agreed to do the interview in the day of
Chung-Yeung Festival. I told this news to all my siblings, they’re all happy.
On Interview day, all my sisters came to
help, they came to establish a fantastic memories to Mom. During the interview,
mother did an outstanding performance with the daughter’s assistance; she also
followed exactly the photographer's instruction. No doubt, she was no less than
professional models. While they was busy working, I recalled the story behind
the chili oil with the columnist. Three hours had gone fast, I took a picture
together with my Mom as promised and let it show on the magazine. It was a
truly memorable afternoon.
November 2, the magazine publication date,
I could not wait the columnist to send me a copy, so I buy it in the
convenience store. I showed the magazine to mother immediately when returned
home. She looked at that with joy, I picked my cell phone and captured this
beautiful moment then share to my family group via whatsapp. I received a lots
“clapping hands “expression icon as response. Back to the article, although is
only 2 pages long, yet, the columnist used sincere and vivid words for the
article without contrived. He is really a professional and discipline writer.
Excerpts: There was no one beside when father process the chilly oil, because
of the terrible smoke, the receipt fail to be handed down to anyone. So each
witness recall broken fragments to rebuilt the "Father's
formula".
Mother's social life relatively is simple,
no one use social networks. They still love to share Face-to-Face instead of
Face-to-Book. When mother come back home for dinner tonight, was obviously
exhausted. And, the magazine was devastated because of the neighbors constantly
read it. She keeps telling me everyone's response without stop, I can feel how
happy she is.
Chili oil was my father remembrance story,
but now become my mother's unforgettable memory. To make happy to the people
you loved is very simple: spend time with them!
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