The ill was all but over and I was 80% recovered when I was nearly eight, certainly a new page of my life was unfolded. There were a few urgent things ahead that were challenging. Firstly I would have to learn how to walk. Secondly I must prepare for school. Thirdly, I had to practice Cantonese. I skipped kindergarten and was enrolled in primary one at Ever Light Primary School. My upper part of the body was still vulnerable so I had to wear a metal jacket everyday and schoolmates looked at me as if I were an alien. Nevertheless I had overcome all the hardships because of Mama・s tender and loving care. Finally I had primary one completed rated number one in class and smoothly enrolled in primary two.
I go to look mama up on Friday Nov 5, 2004; she is very happy and she tells me trivial things of the past. I am surprised her memories are so fresh for she remembers Sophia and I took her to the States in the summer of 1973 while Sophia was carrying pre-born Alvin. On the way back we stopped over at Honolulu where she met Margie and Albert. She is particularly fond of Albert because Albert is a very caring person. Albert took her around the city and explained everything in detail and Mama surly enjoyed the tour. Throughout the years she has still mentioned Albert sometimes.
I finished primary 3 at Ever Light School then transferred to Silesian School for primary 4. Silesian, a catholic school located on the Island road within the district of; Shaukeiwan and was near our residence and father・s factory. Mama used to pick me up every day after class but I would rather walk home by myself as I thought I was getting away from illness totally and I could manage myself quite well. The true reason was that I tried to avoid schoolmates making me a mockery as a mother boy. Today if time goes back I would rather be a Mama boy ever and ever.
Mami loves me too. She lost me when I was very small so she was trying all her best to win me back. She took me swimming and she took me here and there. I love her but regret I was also afraid of her due to her bad temper (she suffered from some kind of hormone deficiency). I saw her shouting, beating Dominic and it scared me but she never beat me that hard. On the other hand, Mami and Mama were not getting along well due to complex and intricate situation. I lived in the midst of paradox.
Dominic is two years older than I but his character is completely different. Although he was naughty during childhood, he was energetic and aggressive. Generally speaking he was nice to me, at school he was always the leader, praised by teachers, priests and admired by schoolmates. He became my tutor whenever I was in need. Despite we fought sometimes he was always the one to make up. He also guided me and protected me from being bullied by other kids. I couldn・t help adored him as hero.
Mama used to take me to cinemas watching cowboy movies when I was in primary school. I loved to watch especially red Indians fighting cowboys with arrows and axes as against guns; they fought with bravery and they died with dignity and that explains why I was so fascinated with nomad culture. After the demise of American Indians nomad culture is getting scarce (I organized a group of 13 in Jul, 2004 visiting Mongolia for the purpose of seeing and experiencing the nomad life). I enjoy the feel of human and nature in one. Sheep, horses, cows, birds and indigenous people in a wide-open space of steppe composed a scene no poetic picture can depict. The peace and serenity render the beauty no city can match. Isn・t that lovely? Can we not exclaim what a wonderful world that God created?
In 1954, when I was attending primary 5, I got baptized as a catholic at Holy Cross Church presided by father Lui who was my mentor as well as good teacher who taught me many things about life and the love of Christ. I then became an altar boy and attended mass almost everyday at school and at Holy Cross Church on Sunday. In the same year Mami gave birth to Linda, I was excited as I had always been longing for a sister. The family was filled with happiness and vivid atmosphere. Later Linda became Mama Girl for she dually shared Mama・s love with me.