ONE LIFE TO LIVE

I never watched the popular television daytime soap opera called One Life to Live. I do believe that the title is exactly just that ONE LIFE TO LIVE.

I saw a writing that if you want to evaluate your life or what you have done with your life, try writing an orbituary or a eulogy about what contributions you have made to the world. Some of us are famous, most of us just live a simple life, unknown and the world never recognize or celebrate our accomplishments.

During a recent visit to NYC, I spent a lot of time sitting alone on the bed where my Dad slept and spent most of his time resting because of the effects from chemotherapy treatments. I also stood by the door looking in and crying because I wanted so bad to see him sitting at the desk reading Chinese newspapers. More than 5 years since my Dad passed away, I still feel the pains and at time getting emotional when someone talking about their Dad or a scene from a movie showing the loving relationship of a father and his child.

My Dad was not a famous person. He was not wealthy nor was he a powerful politician. He was a good man who was a good husband and a good father. To me and my siblings, my Dad is the greatest person and he accomplished so much because of all the loving and nurturing he had provided to us.

I have always been active in the community and I volunteer with my parish. I try to help people who are in need and donate generously to many charity organizations. There are times when I question my life whether I am making contributions to society or just taking up space. I doubt my accomplishments and whether my life is meaningful or whether I am successful based on the definition in television commercials. As a Vietnamese regufee and a naturalized US citizen, I question whether I have achieved the American Dream as defined by the media and others in society.

At the risk of pretenting to be a preacher, I guess we each have one life to live. How we live our life and what we do with the time and talents we are given by God the Almighty will be different. At the end of the day, it will be what others say about us and what we did to help make the world a better place.

I like to think that I am a decent person and in my limited skills and talents, I am a good citizen in my community. In my Christian faith, I am an instrument to do God's work by helping others. Whether I will be on the cover of TIME magazine as Person of the Year or receiving the Presidential Award, I am always proud to be my Father's daughter. I am proud of my accomplishments and how I live my life.