He Said, She Said

Religion scenario # 3:

A dying religious, 60-year-old man was on his death bed, breathing his last breath. He suffered from liver cancer for many years and reoccurring pain was not his best friend. Now it’s time to say goodbye to his family, especially to his only dear and beloved daughter.

Man with hoarse voice: “My darling, I am so sorry to leave you now, alone to be in this chaotic place called “Middle Earth”. My life journey has reached a dead end. God has summoned me to his home, “Heaven” the top tier realm.”

Daughter: “Don’t go, I need you here to see your future grandchildren. Please ignore God. Whatever luxurious life that he tempted you with, don’t take that deal!”

Man with hoarse voice: “My darling, I can’t resist this deal. Temptation to a spiritual life is what I dream of. What you don’t know is that I led a double life, drowning in sin. I had horrible premonitions of being dragged to the bottom realm, which is Hell. I must leave now and travel to the tunnel of light and tread the glowing stairway to Heaven. After I pass through the gates of Heaven, I will redeem myself of all sins and will be judged again.”

Daughter: “I will miss you, Dad. I will never forget you, but I know you will now be free of pain and suffering. Please remember to visit me often in spirit, so we could chat sometimes. Promise me this.”

Man with hoarse voice: “Remember that I will always love you, my dear. Oh, oh, I see the light…”

With his last breath, the man closed his eyes and his body became lifeless. The daughter sobbed loudly and lifted her eyes upward and saw her dad’s spirit waving goodbye with a smile.

Lesson: Death is not the final destination. We could still communicate in memory and spirit. No matter what religion you practice, live life to the fullest in “Middle Earth” because there will be summons to Heaven (top realm) or Hell (bottom realm).

By Jazzmin S. Lu

I Am Not My Mother’s Daughter

Mama, sorry to disappoint you…I could not be the daughter you want me to be. I know you want me to walk a path of a well behaved traditional daughter, but I have untamed liberal thoughts spinning in my head; round and round. Who should I be? I could only be “me”. A daughter that have her own thoughts and American dreams. I have a similar face, hair color, eyes and mouth just like my mother; but still I am not my mother’s daughter. See the real me, deep inside my soul: an outspoken, creative, passionate, optimistic Asian girl with the best assimilation of Asian and American culture.

By Jazzmin S. Lu

Dedication and Acknowledgment:

To my mother, whom I dearly love and admire with her sparkly personality that always warmed my heart. Without her struggle and sacrifice, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today.

Also, I want to acknowledge all the immigrant mothers out there, that made a difference in the lives of their daughters: teaching them the importance of heritage, self-identity, self-love, resilience, and perseverance to break the glass door to achieve their dreams.