DEAR WONDERFUL YOU,
Letters to Adopted & Fostered Youth
Interview with Contributor:
MING FOXWELDON
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How
did you become involved with contributing to Dear Wonderful You: Letters to Adopted & Fostered Youth?
I came across the “Dear Wonderful You” project through one
of the groups in which I was involved in.
I don’t remember which particular group, but upon reading a small
introduction about “Dear Wonderful You”, I knew I wanted to take a shot at
sharing my written work.
Tell
us about a memorable letter you have received. How did the letter impact your
life?
The most memorable letter I received would have to be an
email. It was written by the last person I saw in China before I was adopted
into the USA. Given our circumstances— I never expected this person would come
back into my life again.
For much of my life, this person was highly talked about
including— the good things they did for my parents, and the impact they had on
my life before I was adopted.
This person knew me for a short time when I was a young
toddler. I clung to this person as if
they were my parent.
Skip ahead about 18 years or so later.
I was met with the
most surprising and wonderful news.
In 2o11, I was studying Mandarin Chinese at a University
in China. As time wore on, I realized how much I struggled with my courses. The
culture shock added to the stress I felt being back in the place I considered
home.
I was in Kunming, the city I was adopted from;
Nevertheless, the sad news came to me that I failed my Chinese course and
failed it terribly. That day was one of the saddest days I experienced. I felt not only had I let myself down, I let
whomever expected and wished for my success with my “mothertone”. I quote this,
because, as a toddler, I spoke a different dialect from the dialect I was being
taught at the time. The next few days, I tried to recuperate from this news,
and spent time with friends.
I’d like to back up a bit, and say that when I entered
this Study Abroad program, I was met by many Chinese teachers, some who taught
my friends.
One of the teachers I soon got to know quite well. Every
time I walked past her in the hall, I noticed that her smile which always caught
my eye. Mind you, having walked all over China’s cities, many people don’t
openly express themselves.
I was really happy see her smile every time I walked past
her. I recall telling my friends that her smile must mean something, and they
brushed it off, saying she was just being nice. I made attempts to connect with
her by saying “Hi” a few times, however my Chinese being limited, that’s all it
would come to. A couple of my friends had her, in the class below, so that’s
how I slowly became acquainted with her.
Back to the moment, of failing that Chinese course... when
the smiling teacher arrived center into the picture.
My head professor
told me I was to be her student. I was scared, but also curious to know how
class would go.
General introductions were made. We chatted after class.
With my slow, but improving Chinese, she was able to understand me. I was able
to understand her too, however sometimes I still struggled. Her patience
carried through our conversations, which made for the beginning of a friendship.
She asked about my life, why I was adopted, etc. I
explained to her my story. She then spoke of a friend of hers who worked for
the government. My ears perked a little. We somehow got to talking about my
adoption papers and records that were in Chinese. I wanted to know if there
was something I was missing.
I don’t remember in
what order this occurred. However when her friend’s name was mentioned... I
thought it was too good to be true. Could it be the man who I last saw in China
as a child?
When the truth was revealed, her best friend was indeed the
man who I last saw before I was adopted. I was floored, and overjoyed. We
exchanged photos, just to compare, and sure enough he was wearing the same jean
jacket and glasses. What a moment that was.
She gave me his email and I wrote him. I waited
patiently for his reply, and sure enough he did write back. He told me he
remembered me, and how great it was to connect with me.
I was certainly impacted in a positive way. My biggest dream is to connect with him in the
near future. We've been connecting off and on. However, I hope one day we will
meet in person. I can only hope….
When
you reflect on who you were as a child—what three words would you use to
describe your younger self?
Energetic. Chatty. Friendly.
Pick
one: pencil, pen, sharpie, crayon—
Pen.
If
you were having a really bad day, what song would you listen to?
Oh boy?! Too many to list. I’d say, “Send Me on My Way” by
Rusted Root.
If
you were having an amazing day, what song would you listen to?
Again, too many to name. So I’ll have
to say, “Halo” by Beyonce.
Pick
one: morning, afternoon, evening, late night—
Evenings to late nights.
Name
a literary character whose “character” you find admirable. Why?
Again, too many to name. I really liked Matilda, from Matilda.
She’s a girl with spunk, and strength. I could relate to her character as a
young child. As a child, it was nice to feel I could relate to a character.
Pick one:
blank piece of paper, lined piece of paper, piece of construction paper—
Lined piece of paper. I can barely write in a straight
line. However, for drawing purposes, I used to find it bothersome to have the
lines in the way. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve chosen to disregard that
reality. :)
Describe
your perfect dessert
.
Angel food cake with whipped cream and strawberries!
Would
you describe yourself as superstitious? Why or why not?
I
would describe myself a tad superstitious. However, I do find myself, trying to
be
realistic too, so it’s a toss-up at times.
When
you are writing, do you prefer silence or sound? Why?
It depends on what I’m writing. However, if I’m writing
something that’s solely creative, or personal, I enjoy music as my back ground ambiance.
Pick
one: Coffee, tea, water, soda—
Tea. Specifically Chai. With milk and sugar. Then again, I
like Green Tea, specifically
Macha. Too many choices.
What
is the first thing you do when you get out of bed in the morning?
It depends. Usually, I use the bathroom, brush my teeth,
and wash my face.
Tell
us about your life now. What are you working on? Do you have any projects
recently released or in the works?
I’m in the midst of finding my way, as a recent graduate,
(by 2 years). It’s been quite the adventure post grad, however I have high
hopes life will continue throwing surprises in my face. I’m nervous, but
excited for what the future has in store for me. I’m driven to continue my
education, to see what resonates with me, and continue my journey through time.
At the moment, I’m involved with a few Facebook groups oriented towards
adoptees/adoption. I would like to get my blog up and running.
I know I’d like to express myself through written form
more. I enjoy writing poetry, however, I feel I’ll need more pieces before I
try and get my words out in paperback. We’ll see.
Side note: I’m thankful this project [Dear Wonderful You]
came to be and that I could participate in this meaningful experience. Thank you to all that chose to write. It has
been a gift unlike any other.
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