Personally, the biggest news is about my mother, who is 73 years old and lives in a bug-infested shack in my hometown in China.
She was diagnosed with another illness this week.
I heard the diagnosis in the early morning hours of Wednesday.
And if you have not heard our daily boring dialect before, here is a typical one, roughly translated into English.
Mom: So, is everything all right with you?
Me: Yes, mom. Everything is fine.
Mom: Is it really fine?
Me: Of course, mom.
Mom: You never tell me the bad news.
Me: Really, mom, everything is fine. Don't worry.
Mom: When can you come back?
Me: Soon, mom. Soon.
Mom: Come back sooner, Okay?
Me: Sure, mom. Sooner.
At the end of March, my sister told her that I had trouble here in Canada, despite my repeated warning and pledge not to. Naturally, this caused her sleepless nights and deteriorating health. Only many calling cards later, was I able to fill her in what was minimally necessary to alleviate her worries. Still, ever since then, our conversation would sometimes touch on my situation.
Mom: When can you solve the problem?
Me: I don't know, mom. Should be soon.
Mom: You should have a plan and act quickly.
Me: Yes, mom. But you know I can't talk about it on the phone.
Mom: Ah, I can't even have a heart-to-heart talk with my own son. I don't understand those people ...
Me (interrupting): Mom, how is your blood pressure these days?
.......
I hope I won't have to fast. And if I do, let's all hope she will never know.
