On days like today (May Day) I’m reminded how ignorant I am about national/cultural differences.This morning, on the elevator, I was greeted by our upstairs neighbors:  Husband, wife (both about our age) and 10th grade daughter who asked if I would have a day off for the holiday.  Stumped for a second, I responded to the affirmative.  And as they headed off in the other direction to see their Grandmother, I suddenly realized why so many families were out and about with smiles and much talking; today is a very important national holiday.  [And I had not thought about it all week!]  We’ve been in China almost two years but I’m still slow to recognize their important days!We were invited out to a Dim Sum Cantonese-style lunch by some Malaysian-Chinese friends.  So by now, I’m knowing that part of the significance is May Day — all over Asia people are celebrating in special family gatherings. 

We arrived (this was a high-class restaurant) and met the three other families.  It was so interesting and fun!  The other men were a little older than me and well-accomplished businessmen by any standard.  I wish I had time to write about their stories:  growing up in the 70’s in China, advancing in the Chinese Navy and now in the toy manufacturing business — Wow.

When they found out we had five kids, that became the topic of conversation for at least a half hour!  One lady just started crying —  (through a translator, of course) she was expressing happiness at seeing the blessing of our five children– especially Megan, and also expressing some regret and sadness that they could only have one.  And what’s worse, their one daughter has lived in Canada since she turned 18.  Asian parents will sacrifice all to give their children the best life possible.  So after graduating high school, they sent their daughter to  college in Canada, but the daughter, now 28 has not returned.  🙁