A girl was awarded a little red flower from her kindergarten's teacher at 3. She exerted herself to stretch her arms and show it to her father. She looked at him with expectation, saying, "Papa, look!" However, he didn't compliment her.
At 5, a kite she made herself was lifted into the sky. Excited, she turned around and said to her father, "Papa, see!" However, he didn't praise her.
She was elected an excellent class leader at 10. Her mother stuck the certificate of merit on the wall while her father glanced at it and continued to read his book without praising her.
At 17, she was honored as an outstanding graduate. The reward was that a teacher paid a visit to her family. He invited the teacher to have tea and said that he was sorry to make the teacher worry about his child. Still, no praise.
She was admitted to a good university at the age of 20. He glanced at the admission letter and put it aside. He said, "don't lose it." He didn't extol her.
At 23, she participated in a volunteer teaching program in a mountainous region. She sent photos to her family while he only replied, "Teach them right and don't lead them astray."
At 25, she bought a brand-name belt for him with her first paycheck. He said, "Why did you waste money to do this?" No praise...
I know that my father told my mother to keep that little red flower, and the shabby kite has been hung on the wall of their bedroom; he preserved all of my award certificates in plastic wrap; the group photo that was taken when he sent me to college and photos of my volunteer teaching days were carefully preserved; he showed off the gifts sent by me to his friends...
However, father, can you praise me?
I expect praise from you. I hope to smile heartily after hearing your praise. I would much rather share my joy with you in a straightforward way. What's more, I hope that I can speak out freely: Papa, I love you ! My inarticulate father, Happy Father's Day!
- Translated by Karen Luo
