Yesterday, while video chatting with my family in Beijing—my youngest sister and my mother on the other end—I noticed something poignant. My sister observed that my other sister was sending her son to work due to the heavy rain, highlighting their close-knit family dynamic, with all three of them together.
She remarked that their family often engages in activities together whenever possible, which starkly contrasts with her own situation, where her only son lives in America and they see each other once a year or even less.
This observation led me to reflect on a broader issue on China's two generations of people. In my mother's generation, having multiple children was common, and now in her 90s, she is supported by two of her three daughters who live nearby.
However, in our generation, most families have only one child, as seen with my two sisters in Beijing. If their child lived overseas, their lives would be quite different in their old years.
Some might argue that life progresses whether together or apart, but family togetherness is still treasured, especially for older generations. I remember how excited my youngest sister was prior to her son's home visit, so excited that she couldn't sleep for a few days. The comfort and support that family bonds provide are very real. This is why I make it a point to visit Beijing every year to spend time with my mother.
Considering my youngest sister, whose son resides in America, she may feel a blend of pride in her son's independence and a sense of loneliness due to his absence. The contrast between her situation and that of my other sister, who frequently spends time with her son, likely amplifies these feelings.
In a world where most families have only one child, the impact of that child's absence is more noticeable as parents grow older. The Chinese saying 享受天伦之乐 (Xiǎngshòu tiānlún zhī lè)—"enjoy the happiness of family bonds"—captures the essence of cherishing the moments spent with loved ones and the warmth of family connections.