ありがとう。いつもありがとう。

Many people here have showered me with kindness.
But one person who has really made an impact on me is H.

Shortly after I’d arrived in Japan,
he’d given me a box of ready-made siew mai
from his weekend visit to Yokohama’s Chinatown.

We’d barely talked to each other then.

I’ve never asked him why he bought me siew mai.
Perhaps he thought that I would surely miss Chinese food…?
Whatever it is, I was very touched by his gesture.

From last April,
I was fortunate enough to team-teach with him for four classes.
I learned so much from him,
not just about how to teach,
but also about being a better person,
as cliche as it may sound.

Last year, he invited me to have dinner with his family,
but somehow, it was difficult to find a good time.

A few days ago, he suggested dinner on Monday.
I had no idea he knew it was my birthday.

His wife made delicious okonomiyaki and a lovely strawberry shortcake.
His three kids sang me a Happy Birthday song.

I have never been good at expressing my thanks in person…
and today was no exception.

原來最感動的時候反而哭不出來。
也没能好好説出感謝的話。

對不起，一年多來給你添了很多麻煩。
謝謝，眞的，眞的謝謝。