Someone is Watching
Yesterday I took Cici and Ping on a search for a headband for Cici. We must have looked at several dozen hairbands in all sizes and colors and designs. Cici's favorites, and the ones we bought, were an inexpensive three pack in three colors. In fact, they were the first ones that we saw, but we continued to look before concluding that she had already found what she really wanted.
I didn't give any particular significance to some of the things we talked about as we drove to the shopping center, but one topic of conversation came back to me today. Cici talked with me for a long time last night, Ping told me this afternoon. She told me that she agrees with what Papa said about her education, and she wants to get a degree in accounting before going on to law school. I had mentioned that accounting and law are two degrees where a person can always own their own business, or they can always get a job, because there is a demand for professionals with that kind of knowledge.
Cici told me that she wants to do exactly as Papa suggested, Ping told me. She is very close to you now, and listens to everything you say. I can see a big difference in how she looks at you and talks with you and spends time with you after spending the summer with you. But Cici still surprised me last night, Ping said. She told me that it is very difficult to find a man as good as Papa. I cannot imagine how Cici can even understand something like this at her age, Ping said, but she recognizes something very important. Remember yesterday when Cici told you how much her friends like you? They all think you are so nice, and that you treat Cici so good. So Cici told me last night that she will not get married unless she can find a man as good as Papa.
Is this the same child who couldn't even communicate with me the first two times that I traveled to China to be with her and Ping? How is it possible for a teenager from a completely different culture to accept as her father and bond with a man from another country so readily? This seems like a valid question, but I think it was the summer we spent together without Ping that helped us reach a new level with our relationship so quickly. If Ping and I needed any confirmation about the kind of relationship and family that we have, I think Cici has given it to us.
As for me, I think I better be on my best behavior lest I fall in Cici's eyes.
I didn't give any particular significance to some of the things we talked about as we drove to the shopping center, but one topic of conversation came back to me today. Cici talked with me for a long time last night, Ping told me this afternoon. She told me that she agrees with what Papa said about her education, and she wants to get a degree in accounting before going on to law school. I had mentioned that accounting and law are two degrees where a person can always own their own business, or they can always get a job, because there is a demand for professionals with that kind of knowledge.
Cici told me that she wants to do exactly as Papa suggested, Ping told me. She is very close to you now, and listens to everything you say. I can see a big difference in how she looks at you and talks with you and spends time with you after spending the summer with you. But Cici still surprised me last night, Ping said. She told me that it is very difficult to find a man as good as Papa. I cannot imagine how Cici can even understand something like this at her age, Ping said, but she recognizes something very important. Remember yesterday when Cici told you how much her friends like you? They all think you are so nice, and that you treat Cici so good. So Cici told me last night that she will not get married unless she can find a man as good as Papa.
Is this the same child who couldn't even communicate with me the first two times that I traveled to China to be with her and Ping? How is it possible for a teenager from a completely different culture to accept as her father and bond with a man from another country so readily? This seems like a valid question, but I think it was the summer we spent together without Ping that helped us reach a new level with our relationship so quickly. If Ping and I needed any confirmation about the kind of relationship and family that we have, I think Cici has given it to us.
As for me, I think I better be on my best behavior lest I fall in Cici's eyes.
I can second the recommendation for accounting.
A friend of mine, and his lady, just moved to Texas last February. She has a background in accounting and had a job before they moved. Tragically my friend is in the graphic arts, and had to start finding a new roster of clients.
As for a good man, maybe you should introduce her to an Eagle Scout when the time comes...
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