Entering Paradise Within Paradise
What is “paradise”? It is the Garden of Eden, a fairyland—a place everyone longs for. I searched for it in my dreams hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands of times. Today I have truly found it—not in a dream, but in a place where I can genuinely taste paradise, hear its glad tidings and feel its warmth. God guided me into this earthly paradise—the United States.
The U.S. government has brought me immeasurable happiness: free senior transportation, free medical care and free rides to the “paradise for older adults,” SunnyDay Adult Day Health Care. In this way, I entered yet another paradise within paradise. America is a paradise, and all of California seems like one beautiful garden, filled everywhere with birdsong, fragrant flowers and lush green lawns. A simple “HELLO” exchanged between people brings a bright smile to one’s own face and to the faces of others. I find that life grows more harmonious and fulfilling, and that my own life becomes richer and more beautiful. The road before me seems boundlessly wide; everywhere there is a place to pause and a path to follow. Along the way are beautiful mountains, clear waters and gracious surroundings. Here I can give my whole heart and find peace. What place is this? SunnyDay—a paradise within paradise.
First come the chairman and his wife. Their attentive care for every aspect of our lives and our physical and emotional well-being makes us feel like their own children. Every member of the social work team also shows exceptional concern for each older adult. Each morning, Mr. He’s “Good morning” immediately puts me in a happy mood. Day after day, he tirelessly drives us to and from the center. Whenever we ask for help, no matter the matter, he never hesitates. He is not family, yet he treats us even better than family. When we arrive at SunnyDay early in the morning, Mr. Liu and Ms. Xie greet us again and again: “Good morning, Uncle Wang! Good morning, Mama Li!” Such caring voices seem to come from paradise itself. Ms. Mandy leads us in recreation, singing and dancing, making us so happy that we forget our age. Most deserving of mention is my “daughter” Jessica. She is like a joyful little bird, a fiery phoenix. Whenever we face difficulties, great or small, she hurries to help us with boundless energy. Her warmth can melt the loneliness in every older person’s heart.
SunnyDay—my paradise—I love you! I love you! As the saying goes, even a fine bird chooses the tree in which it roosts; how much more should we human beings, made of flesh and blood, choose where we belong? It is the devotion of every SunnyDay staff member—the reassuring smiles and warm, thoughtful service they offer older adults each day—that has led every one of us into paradise. In an instant, the whole world lights up. Ah, SunnyDay, paradise within paradise, I will embrace you forever!