"So this is year four... you're not coming home for Chinese New Year." - Mom
That's me below and that's the face of a son who has missed out on every birthday, anniversary, and reason to celebrate anything family related in the past four years.
I haven't done it on purpose.
However, Mom just won't let it go.
I've come to think that family exists everywhere in the form reminders.
Take the plastic wrapped car below.
It reminds me of the furniture in our house growing up. Actually, it reminds me of most of our valuable possessions including the television remote control.
And below? That's Yuka, the ageless wonder also known as a little sister to me.
Memories aren't replaceable though.
And who knows how much capacity I have left but I hold onto everything, so much that I'm my own worst enemy when reflecting.
And I've got a lot to do this year, I've got a lot to do every day, but it's all building up.
And I'll be balanced again.
I've been smiling though and not because of the sun that graces the city of Berlin.
It's because of every little thing and everybody that I can spend some time with to give and share all my love.
To be continued.
© 2026 Johnny Nghiem
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