Wok with me

Aug 14, 2023

I do not watch a lot of television for many different reasons. First, our TV is in our basement, and it is very difficult for me to tread down all those steps with my walker. Second, there are not too many programs that would arouse my interest (somehow, the daily news and the TV shows are all about the same thing – corruptions, crimes, and violence). And third, we live in the boondocks, and the reception is more than terrible. So, I’d rather watch YouTube on my computer, as they have programs that are more appealing. Since I enjoy cooking and singing, they have tons of cooking shows that I can learn different recipes and cooking techniques, which in turn I can share with my friends from the cooking classes. As for singing, they have talent shows from all over the world, presenting young singers who are phenomenal and totally unbelievable.

Years ago, I first saw a lady named Susan Boyle in Britain’s Got Talent. She was plain and ordinary, and she sang “I Dreamed a Dream” from Les Misérables. Somehow, her angelic voice caught my attention. I distinctly remember what she said during the interview before she started singing: The hosts asked her what her dream was, what she would like to do if she became famous someday. When she said that she would like to sing with Elaine Page (a very famous and popular singer in Britain), the audience would sneer and deride her. She ended up winning the contest and got signed up by a recording company. Not only did she receive fame and fortune, she did have a chance to share the same stage with her idol, Elaine Page. I would love to see the faces of those who gave her the smirk before. To hear her singing the same song “I Dreamed a Dream” backed up by an orchestra is mesmerizing. Talk about a dream come true.

As in fate, I heard a different talent who sang a song she wrote “It’s OK, it’s OK.” in another talent show. She went by the stage name “Nightbirde.” It was not until she revealed that she had cancer during the interview that she stunned the audience. How could anyone be so blissful and cheerful knowing that she was at the threshold of death? But her song, “It’s OK, it’s OK” reflected her outlook of life - “It’s OK, it’s OK, if you are lost. We’re all a little lost and it’s alright.” Yes, after a fall, most of us just get right back up and brush it off. But what to do after the fall, knowing that you will not be able to ever get back up again? Her inspiring song won her the chance to enter the final competition. But her cancer got worse and she passed away before the final contest. However, the story did not end there. Not too long ago, a youth group from South Africa performed the same song on stage with choreography, and that was heartening. Their performance won the Golden Buzzer, and they have a chance to enter the final contest. It was a touching moment, as the song brought everyone together, sharing the joyous moment of winning while evoking the singer who passed, and her philosophy of life. It was a happy moment mixed with tears.

Our journey of life is paved with many different obstacles, and it is up to us to overcome each huddle with strength and hope, with encouragements from our family and friends, and from the one above. No matter how dark the sky is, a rainbow is never far behind. Never give in, and never give up. “It’s OK, it’s OK,” yes, everything will be okay, if we just believe in ourselves.

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