WuKong Education “Tell Us Your ABC Story” Award-Winning Story: The Gift of Life

Welcome to Our ABC Stories! In 2023, WuKong Education’s “Tell Us Your ABC Story” Global Story Contest invited Chinese families worldwide to share their tales. Actor Daniel Wu and author Vincent Yee, along with the WuKong Judge Team, collectively selected 21 finalists from touching submissions. “The Gift of Life” by Kelvin Koh, aged 43, received the “Creative Writing Excellence Award”. Kelvin’s poetic narrative beautifully captures the essence of gratitude and family bonds. Take a moment to be inspired by his incredible story, offering a glimpse into global Chinese experiences.

Below is a tribute to my beloved parents,

Mr. Francis Koh and Mdm. Ng Ah Kheng.

 

Thanks to the start of the life I’ve had,

So many memories, most happy, some sad.

Thanks for so many hours you’ve worked to provide,

Even when I misbehaved and sometimes defied.

Not gone to school you taught with your actions,

I listened to your teachings religiously like DJs to radio stations.

Now that I’m older, those lessons hold tight,

I’m who I am by simply doing what you knew was right.

Thanks for your unconditional love not required to be earned,

I can never repay enough for the love to be returned.

Not ever fading as time goes along,

Not always showing but perpetually so strong.

Who I trusted whom, I listened to before,

None provided me your wisdom I need from you more and more.

Work and pursuit of life can never bring us apart,

I reassure both of you with all of my heart.

Thanks for the rules that I wished at times were not there,

All of the immense attention and nurturing care.

I still feel your selfless ways as your golden time nears,

Thank you, Pa and Ma for all of the years.

Hope my success is your pride out of this world’s infinite late,

Beautiful wonder can change our loving fate.

Thousands of true emotions sway,

You will not be far away.

Thanks for the amazing love you’ve given, the pleasure is all mine,

Our savouring bond is sweet divine.

One blessing had I than the rest,

Your gift of life will withstand the greatest test.

 

Summary

Thank you for immersing yourself in “The Gift of Life,” a poetic journey of gratitude and love. Kelvin Koh, at the age of 43, has earned the Creative Writing Excellence Award for his heartfelt storytelling. Through this unique narrative, he shares the profound appreciation for life and the deep connections within a family.

Kelvin’s story is a testament to the richness of experience and emotion within our global Chinese community. We express our gratitude to Kelvin for sharing his heartfelt narrative and contributing to the diverse tapestry of global Chinese stories. May we continue to share and celebrate these unique stories that make our cultural heritage so wonderfully diverse.