My Little Friend

Do you have a friend who's 47 years younger than you? How can you have one if you're not 55 years old? I have such a friend. He's only 8 years old. Let me introduce him to you!
When I first met him, he was only 4 years old. He's the son of my good colleague friend. I got to see him quite often because he went to the kindergarten affiliated to our university. He goes to school with his father. I mean his father gives him a ride to school and then picks him up in the afternoon. Due to the different arrangements, the boy's mother was not around during the week, so he had to spend a lot of time with his dad. Normally, he has to stay in his father's office to finish his homework assignments. After he finishes his homework, he's allowed to play for half an hour. That was how he and I started our friendship. When I finished my teaching, I sometimes would go play with him. At that time, neither of us took each other seriously. But I am an adult who has a heart of child. Somehow I can get along with children much better than with other adults. Actually, the only two creatures that I have no problem communicating with are dogs and kids. Only these two groups of beings can sense my genuineness & true color of me and accept the way I am.
Having this little friend is one of the blessings that God has granted me. In this relationship I'm the one who has received more than I have given. What I have given is 30 minutes once a week, but what I've gained is that I've learned a lot of virtues and things from my 8-year-old buddy. He has something I never have or I used to have--self-discipline, pure heart, concentration and creativity. I'm thankful to God for this little friend, who has finally regarded me as one of his friends. It's my honor to have his recognition and friendship. After all, not every adult can be as lucky as I. They may have kids, grandchildren, or students his age, but few can have a LITTLE friend like me! Envy me? Go make friends with them! I bet you'll have fun and learn a lot from them.

Naughty Yuechen

I spend only 30 minutes playing with him every week,but I've made the most of the time. Soon he won't be my friend anymore. Why? When he grows older, he wants to have friends his age, not a friend who's 47 years older than he. Besides, by the time he grows up, I may not be living or may be too old to be good company. How much longer can I keep this Friend No. 7? One year or two! That's what I estimate! How many people can be as lucky as I to have such a little friend in their lives? I bet I'm the only one!

Yuechen a little praying monk

My Little Friend, Yue-cheng with "Seediq Bale" fierce look