Willis Chung
Dear Daddy,
In the eyes of so many, you're a skilled badminton player, a caring brother, a trustworthy friend, and a doting husband. Yet, to me, you're something even more extraordinary — you’re simply and exquisitely Daddy. Calling you “Daddy” has forever felt like the most natural thing in the world. Saying that word feels like a warm hug, a connection that goes beyond the superficial layers of titles and roles. While my friends have long outgrown the term along with Pokémon cards and Disney movies, for me, calling you “Daddy” remains a cherished and timeless tradition. It’s like holding on to an old stuffed animal, a comforting constant in the ever-changing landscape of life. You know what? I wish to continue to call you “Daddy” for all the tomorrows yet to come. In 2024, I hope that – you, my dearest Daddy, prioritize your health by incorporating exercise into your daily routine.
Remember when we used to play badminton together? It feels like just yesterday we were out there on the court, rallying and laughing together. The sun casting a warm glow, the rhythmic sound of shuttlecocks hitting the rackets, and the playful laughter that echoed on the court – those moments were pure magic. I can still feel the exhilaration of each rally, the thrill of chasing down the shuttlecock, and the sweet satisfaction of a perfectly executed smash. You know, there's something endearing about the fact that you'd never openly admit it – but I sensed it all along. You graciously held back, letting me savor the taste of victory with every game. The passage of time — marked by the gradual appearance of white strands in your hair, brought with it a shift in our routines. As homework and extracurriculars piled up, demanding more of my time and attention, our cherished badminton sessions became increasingly scarce. It's a bittersweet realization that I struggle to pinpoint the last time we stood together on that court, rackets in hand.
Do you remember that day we were driving to school, singing along to Taylor Swift songs? As I reminisce about those times, I can't help but think about Taylor and how she manages to stay on top of her game with her back-to-back performances and overall well-being. I did some research, and it turns out that she incorporates working out into her busy schedule. I know life can get hectic, and responsibilities can be overwhelming, but I want you to prioritize your well-being. Just like Taylor finds time for working amidst her crazy schedule, I hope you can find some time to get up and exercise too.
Speaking of research, I recently stumbled upon a powerful insight from I-Min Lee, a distinguished professor in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. In her latest article “Middle age not too late to see benefits from exercising”, she discovered that “becoming physically active in mid-life can extend longevity”. (Lee). Daddy, as I read about this, I couldn’t help thinking about you, and I hope that you will live a life that is not only long but also brimming with vibrant energy. Your well-being means the world to me, and I genuinely believe that the key to unlocking a longer, healthier life lies in the simple act of incorporating more physical activity into our daily lives.
Daddy, can you believe I'm almost sixteen? I've been thinking a lot about the future, especially as I'll be heading off to college soon. But, right now, all I want is to cherish every moment with you. I've discovered this love for playing badminton, and I thought, what better way to spend time together than doing something we both enjoy? Let's play badminton whenever we can. And, even on days when we can't play, promise me that you'll find another way to keep yourself active and healthy. What do you say, Daddy?
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