Old Li held his little grandson in his arms, watching a lion dance at a brightly lit spring banquet. The happiness in his heart was even livelier than the dong-dong of the gongs and drums.
He had been in America for thirty-three years. When he first came, he arrived empty-handed and alone, with no relatives and no connections. But he had a carpenter’s skill. Within a year he had earned enough money to buy plane tickets and bring his wife and children over. Compared with many other immigrants, he was one of the fortunate ones people envied.
He was born in Burma. His childhood fell during the difficult years of Japanese occupation. In 1945, after World War II ended, the whole family moved to Rangoon. It was not until 1948, when he was already ten years old, that he had the opportunity to attend school. He studied three years in a Chinese school. Because the family was poor, they moved away from the Chinese district to a remote Indian neighborhood where rent was cheaper. He transferred to an English-language school and studied there for another three years. Then misfortune struck: his father was injured at work and could no longer labor. He had to leave school and push a handcart through the streets selling ice cream to help support the family.
At seventeen, he became a carpenter’s apprentice, hoping to acquire a real skill. Because he had known hardship, his desire to learn was strong. What normally required two or three years, he completed in only six months, finishing his apprenticeship early. He then used his carpentry to support the family. He worked during the day and attended night school to continue studying English. He also spent half a year learning to read construction blueprints for woodworking.
In 1964, he began taking woodworking jobs independently for diplomatic organizations and private businesses. Three years later, his father died. He also received an opportunity to immigrate to the United States, but he could not find a financial sponsor, and before long the paperwork expired. After the Burmese government nationalized stores and businesses in various trades, non-Burmese residents faced many restrictions. In order to make a living, he took Burmese citizenship.
Unexpectedly, another immigration opportunity later appeared. By then he had enough money to pay all the visa expenses and had obtained an affidavit of support. For the future of his children, he again began pursuing his American dream.
At first he found work in a chair factory. Because he knew carpentry, the owner made him a foreman at three dollars an hour. One person working to support the whole family faced many difficulties, but he gritted his teeth, kept working hard, and looked for chances to move to a better job.
Later, he found more skilled cabinetmaking work. The job required reading English and understanding sketches, but that was no obstacle for him. His starting wage was seven dollars an hour. After a trial period, the owner admired his practiced skill and hardworking attitude and raised him to nine dollars an hour. Three months later he was promoted to section supervisor and his wage rose to twelve dollars an hour.
He was beside himself with happiness. His luck had turned. His income increased, and he stayed at the company for seven years. Later, he found a coworker who shared his ambitions. The two resigned and went into business together, opening a furniture shop.
Today, Old Li’s children have all received higher education and established families and careers. What makes him happiest is that he applied to bring all of his sisters’ families to America as well. Old and young together, there are seventy people in all. The younger generations, children and grandchildren, now live with bright prospects in this advanced and free country.
Big Old Li himself can be said to have fulfilled the American dream he once carried. Some people say he had a skill and therefore good conditions. But without a spirit of diligence and endurance, without a serious and responsible attitude toward work, fulfilling a dream is not easy.
Because he treated people sincerely, was always willing to help, and assisted new immigrants arriving from Asia—Macao, Taiwan, and Burma—with settling into their new lives, he soon became executive chairman after joining the Los Angeles Burmese Chinese Association and then served several consecutive terms as president.
Members affectionately called him “Big Old Li.” He was easygoing and always laughing. His head of snow-white hair gave him the appearance of a mature, steady elder. Carrying his little grandson, Big Old Li moved among the banquet tables while everyone raised glasses to congratulate him. The little boy’s two round eyes rolled curiously as he looked around. What a picture of the happiness shared between grandfather and grandson.
Originally published in Sing Tao Daily, February 1, 2007.