In China - 1998

In our quest for Xian Dong, my daughter Kris and I visited many places in China. One place we visited (The Six Banyan Tree Temple) really fascinated me. For a very special reason, it will remain the highlight of my journey.

It was a place of worship. Kris entered one of the pavilions and I followed with Xian Dong. Inside were three golden Buddha, each about 20 feet tall; and on the floor, were about 50 kneeling pads. We looked around in awe for a few minutes. Then Kris knelt on one of the pads. After a minute or so, she took Xian Dong from me and sat her on a kneeling pad next to her.

Well...... in that moment, something happened inside me! Standing behind them, I felt serenity! And a feeling of a deep and spiritual love for my daughter and new granddaughter. It is unforgettable and beyond description. I can tell you, though, that the experience gained from being there, that I am truly Xian Dong’s grandfather. Blood ties could not make me any more so.