Dear Children,

In Taiwan, Father’s Day falls on August 8th, chosen for its phonetic resemblance to “Papa” in Mandarin.

Thank you for the cards you gave me yesterday. I’ve scanned and uploaded it to the cloud so that I can treasure it forever.

This year marks my second Father’s Day without my own father. Last year, I was still immersed in grief after Grandpa’s passing. This year, the sorrow has settled into a quieter reflection—one that has brought more self-examination.

This song was shared by Teacher Chiueh. After listening, I felt moved to tell you what’s in my heart.

There are countless kinds of fathers, but the willingness to shoulder the weight of being the family’s pillar so that the roof stands firm—that feeling is universal.

I chose an education outside the conventional system for you because I want to nurture your independence, confidence, and balance in both mind and body. Each of you has your own life path, and the future world is unpredictable. My role is to prepare you, as best I can, with an invisible yet solid foundation of abilities. One day, you will make your own choices and drift far from me. Grandpa once said, “The stronger the children, the farther they may fly—and parents should be all the happier for it.”

Most fathers carry their burdens quietly without seeking sympathy. I think I’m no different. I accepted early on that life’s difficulties and pressures are mine to solve. Yet whenever I see couples who can work hand in hand, I still feel a twinge of envy—especially on a Father’s Day without Grandpa, when the need to stand strong on my own feels even more profound.

Becoming family is something bound by reasons we can’t fully explain—by fate. Heaven arranged for you to be my children so that together we could experience life’s joys and sorrows.

As your lives unfold, if you live each day with care, the meaning of this bond will grow in depth and breadth, becoming ever clearer.

I write this with gratitude, as a way to mark my Father’s Day, and to let you see a little more of your “quiet” dad.

Aug. 9, 2025