Christmas in Shanghai

What can one say? It is that time of year when we go out at the last minute and buy things for our loved ones. The elusive stocking stuffer has been the bane of my exsistance this year. Living in a country that is still new to this holiday makes for intresting shopping days. However, no matter what day it is rush hour is still no the best time to go anywhere in the city. I made the mistake of taking just a little bit to long to get out of the house this evening and got as rush hour began.

The photo to the right is a picture taken of the interchange between line 1 and 2 of the Shanghai Metro. Yes, it was taken with a camera phone. This was about 4:30 pm, still early and just starting to get crowded. I have been in this ver station when it was so crowded one would feel like a heard of cattle bumping into other people.

While I might not see all the lights and hear all the songs this season, the crowds still make it feel like the holidays.

This is Fatkid saying "Merry Christmas!"

I got some very shocking news lastnight. I found out that one of my Professors died on the 6th of December.
As I read the short cold Myspace e-mail I was shocked. This could not really be happening. He was one of the youngest teachers while I was going to school. He has been sick but told me the new meds helped. He is younger than my dad! Was...was younger. The truth of the matter hit me hard.
This is not the first death I have had to deal with while living overseas. However, this death seems to bother me more than the last. I was in Taiwan when my grandmother past, and I cried for her. She was at the end of her battle with cancer and had lived a full life. It was not a shock. This is a new animal. Is this bothering me because I can't have the traditional closure that comes with my culture. I can't go tot he service, and I can't go to the grave. Is it because the last time I talked with him, he was more concerned with the tumor I had than his own health. Could it be that outside my family he was one of the most influential people in my life. He shape many of my thoughts and is the reason I'm in the line of work I'm in today. Could it be he was my friend.
I called friends in the states and found out it was true. I talked with other friends that hadn't heard anything. I had to get out. My wife gave me an understanding hug and I when out into the city. I walked int he drizzel for about half and hour until my sweat shirt was heavey with the rain. I went into a coffe shop and open my small pocket notebook think I could get somethings off my chest. I wrote down thoughts but the weight was still there. I have decided to make it my custom that when one of my friends dies that I try something new. I tried some Indian tea for the first time in my small celebration of life. The weight was still there and it was getting late. I needed to go home.
My head down and drenched in rain I was almost to our gate when I was a 3 story toy house in the middle of the lane. 4 people where standing around it and appeared to be putting small things in the house. Then the oldest man there lit it on fire.
Some of the people here in China will burn things for there family so that they will have nice things in the afterlife. They have closure. I'm still looking for mine.
Till next time this in Fatkid saying " I miss you Dr. Vernon Purdy."

Below is obituary that was in the News Leader.

Dr. Vernon Purdy, 48, of Springfield, went to be with his Lord Dec. 5, 2006. He was born Sept. 24, 1958, in Strong City, Kan., to James Purdy and Nelda Purdy Haff. His passion for teaching and preaching the word of God was surpassed only by his fervent love for his family. He was also a lifelong student, earning a doctorate and five masters degrees. He was preceded in death by his father. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Naomi Purdy, his daughter Carissa, and his son Caleb; mother Nelda and stepfather Mark; sisters, Karen White and her family, and Virginia Purdy and her sons; along with many beloved friends and former students. Visitation is 1 to 2:30 p.m. Sat., Dec. 9, 2006, at Central Assembly Chapel with a service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a memorial fund created at Central Assembly.