Fireworks and Chicago

Happy Birthday America!

Happy Birthday America!

It seems quite some ago when there was a boy who harbored silent hopes of pursuing his tertiary education in the Land of the Free. At night he would silently flip through the memoirs of William Jefferson Clinton, Hilary Clinton, Barbara Bush; trapped in the nuances of American politics and the spirit in which most politicians portray (at least pretend to portray) when running for office. So inspired was the boy that he marshaled his own effort to the nearby state library and devour books on the political enigma of this nation. It wasn’t long before the yearning to witness and experience the promise of America lingered firmly within the spheres of his mind. 

A couple enjoying the fireworks.

It is noteworthy that the installation date of his ascend as Head Prefect in his school was also largely influenced by the narratives of America – albeit he got it wrongly. While scanning for a nice date for the transition of power, he thought it would be somehow cute or interesting to have it in conjunction with the Independence Day of America. So while flipping through the internet webpages, his eyes fixed upon the number 4th of July. But god knows how and why, maybe due to the mischief of circumstances, he wrote the date ’14th of July’ in his notebook instead and subsequently went and lobby for the installation date.

He was installed 10 days later than the Independence Day of America. SWT.

People staring in awe

However, regardless of the comical mishaps along the way, he finally boarded the plane to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor. And the year 2008 is the year of American renewal and turmoil. He still remembered the day when he clamored around a dusty old table with friends from all walks of life witnessing the results of the election. When CNN finally declared candidate Barack Obama as the President-elect, he could firmly recall the burst of tears from his African American friends and thumping of fists into the air by the others. Hugs and merriment screams were shared among all, with no boundaries (i.e. race, religion etc) set whatsoever. Then came President-elect’s Barack Obama’s speech in Grant Park, Chicago; and the wishful feeling that he should have skipped a few days of classes to witness this speech with his own two eyes. 

That night he silently spared a hope for Malaysia and crossed his fingers. He was prepared to lay the matter to rest. 

The Band from the American Armed Forces

Maybe it’s the work of God, the invisible forces of karma or maybe just the plain mischief of life, he soon found himself working for the City of Chicago for his summer internship. And on July 3rd, the eve of the Independence Day, he stood on the ground where Obama gave his acceptance speech and soaked in the awe of the fireworks.

Fireworks Fizzles Out

Funny isn’t it….how life works out? With no will of his own, he was constantly nudged towards this point of reference – and as he witness the unfolding of the spectacular fireworks he can’t help but to wonder how it all began. 

Happy Independence Day America! 

Last 5 posts by Jian Wei

• One Minute to Midnight - January 1st, 2011
• Prophecy - December 31st, 2010
• Footprints We Leave Behind - November 4th, 2010
• Budapest: Contradictions Aplenty - August 15th, 2010
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