Grant



Grant (pictured right) and I hanging out back in 2009

One of my early friends in China is a guy named Grant (his Chinese name was Zhou Ji).  He had spent some time in Japan, and spoke three languages well (Japanese, Chinese, and English).  He worked as a middle man who sold pharmaceuticals on behalf of manufacturers to local chain stores.  


He was very kind to our children and would occasionally invite us out to a meal.  One evening, he asked us to meet him downtown but gave no hint that this outing would be anything special.  When we arrived, we were surprised that at this dinner we would be celebrating his elderly father’s birthday.  We were embarrassed that we didn’t bring a gift (important in Chinese culture), but grateful to be included in a family gathering when ours were so far away.  Incidentally, I think he didn’t notify us on purpose so we wouldn’t bring a gift!


Grant taught me so much about China and Chinese culture.  And he always did it with kindness and dignity.  He was not shy about telling me the truth, but he never did it in a way that was demeaning.  That is something I have always been impressed with in my interactions with Chinese friends.  They make no excuses for the negative aspects of their culture and they are very willing to describe in great detail the challenges they are facing both personally and as a Nation.  


But on the other side of such conversations, they remain steadfastly loyal, composed, positive, and persistent about both the present and the future.  To them, quitting is never an option.  And complaining serves no purpose.  And I am confident that my good friend Grant is still waking up each morning with his same optimistic but practical disposition intact.


Cheers, Grant!

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