Today, as I drive to the Gan Xiu Suo (干休所) in Hangzhou, China, to visit my father, I can’t help but reflect on his remarkable life. At 89, a respected military veteran and a cherished family patriarch, his story is not just his own – it’s a narrative woven into the fabric of modern Chinese history.
The Legacy of Gan Xiu Suo
Gan Xiu Suo （干休所）, or the PLA retirement homes, are a testament to China’s respect for its military veterans. Since 2017, these facilities, under the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, have been providing exemplary care to retired officers.
My father, like his comrades, joined the army before 1949, a tumultuous time that saw the establishment of the People’s Republic of China. These veterans, known as Li Xiu Gan Bu (离休干部）, represent a significant chapter in China’s past, a chapter that is gradually turning its last pages.
A Child Soldier in Turbulent Times
My father’s military journey began at the tender age of 12 during the Liberation War (Civil War: 1945-1949). Driven by the desire to be with his mother, a veteran revolutionist in the New Fourth Army, he found himself amidst the Civil War’s chaos.
His mother’s decision to bring him to the army was a protective measure, shielding him from potential persecution by the Kuomintang（the Nationalist Party of China). His mother ( my grandmother) was a veteran revolutionist, joining the Xi Si Jun (New Fourth Army) during the anti-Japanese War ( 1937 -1945).
An Educational Odyssey
Post-1949, the army sponsored my father’s education, a gesture that set him on a path of academic and professional success. From a special high school to a nine-year stint at Zhejiang Medical University, he was groomed for excellence. His medical prowess, particularly in orthopedics, led him to a distinguished career in the military, culminating as a senior colonel and chief of an army hospital.
Retirement: A New Chapter
Since retiring in 1994, my father has embraced a life filled with simple joys. He fills his days with activities that keep him connected to the world – watching TV, reading newspapers, exercising, and most importantly, spending time with his family. His presence has been a constant in our lives, a beacon of stability and warmth, especially after the loss of my mother in 2017.
The Essence of Home
For us, my father symbolizes ‘home’ – a concept that transcends a physical space. It’s in his stories, his laughter, and in the meals he shares with us. His Baomu, (保姆）or Ayi (阿姨,), a devoted caregiver, contributes to this sense of home.
My father asks his homestay Baomu (保姆) to cook the dishes I’ve liked to eat since I was a kid – fried river snails and fried eggs with green peppers.
Yesterday she learned that I would come to Gan Xiu Suo. She went to the local community market to buy the fresh water snails, and then keep these river snails in water for one day to let those river snails spit out the dirt and get rid of the fishy smell.
A Life Celebrated
As I sit with him in the tranquil setting of Gan Xiu Suo, I am reminded of the depth of his experiences. From a child soldier to a renowned doctor, from a young man thrust into the tides of history to a content retiree surrounded by family – his life is a narrative of resilience, adaptability, and joy.
The Unwavering Bond
Our conversations, often meandering through past and present, reveal the strength of our familial bond. He talks of his days in the army with a mix of nostalgia and pride, of the friends he made and the challenges he overcame. These stories are not just his memories; they are lessons in courage and determination.
The Baomu: More Than a Caregiver
The relationship with his Baomu goes beyond the usual employer-employee dynamic. In her, we see a guardian, a companion who has been instrumental in ensuring his well-being. Her dedication is a reflection of the respect and love he commands, not just within our family but also from those around him.
A Legacy to Cherish
As I leave Gan Xiu Suo, I carry with me a sense of gratitude. My father’s journey, marked by service, sacrifice, and strength, is a legacy that inspires us. It’s a story that deserves to be told, a piece of history that provides insight into a pivotal era in China and the unyielding spirit of those who shaped it.
In my father, I see the embodiment of a life well-lived, a life that continues to teach us the values of resilience, humility, and love. As he enjoys his well-deserved rest in the serene environment of Gan Xiu Suo, I am reminded of the sacrifices made by his generation. Their stories, their lives, and their contributions are invaluable pieces of the mosaic that is modern China.
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