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The "Wedding" Banquet with Shanghai Relatives

It was the best wedding party we did not (have with presents too) 19 years ago; it was the shortest banquet

One of the main reasons for us to go to Shanghai was to visit all our relatives whom we have never met before. To be frank we were a little apprehensive about hosting this party with a roomful of relatives whom we are meeting for the first time. My apprehension was unnecessary. I must said that Theresa and I had such a good time meeting all of them. It was so nice to be able to get to know my uncles, aunts, cousins, and their families. They were so kind, warm, generous. They were so special. We really treasure the memories of that banquet. When Theresa and I got married 19 years ago we had a very small banquet. We felt that this is another wedding banquet 19 years later. We even shared the story about how Theresa and I met in high school for the first time when she flushed an apple down the toilet!

They were also so considerate and generous by giving us special gifts. As you know that elephants are very special to us. Many of the gifts were actually elephant figures. Some of the gifts were hand-made. Some of the gifts were specially bought. We will treasure each of the gift. However, the most special gift is not something that one can buy in a store. The most special gift is the time that we spent together as a family, feeling that special connection, that special bond, that special feelings that only exist between family members.

A few hours seemed like just a few minutes. The banquet was over so quickly. We bid farewell but we vowed that we will return soon.