“If I were not here, this full moon would not be here. Neither would the trees. Or the wind. If my view of the world disappears, then everything that I see disappears too. It’s as simple as that.”
― Durian Sukegawa, Sweet Bean Paste
Moving to Dallas three years ago marked a significant journey for me. Adapting to a new environment is always a profound challenge, and it was like riding an emotional roller coaster. There was the thrill of discovering new things and meeting new people, but also the stress of being far away from my beloved family, seeking new job opportunities, and embracing a different culture. My mind was constantly buzzing with thoughts.
I still think it's a luck that we settled into our apartment near White Rock Lake. Having previously lived in Saigon, surrounded by residential neighborhoods and alleys, I had never been so close to nature before. This lake felt like a soothing balm for my mental well-being. I could feel its calming influence during my daily walks. I became intimately familiar with every tree, whether standing tall or bearing the scars of lightning strikes from past storms. I eagerly anticipated the regular visits of the duck family that crossed the trail. What struck me most was how I began to sense the passage of time at White Rock Lake. I observed the leaves changing colors in the fall, the branches swaying happily after a refreshing shower, and the solemn aftermath of a snowstorm. I paid close attention to the ever-shifting clouds during sunsets or sunny days. I listened to the melodies of those birds and joined the inquisitive crowd observing the owl family. I witnessed the wild flower field, patiently awaiting its June to bloom, only to wilt under the August heat. Day by day, I found myself gazing at this natural beauty until I realized the profound connection I had formed in my heart.
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