The important thing is that we're still alive:
Chairman Yang Chun-cheng says that Kaochih members have experienced two governments. For the government of their motherland--the R.O.C.--they can't help but have strange emotions, wanting "their mother to love its children." But he holds that this kind of feeling about past matters, whether in reminiscing or discussions, is of no actual help. "What's important is that we're still alive. These friends who went through difficult times together, who should have died but didn't, can still make a difference."
Hsiao Wen-che, the vice president of the society, seems to see things even more clearly. He says that Buddhists have a saying, "building, living, falling and emptiness." Living to their golden age, they have all had the experience of "building, living and falling." All that is left for them is "emptiness."
"Now I'm seventy. My mother lived until she was 90. Doing a little math, I figure I've got at least 4,000 more days to go. I want my remaining days to be happy and full of hope!" says this senior, who opened a successful fabric store when young. "I was fortunate to live, and later I fathered three sons and three daughters. My children and grandchildren total more than 30 in all. My good fortune ought to be pretty obvious," says Yang Chun-cheng.
Experiencing the chaos of war, history and hatred was bad luck, but surviving these twists of fate to experience life and have a house full of children and grandchildren is good fortune indeed. Is Kaochih our age in miniature? It could very well be.
[Picture Caption]
p.110
In Director Yang's fancy European-style living room,"Kaochih" members talk freely about their feelings about the war. Sitting, from right to left, are Hsiao Wen-che, Yang Chun-cheng, Hsu Tsung-chien. Standing, from right to left, are Hsieh Chun-yi, Wu Chin-mu and Lai Yao-sung.
p.111
During the war, Wu Chin-mu served in the police force of Hainan Island. The force was described as for "preserving order" but in reality they still had to fight in the war. (photo courtesy of Wu Chin-mu)
p.112
In Director Yang's son's electrical appliance store, Wang Chin-chung screens for everyone his films about the current conditions of lonely and helpless former soldiers, who were their brothers in difficult times.
p.113
This document lists virtually all of the military information about a given soldier. Virtually all members of "Kaochih" have one.
p.114
Regarding the Buddhist metaphor "building, living, falling and emptiness," Hsiao Wen-che says that he has already passed through the first three stages. Only by successfully entering the fourth will his life not have been a waste.
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Surviving war to end up with some 30 children and grandchildren, Director Yang is a lucky man indeed. (photo courtesy of Yang Chun-cheng)