Kathy could still remember the night she had to leave her home in Hungary. It was the beginning of World War（战争）II and her family had to leave their country as soon as possible. She quickly filled（充满）a bag with a few pieces of clothing, her diary, and her treasure（珍宝）—a beautiful silk scarf. 

Kathy and her best friend, Monica, had asked their parents to buy them matching scarves. They each would wear the scarves as a symbol（象征）of their friendship. Kathy had no idea that she was going to America that night and would not be returning. 

Kathy kept that special silk scarf for many years. One day she decided to give it to her granddaughter, Eliza, to wear to her first job interview（面试）for good luck. And with the scarf, Eliza kissed her grandmother and left for the interview. 

That afternoon Eliza left the interview, feeling sure that she had got the job. So she decided to celebrate by going to a restaurant. As she was sitting at her table, she felt someone looking at her. Sitting next to her was an old woman, who could not take her eyes away from her. 

"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Eliza asked. 

"I`m sorry, dear, but you make me think of someone I once knew," the old woman replied. "My best friend looked like you and used to wear a scarf just like the one you're wearing around your neck. Eliza listened carefully, with her eyes and mouth wide open. She had heard stories of her grandmother's best friend and knew the meaning of the scarf. 

"My name's Monica, dear. I lived in Hungary as a child, but my family had to leave when I was fourteen years old. I've been living here in California from then on." said the old woman. 

Eliza could not believe her ears…

They crossed in front of me as I was driving out of the store parking lot. I would be delayed for a whole ten seconds. However, I realized that it was as elderly couple. No more anger. 

The man leaned on his wife who walked in front of him. He not only used her for support but it was obvious that he was blind. She was his eyes as well. The two of them worked as one--each the other to function in this fast- changing world. 

That little example of true strength that day changed my whole personal perception of life. Suddenly I wasn't so mad about having to work a few extra hours on Saturday. I had my strength, and I was still relatively young. 

That picture of those two elderly people walking with dignity and strength stayed with me the entire week. My life wasn't so bad after all. I had my health and a good job. My wife always gave me good advice whenever I needed it. I started to think --not only was I lucky to have it all, but so was that wonderful old couple, who, despite the trials and sufferings of a long life, still had the love and support of each other to carry them through this world. 

There are so many people out there just like that couple. My life and I sometimes picture ourselves in our old age, walking arm-in-arm into the sunset. The image always gives us a warm feeling of comfort. Just remember, none of us would be here if it wasn't for our elders. We should spend an extra minute to listen and learn when it comes helping our elder friends. They need it. 

"Have you checked the oil in the car?" My father used to say to me. "Hello, hope you are well." Sometimes our phone calls would begin with a question about the oil and end with a question about the oil, with not a lot in between.

Fathers have a lot of love to give, but it's often supplied through the medium (方法) of practical advice. In my experience: It's mostly about my car.

"How's the car running?" "Did you get it serviced?" "How did you get that scrape (刮痕) on the side?"

Why can't fathers just say "I love you" or "It's great to see you"? The point is: That's exactly what we are saying. You just have to translate from the language that is Fatherlish.

The words "You made my life better from the moment you were born" may be hardly heard, but the key is there in the more common "I'll hold the ladder while you get the leaves out of the gutter (排水沟)."

When I was 17, I went on my first road trip—a friend and I in that old car. My father stood on the corner early on a cold morning to say goodbye to us.

"Highways are dangerous," he said, "so don't try to catch up with anything faster than a horse. And take a break every two hours. And every time you stop for gas, you really should check the oil."

At the time we thought his speech was pretty funny and would chant "car and horse, car and horse" every time I drove faster and passed other speeding cars.

Dad's long gone now. But after all these years, I realize that had I owned a copy of the Fatherlish-to-English dictionary, I'd have understood that the speech my friend and I so casually mocked (嘲笑) was simply Dad's attempt at affection.

A man sees a butterfly. The butterfly tries to get out of chrysalis (蛹). The man cut the chrysalis and the butterfly comes out easily. To his , the butterfly is unable to fly. If the butterfly doesn't struggle (挣扎) to get out of the chrysalis, it can't fly. The struggle develops the energy in the butterfly. Similarly, the challenges of life bring out the in young people and prepare the ability to "fly". When people are young, meeting and overcoming challenges will make them strong and ready to face life. For successful people, the more challenges they have had, the more they are. One famous man, who now owns many big , used to sell socks from door to door when he was young. Another successful man is Eric. He up a college at the age of 30. His father died when he was only 16. He worked in the day and studied hard in the night. His father's death forced him to grow up fast. He took up the challenges and overcame them. Today, not only he himself, also his brothers and sisters are leading successful lives.

Nowadays, some parents and teachers actively young people to face challenges. It is important them to learn to meet challenges and overcome them.

All the runners stood nervously at the starting line. All of them had prepared (they) for this important race.

The race meant more to a boy named Bill, because most of the other runners had greater speed. Could Bill realize his dream of being  "all-school"runner? He would have to finish in the top 5 to win that honor.

Bill's life（fill）with disappointment. Primary school had been a long nightmare（噩梦） for him. Of all the reading skills, he even couldn't pick up(basic) one, although he had tried many times. Bill did not complain（报怨）. He simply tried hard. But in the following years he was till unable to catch up with his classmates.

Then one day his teacher called us ina conversation. She said, "I'm sorry to have to tell you this, but Bill isn't trying anymore. He has given it up(complete). "I became very sad and afraid. I was afraid Bill might have forever lost heart.

I had a talk with Bill. I told him about my own experiences. I said, "I was the slowest one in my class in primary school, my parents and teachers were loving and understanding. Because of that, I made it through those years and finally went on to a music school. Now, you know, I'm a (piano). We think achievements come easily to others. Life usually isn't like that. The person who (success)is usually only a few percent. "Bill said, "Dad, I guess that not doing so well isn't all that bad if someone loves you and stands by you.

In the (nine) grade, Bill went out for the race again.

Party Works to Serve Us

Since 1921, the Communist Party of China (CPC,中国共产党) has been leading Chinese people to live better lives.

Both of my parents joined the Party when they were in university. They are (pride) of it. As members of the Party, they know they (serve) the people. They always take part in community efforts (active). During the (usual) winter holiday in 2020，they joined a team of volunteers to help check people's information and spread knowledge about COVID-19. Their behaviors show me the duty of the Party members. I want to learn more from (they) and be a member of the Party.

When I was younger, my parents told me many touching (story) about the CPC The spirits of Hong Yan, Jinggangshan and Yan'an moved me so much. From that time forward, I became (interest) in the Party.

Many years have passed, I (read) lots of books and watched movies that show the spirit of the CPC. What's more I have joined in many activities that are about the Party in order to learn more about it. Now I am a League (团) member. I believe that before long, I (be) a real Party member, If I become a member of the Party, I will do as much as I can (help) others. I'm looking forward to that day!