Everlasting Love
In life, we each exist in our independent timelines: to cross paths with another is fate, and to fall in love with each other is life’s fortune. Wan-ji and Sho-er are both above 87 years-old and run Want Show Laundry together. 4 years ago, their grandson Reef had the idea to shoot a series of photos documenting their sweet and fashionable moments which have since become an internet sensation. But beyond their ups and downs in life, their love story spanning more than half a century is even more heart-warming. Let’s tell the tale of their journey in love.
Soulmates Forever
Maintaining a relationship has never been easy, let alone one that has lasted 70 years. How did they do it? It certainly takes knowledge. Wan-ji shares the importance of “mutual” (in Hokkien, this means being considerate and courteous to each other) in a loving relationship. “No one is absolutely perfect. Don’t try to fight further during arguments,” Wan-ji says, “I always say I’ve mastered “tolerance”. If she’s angry then I keep silent, and we’ll discuss solutions once the anger subsides”. From communication, to compromise and understanding each other’s needs, it takes thoughtful contemplation to take the relationship further.
The two married after only meeting once through a traditional blind date. Under the conservative environment of their generation, progressing from strangers to lovers and finally soulmates was predicated on a shared belief – propone good. “We both just want everyone to be considerate of each other, this way everyone would be happy,” Wan-ji said eloquently. He always lectures the importance of contributing to society and the public, spending time with the elderly and hosting charity sales to find the true essence of happiness.
The Lesson of Loss
The sharing of love and happiness are the ideals of Want Show Laundry. Even if the pair are no longer at the peak of their youth, their energy and kind aura still radiates like warm sunshine offering a reassuring hug. Those who follow Want Show on Instagram would know that Grandma Sho-er sadly left us last year. Yet, her affectionate smile will never be forgotten. Understandably, it hasn’t been easy for Wan-ji and her loved ones. On the topic of loss, grandson Reff shared that Grandpa Wan-ji has been putting up a strong front but there was no hiding his tears at the final farewell. “My biggest takeaway is that there’s no “later” in life. Every waking moment is precious, and every chance we get to spend with family should be treated sincerely – try your best to listen to what is being shared, say what you would like to say, and be aware of the present moment. This is how we can minimise regrets.” We might never get used to ‘loss’ in life, but we can learn to treasure the present, embrace ‘now’ and part with regrets. This is what the rest of us can learn.
Wan-ji now has the rest of his life to live without Sho-er by his side. Thinking about the ambitions and plans he never fulfilled due to life circumstances, he recalls living in poverty as a child and not being able to further his studies beyond primary school. But once he thinks about how hard he worked in place of studying and how it paid off with raising four accomplished children, all those so-called “regrets” vanish away. Now, Wan-ji puts his all into the business, saying, “This year, I shall open a new branch of Want Show Laundry in Taipei. I need to work hard, and I welcome everyone’s guidance and support!” Instead of staying put, Wan-ji looks forward in the face of loss.
Keeping The Spirit Alive
To fans of Want Show Laundry, the laundry shop’s Instagram page is the main way to keep updated on Wan-ji and Shou-er’s lives. Ever since Shou-er’s parting, their Instagram has remained inactive. On what’s next, grandson Reff says he’s still deciding, “What I want is for Grandma’s spirit and smile to live on in everyone’s hearts. Perhaps we will reunite Grandpa and Grandma through paintings. The both of them care deeply about helping the public, and speaking up for the industry. Eventually we might ask Grandpa to engage in some activities, document moments of going out, and slowly overcome grief through these travels. We hope Grandpa will find happiness again and go out more too”. Reef encourages the younger generation to bond with their elders through taking photos and documenting their lives. It is how we might best minimise regrets.
Translated by Karrie Lam
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