A Commoner’s Story

by Mu-Sheng Wu 吳木盛

PREFACE

This is my story and a commoner’s story.

My wife told me that a commoner does not need to write a memoir. Yes, I agreed completely, and I raised my both hands to show my agreement. I initially followed her words until one day I asked myself, “Who says a story of an ordinary person is not worth writing?”, A commoner’s story is part of history and therefore worth recording, however inconsequential it may seem.

I was born into a family that did not own a single shingle, nary a roof, to cover our heads or a piece of land to stand on. We worried about simply having enough food for our next meal. I became a chemical engineer to earn enough so that I wouldn’t worry about food. In the latter parts of my life, I would become a writer which was truly enriching.

My life has never been colorful. I struggled to make a living for most of my life, but it has been healthy and full of joy. I am so thankful for the blessings that the heavens have sent me.

In retrospect, I don’t think I have accomplished much. However, I believe I am a success based on my own definition: someone who has influenced his surroundings and developed his talents which enable him to do meaningful things, as defined by himself, whenever and wherever.

In this book, I have written about my hardships and years of struggle. I have also described my life in Taiwan and the U.S. as well as my efforts on Taiwanese political activities. I have spent considerable time, effort and money on Taiwanese affairs, although I do not claim many accomplishments. It is barely enough to console my conscience. Regretfully, I did not do more and I did not sacrifice as much as I could have. However, I think I did what I was supposed to do as a Taiwanese.

I have also written many memorable things about my wonderful friends who’ve impacted my life. I have tried to capture their characteristics, personalities and deeds as accurately as possible and certainly from the bottom of my heart. If anyone feels misrepresented, please forgive me. If they decide to curse me, please do so behind my back. Dear Friends, I greatly appreciate that our paths have crossed and I have treasured every minute we had together.

Finally, I thank my parents for their giving me life, raising me, and providing me important education. I also want to take this opportunity to pay my gratitude to my wife Bunji or Wendy. She has endured much hardship to raise our three children and help me in the Taiwanese movement. She has quietly lived a lifetime with me and never complained. Without her I don^ know how I would have gotten through my rugged life. To everyone who has been an important part of my life, I want to simply say …“Thank you.”