First appointment with my Family doctor

The morning of April 26th, 2025, began with a quiet urgency. I woke early to prepare Norzang for his post-UTI checkup at Terra Nova Clinic — a small but important milestone after days of worry. His appointment was at 8:30 AM, and we moved quickly, feeding him and catching an Uber under the soft light of dawn.

At the clinic, the receptionist greeted us with a smile that offered a brief moment of calm. Not long after, our nurse — warm and attentive — called us in. She examined Norzang thoroughly, her hands gentle yet precise. When she finally looked up and assured us that he was cleared of any post-infection concerns and was in good health, I felt a wave of relief wash over me.

Still, there was a lingering thread of uncertainty: some of the blood tests taken earlier at the Richmond Hospital had not produced results. Whether it was a simple oversight or something else, no one could say for sure. To be cautious, we were asked to return and redo the blood samples — tests crucial to rule out the faint possibility of genetic jaundice.

Later that afternoon, I returned to the clinic once more — this time for myself. It was my first appointment with the same nurse, having officially registered under her care along with my wife. Sitting across from her, recounting my medical history, felt oddly vulnerable yet necessary. After listening carefully, she offered thoughtful advice on my struggles with constipation and persistent headaches. She suspected migraines but urged me to undergo blood work to search for deeper causes — tests that I would take alongside my son on Monday morning.

Understanding the inevitable delay this would cause, I informed my boss, preparing for a late start. It felt fitting somehow — this shared moment between father and son, both stepping into the quiet, sterile halls of Richmond Hospital, each in search of answers, each carrying a better hope for healthily life.

Art, Love, and the Story of Us

Since childhood, art has been my quiet companion—a place where I could dream freely and express emotions words could never quite capture. Doodling, sketching, painting—it’s always been more than a hobby. It’s been a part of who I am.

I’ve long dreamed of learning the sacred principles of traditional painting, especially the kind rooted in culture and symbolism. Though formal training never came my way, that didn’t stop me. I’ve kept learning, one brushstroke at a time, this time digitally, inspired by the diverse forms of art I’ve encountered over the years.

When our son was born, I felt a deep urge to immortalize this new chapter of life—something meaningful for both me and my wife. So, I picked up my pen and iPad with a purpose. Slowly, through late nights and quiet thoughts, an idea bloomed into form. And now, the digital painting is complete.

Though far from perfect, it holds everything that matters—my emotions, my gratitude, my love.

At the heart of the piece stands the Vajra, a symbol of masculinity in Buddhism—indestructible, powerful, unshakable. It represents our son, Kunga Norzang, whose presence already echoes a quiet strength. He is rare, radiant, and resilient—just like the Vajra.

Wrapping around the Vajra are delicate flowers, representing my wife—my partner, my muse. Their soft curves and graceful bloom speak of her love, beauty, and the effortless grace with which she embraces motherhood. Each flower reaching out in different directions symbolizes the many roles she plays in shaping our son’s world.

This painting is a tribute to them both—a mother and son duo, forever etched in my heart.
May the flower forever bloom with beauty,
And may the Vajra rise with strength to carve his path in this vast, unfolding world.

With love,
Written at 12:32 a.m. on April 21st, 2025, while lying beside the two souls who inspired it all.

 

Snowfall 2025

It was that time of year when winter tightened its grip, bringing the temperature down to a biting -4°C. After days of heavy, brooding clouds, nature finally decided to let go, draping the world in a fresh layer of snow. It’s often said that snow doesn’t fall in the harshest cold but when the air begins to soften—and this time, Vancouver proved it true. From February 2nd to 3rd, 2025, the city witnessed two days of continuous snowfall, turning the streets into a afresh winter wonderland.  

3rd February 2025, Brighouse School ground.

While the flurry was a sight to behold and a refreshing change, it also brought life to a standstill. Work was postponed, routines disrupted, and for those who rely on daily wages or outdoor labor, the snowfall was more burden than beauty. My own office was closed on February 2nd, giving me an unexpected pause in my week. But by the next morning, as I set out for work, the sun began to break through, hinting at clearer days ahead. According to the forecast, better weather was on the horizon—good news for everyone.  

This week also marked a special milestone—Kuenga Norzang reached 37 weeks, and with perfect timing, he experienced his very first snowfall. A beautiful omen, I thought, a sign of good fortune and well-being for both him and my wife. As I sat on the right-side seat of the 364 bus to Langley, waiting at Scottsdale Exchange at 9:07 AM, I took a quiet moment to reflect on this new chapter, letting the wintry landscape outside mirror my emotions—cold yet full of warmth, still yet moving forward. 

Happy NEW Year 2025

As the calendar turned to 2025, my wife and I honored our tradition of visiting Thrangu Monastery in Richmond. Every year, we prioritize this plan to offer prayers for good fortune and to ward off any potential obstacles that may lie ahead in the unfolding months. On the first day of January, we followed our usual routine, boarding the bus with excitement and anticipation. We arrived at the temple at precisely 12:30 pm, and as luck would have it, the caretaker had just locked the door for her lunch break. However, upon seeing us, she kindly reopened it, granting us entry.

We spent a few peaceful moments inside, prostrating ourselves and offering heartfelt prayers for the well-being of our family. In my hands, I held a bouquet of flowers, which I handed to the caretaker, who then placed them on the altar with reverence. Time was tight, though, as the bus back was soon due, so we made a quiet circuit of the monastery before heading back home.

It was already later than usual for lunch by the time we arrived, but we quickly prepared a meal and ate before diving into the next plan of our day. In the evening, we paid a visit to Joemar, eager to share the gifts we had not been able to exchange over Christmas. After a lunch, we notified Joe of us being ready to come over, and he graciously picked us up. It felt wonderful to reconnect after months of being apart, exchanging greetings and gifts in a joyful reunion. 

By evening, we returned home, settling into the familiar rhythm of preparing for the busy days ahead. As the days of 2025 unfold, we hold on to the hope that each moment brings peace, strength, and happiness to all. May fortune smile upon us all, as we continue to embrace the journey ahead.