Highly Commended: Lan Wang

Category A: Pre-school – Prep (4-6) Highly Commended (2024), Golden Tales Short Story Competition
Author: Lan Wang

PDF version: Painting(PDF, 4MB)

My dear grandfather, Zhongguo Lyu, is someone I hold close to my heart. Because of the pandemic, it's been four years since we've been able to reunite. The last time I visited China to see him, I was just a one-year-old baby. It was only through photos and videos that I later realized how much he adored me--buying me toys and gifts, always holding me in his arms whenever he had the chance, and taking me to all sorts of fun places.

During the four years I've lived in Australia, I've missed him deeply. Sometimes, I even dreamt of him taking me to playgrounds, where we would play and laugh together. Then, in September last year, my parents decided to take me back to China for a family visit, and I finally saw him again. It was the second time I had reunited with him since I was born.

This time, I was older and could enjoy more food and more fun, and most importantly, I could talk to him fluently in Chinese. He was still the same--so full of love for me. Whenever he had free time, he would carry me on his back, showing me around and telling me all kinds of interesting stories.

The painting I made shows my grandpa carrying me on his back as we strolled through the square in front of his apartment. He was holding a red balloon he bought for me and humming a local tune, as we walked along the patterned path. The clear blue sky and the lush green flower beds surrounded us, and I felt so incredibly happy!

I painted this using acrylics, and it took me three weekends to finish. I've decided to give it as a gift to my dear grandpa the next time I visit China.

I can't wait to go back and see him again.

From Lan