Across many ancient cultures, there is a deep belief that good deeds and virtuous actions bring blessings not only to the individual but also to their succeeding generations. As one of Ouyang Papa’s children, I have witnessed this truth in our own family. His kindness, sacrifice, and steadfast love shaped our lives and became a lasting source of blessing for those who came after him. I’m honored to share a little of his story.
A life of responsibility
Ouyang Papa was a traditional “Old Mainlander” — one of the soldiers born in China who came to Taiwan with the military troops, later settling down and retiring there.
Born in Changde County, Hunan Province, China, his parents, Ouyang Grandma and Grandpa, had joined the Northern Expedition under President Chiang Kai-shek. Tragically, Ouyang Grandpa was killed in battle. Heartbroken, Ouyang Grandma journeyed to Southeast Asia, leaving young Ouyang Papa to be raised by his great-grandmother.
In high school, Ouyang Papa studied business not because it was his passion, but because he worked as a personal tutor and companion to the child of a wealthy county magnate who was learning practical skills in commerce, accounting, and management. His responsibility was to help the young heir complete his studies successfully, and in return, Ouyang Papa’s living expenses were covered.
After graduating from vocational school, he joined the military and was admitted to the prestigious Whampoa Military Academy. As a young cadet, he held four life ambitions: “To roam the grand mountains and rivers, befriend heroes and warriors, meet graceful ladies, and savor the finest wine and tobacco.”
Even before graduating, Ouyang Papa joined the resistance during the Second Sino-Japanese War. After Japan’s defeat, he fought in the Battle for the Defense of Beijing, eventually retreating to Dachen Island before moving with his unit to Taiwan.
Though he always saw himself as a gentleman-soldier, life soon brought heavier responsibilities. After marrying Ouyang Mama, children came one after another — six in total! The modest salary of a military officer was no longer enough to support such a large family. Reluctantly, he set aside his dream of becoming a general, retired from active service, and took a qualifying exam to become a military training instructor, earning a second income to provide for his household.
Guiding with wisdom and kindness
His first post-retirement assignment was at the Second High School. There, the principal made a heartfelt plea. Although military instructors typically were not homeroom teachers, one class-a group of unruly “Mainlander” boys notorious for fights and disruptions — needed a steady hand. The principal hoped Ouyang Papa could serve as their mentor and restore order. He gladly accepted the challenge.
He treated the students like friends. Over time, the once wild and chaotic class transformed into a focused, college-bound group. As graduation approached, Ouyang Papa carefully assessed each student’s physique, intellect, and temperament, guiding them on whether to apply to the Naval, Air Force, or Army Academies. The students joked that he was like the Commander-in-Chief assigning their futures. Most followed his advice and went on to achieve great success in their military careers.
One Lunar New Year, these “mischievous” students came up with a sudden idea: to visit their beloved instructor and his wife. Knowing that Ouyang Mama would be visiting her family on the second day of the New Year, they planned their surprise visit for the third day.
On that day, nearly 20 young men rode bicycles in a grand procession from Kaohsiung to the Daliao military dependents’ village. Tired and hungry, they asked to stay for lunch. Ouyang Mama cheerfully agreed, quickly setting up two large tables in the living room and yard, and preparing a hearty feast. The house was filled with noise and laughter well into the afternoon. Ouyang Papa beamed with pride, saying these boys were like his own sons — close and openhearted.
Thus began a cherished tradition. For nearly 40 years, every Lunar New Year’s third day, students returned to their homes for a festive reunion. Two banquet tables, hours of preparation, and plenty of joyful exhaustion followed each visit. Though tiring, we children happily helped Mama with dishes, tea, and serving food, especially eager for the red envelopes we received!
Later, Ouyang Papa transferred to the Provincial Business High School, where female students also began to join the New Year’s visits. He then taught at the Provincial Industrial High School and Maritime College. Each year, different former students would come, with some returning faithfully — without fail — for four decades.
Most of the students who visited carried their own special stories of Ouyang Papa’s guidance. Sister Gu and Sister Xie, for example, were personally encouraged and coached by him to take the civil service exam, and they succeeded. With stable government jobs secured, they never forgot his kindness and support.
Brother Chen and Sister Lin met and married thanks to Ouyang Papa’s introduction. Even during their disagreements, they would turn to him for mediation. Then there was Brother Lin — hot-tempered and nearly expelled for fighting. It was Ouyang Papa who stood up for him, giving him the chance to finish school successfully.
One couple visited every year, bringing expensive mullet roe as a gift. The wife wasn’t even Ouyang Papa’s student. During her senior year of high school, her family faced severe financial hardship and couldn’t afford her tuition. Her classmates organized a small fundraiser, collecting coins to help. When Ouyang Papa heard about their efforts, he quietly went home and asked Ouyang Mama for the gold necklace she wore. Without hesitation, she took it off and gave it to him. When the classmates saw a gold necklace placed in the donation box alongside one-yuan and fifty-cent coins, they were stunned.
Because of that necklace, she was able to finish school and later married a good man. Every year after, the couple visited Ouyang Papa faithfully — continuing their tradition of gratitude — right up until his passing.
Kindness brings blessings
As the old saying goes, “The virtues accumulated by our ancestors become blessings for their descendants.” The kindness Ouyang Papa indeed sowed bore fruit in the lives of his family.
When I served in the military, regulations required that one be assigned to a non-combat post to apply for night school. By chance, I was transferred to the Engineering School as an instructor and was able to take the evening college entrance exam. However, before the results were released, I was ordered to transfer back to a warship, which meant I could no longer attend school.
Just then, the school principal handed me a travel voucher and urged me to go to Taipei immediately to plead my case. I rushed to headquarters and explained my situation to the personnel officer. To my surprise, the colonel looked at me and said, “Don’t you remember me? I was one of your father’s students. I visited your house every year on the third day of the New Year!” Thanks to that connection, I was able to fulfill my dream of attending night school.
Another stroke of fortune came with my younger brother. He graduated from Normal University and later earned a master’s degree from the National Defense Institute of Technology. After completing a Ph.D. in Optoelectronics at Central University, he taught at the military academy. However, because he didn’t graduate from the academy’s traditional military program, he wasn’t eligible for promotion to full professor — a rank typically capped at associate professor for those in his position.
Then, one day, unexpectedly, he was promoted to Colonel and full professor. Everyone was amazed. The two-star general who pinned the new rank on his shoulders smiled and said, “Don’t you remember me? I was one of your father’s students. I visited your house every year on the third day of the New Year!”
These moments of unexpected grace and support reflect the true power of the kindness and love Ouyang Papa planted throughout his life. His legacy wasn’t just in the lessons he taught or the sacrifices he made, but in the lasting bonds he forged — bonds that continue to bless our family and those around us. In honoring his story, we remember that good deeds ripple far beyond a single lifetime, bringing blessings to generations yet to come.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
