September 22, 1998 when my belov ed wife pass ed away after a prolong ed illness, I return ed to my job at the new car agency until May 1999 when I retir ed .   I was mentally exhaust ed and had no idea what to do with the rest of my life The monotony of work was not fulfilling, the challenge was gone The work I enjoy ed was no longer encouraging me to get up in the morning. Was it the depression I felt after my loss?  I knew I ne ed ed a change. I had been working for 60 years, it was enough.  I was 78 years old and felt physically healthy.

     I had been studying Tai-Chi for a year and was intrigu ed by the benefits deriv ed and want ed to know the history of such a wonderful exercise.  In 2001 I went to China as a tourist for a 3 week tour. I want ed to know China better and to learn more of China where Tai ori gina t ed .  I began to read about Chinese culture and history using the internet.  This l ed me to schools teaching English as a foreign language and the ne ed for teachers in China .  This was an excellent way to learn about the people and contribute something of my knowl ed ge to others.  I thought, "I could do this".

The decision was made.  I found a school in Zhuhai in the southern part of China where pollution was light, the weather similar to my home in Vero Beach , Florida and the owner of the school was an unbias ed , kind person. I appli ed to the school, Gateway Language Village , and after a telephone interview was accept ed .  Very few schools want ed a person of my age. I was excit ed , someone could see that my experience would be of benefit to the students of this school.

August 25, 2002 I arriv ed in Zhuhai and began what was to become one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  Adjusting to the different culture and customs of a world apart was both challenging and enlightening. Helping the wonderful, respectful and eager students learn the English language was most rewarding.  I serv ed a probationary three months, went back to the USA and was ask ed to return as a full time teacher when I was able. I did return shortly thereafter, then had to leave after two months as SARS became a scare for my three daughters. They were concern ed that I might be in harms way. They ask ed me to return home.  I came back to China after the SARS epidemic was under control, planning to stay at least a year.