The first Sunday of September in Australia is a special day when Australians show love and appreciation for their fathers. For siblings Cathy and Allen Wang, this day holds a different meaning. After being apart for eight years, they reunited in Sydney, but they are no longer able to wish their father Wang Xiaoshen a happy Father’s Day. Mr. Wang was a beloved English teacher at Shandong Vocational College of Information Technology. One of his students shared how Mr. Wang’s guidance helped him become a dedicated student. He described his father as a knowledgeable and caring individual who could answer any question. Unfortunately, due to the Chinese Communist Party’s campaign to eradicate Falun Gong, Mr. Wang was imprisoned for over ten years for refusing to give up his faith.
During his imprisonment, Mr. Wang faced numerous tortures and hardships. His weight dropped significantly, and he endured cold water being poured on his head and sleep deprivation. Despite these circumstances, he remained strong and committed, even after his release from prison. When assigned to guard the front door and clean the dormitory, he still took his responsibilities seriously. The ongoing persecution left the Wang family struggling financially, with the siblings’ mother working extra hours to support their education.
In 2015, Mr. Wang passed away after enduring more than a decade of imprisonment. The news was devastating for his daughter Cathy, who had just arrived in the United States to study. She felt overwhelmed with grief and found it difficult to cope. However, she eventually found solace in the teachings of Falun Gong, which provided her with comfort and helped calm her mind. Allen, who was still studying in China at the time, received the news and returned home to find his mother distraught. The presence of his mother triggered his emotions, and he couldn’t hold back his tears.
Despite the pain and suffering caused by the persecution, the siblings still cherish the memories they shared with their father. Allen remembers his father’s selflessness and dedication to both his family and his students. He learned valuable life lessons from his father, including responsibility, commitment, and the importance of never giving up. He believes that his father’s love was like water, constantly nourishing those around him without seeking fame or fortune.
Cathy’s experiences during her childhood left her with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). She would constantly worry if her family didn’t answer the phone. However, since moving to the United States, she has felt more secure and safe. With her green card in hand, she recently visited Australia with her husband to reunite with her brother after eight years apart. The reunion brought her immense joy, and she is grateful for the opportunity to spend time with her brother and his happy family. Cathy has come to realize that her parents were true heroes who fought for justice and their faith, and she couldn’t be prouder of them.