Ming Pao English 明報英語 A21 , Learn English with Hong Kong Stories! :) 15-11-2016
Thank you Hong Kong Stories (香港故事)和 Tracy Ho ，成就了很多不凡的故事，妳才是真正的"無名英雄"
http://news.mingpao.com/…/art…/20161115/s00017/1479146729775
Ming Pao English 明報英語 x Hong Kong Stories by Tracy Ho :)
Learn English with Hong Kong Stories! :) 15-11-2016
Original text:
【明報專訊】My name is Jacky. I grew up in a broken family because my parents divorced when I was still a child. Back in the early nineties, my mother, little brother and I lived in a rowdy neighbourhood — Sham Shui Po. Oftentimes, I got bullied by children older than me and would return home to my bewildered mother in bruises and scratches.
I guess many would assume that kids from the ghetto often performed poorly at school. In my case, I can tell you that I got "0" points for my HKCEEs. I knew I was hopeless, so, soon after my graduation, I became a gambling addict. I loved all varieties of gambling: from horse racing, mahjong to football. Even after I had tied the knot, I still carried on with my wayward ways. In the end, I gambled all my money away. Creditors finally came knocking on my door and I did nothing but pray that they would go away.
Except more trouble came my way.
On one gloomy Sunday night, I returned home and found a handwritten letter by the rice cooker. My wife wrote: "I am unable to continue walking this road with you. Our son does not want a gambler as a father either. That is why we are leaving you."
I raced to the rooftop as quickly as my tired legs could carry me. I knew I had lost everything. My wife and son had left me. I was devastated and could not think straight.
I wanted to end my life right away.
But in only mere seconds — I did not know whether it was by fate or not — I heard a melodious tune played by the saxophone. I was mesmerised by the mellow timbre (音質) and notes that floated effortlessly above me. I immediately collected my thoughts and envisioned my grief-stricken mother. I knew that had I ended my life, she would be the one in the most pain. I then asked myself how I ended up here. Surely it was because I was greedy and that was why I was knee-deep in debt. I found my conscience at once. I made up my mind to press the "rewind" button and start all over again.
Like a brand new man, I quit gambling for good and focused on work with renewed energy. A song played by the saxophone saved my life. That was why I later mastered the saxophone and, with the support from friends, even opened a saxophone school.
I hope that those reading my story will never choose the path of no return because there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Those near and dear to you will always give you a helping hand, too. Also, never forget that every day is a brand new day!
Adapted from "Jacky's Hong Kong Story"
Hong Kong Stories Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/hongkongstories2015
■by Tracy Ho
