A search for solace that ends in tai chi
I was in Boston for a short trip and met up with my old friend Mary from Philadelphia, whom I haven't seen for a year. Over the weekend, she couldn't stop talking about tai chi.
I took my first English writing class from Mary 12 years ago. We have remained close friends ever since. She witnessed my various attempts to fit into American society, and I kept her company through her various heartbreaks. Still, her fascination with tai chi took me by surprise.
Mary grew up in the Midwest a pious and liberal Christian. After receiving her Ph.D in the humanities, she taught writing at university and was heavily involved in social work. Despite our great friendship, she would only smile politely each time I sent her books on Chinese history or invited her to visit China. What had suddenly drawn her to tai chi?
