Thanks to the nation's 'ordinary'folk

Remarkable people are often unknown.

During my 20 years in China, I have known many ordinary Chinese who were actually exceptional. As the second Monday of October is Thanksgiving in my native country, Canada, I take this special occasion to commemorate some of those who brought me light along my way.

In 1989, I fell seriously ill in Beijing and was brought unconscious to my dormitory. A teacher bought some medicine, explained how to take it, and cycled home in a hurry. Twenty minutes later, he came back and begged me not to tell anyone that he had forgotten to give me the change: 3 mao (4 cents). I knew he was sincere, I would surely not sully his reputation.