Gratitude Dinner with my Family Members

I've organised this dinner since few months ago but seems hard to gather 10 person to have a dinner together in one nite. Especially my parents - they're busy with their own daily routine and bro-in-law, back and forth from here to China.
Now I understood why we call it Family reunion for Chinese New Year.(well at least one part of it)

On 30/04/09 Thursday;
I was so frustrated and busy with what I've did for the whole week. I'm so numb cause I don't feel productive enough. Just not enough.

Yet I was expecting the dinner the whole day cause I had important things to tell my family members. When clock strikes 730pm, I knew I gotta leave the office.
No matter what I'm gonna make sure everyone arrive to the dinner. No one left behind.
I called sisters and mom while on my way to get the cake that I've bought that afternoon. It was a surprise for them. -.-' (Eventually, it turned out to Mother's Day cake) Explain later.

Tony, my youngest brother was still in Midvalley, waiting for Brit, my 3rd sis to fetch him as she was jamming around Jln. Klang Lama. Meanwhile, Apple, 2nd sis was on her way back from Sg. Besi, would sure reach later than us.

After a half an hour, Brit, Fai and Tony made it to the restaurant just as same time as me. Then mom & dad arrived, next were Ceci, Bro-in-law and my niece and nephew.
Apple still on her way with Chiat.

Supposingly we're here for Mother's Day dinner and as agreed among sisters, we make it for 2 purposes dinner - Mother's Day & Gratitude Dinner. I'll treat them 80% from the bill. We have chats and enjoy the food. After we had our desserts, I stood up and said 'I have things to tell you'.

Tony makes joke with 'You're getting married?' HAHAHAHAHAHA (there goes the laughters) I calm them and there started my story.

I started from 2005 - when I had struggles to persuade my parents to let me step into animation world, when I'm still not persuasive and stubborn, not understanding.
until what I've learnt in 95% The Advertising Academy. I told them, what I've learnt in 10 times bigger than RM 15k fee. I put the story of CC+J Adhaus's team members into closing as well as the tea leaves story and Light of Candle in me in the end.

I knew my family members were not a good listeners. But as I spoke for almost 15 mins, they tried to listen and feel me. That's the most wonderful thing I've ever experienced. It's more than enough for me, at least they feel my sincerity.

I could feel my parents started to look into me confidently. Like they understand why am I telling this long story. I'm happy and relief. As I said 'That's all' (as usual) My dad teased me 'Ha? I thought you gonna say you're giving us money.' and there goes HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA. Whatever...at least they enjoy the dinner and jokes in the middle of my speech.

Now my goal for my family is the help my siblings, as they have 'opened' my eyes with their past mistakes and experiences. I do want to inspire them with my vision and belief. I care for them as much as they care for me. It's just we never do it obviously, that's our culture. HaHaHa.

I believe I could inspire them to a much much better life that they've always wanted.

Junnie. Love you always!