Heart-melting story: Four generations under one roof in Macao

The Reunion dinner and the wholesome family love

On a Friday at 7.30 p.m., everyone is ready, and dinner is served. With fried Chinese pomfret, steamed turbot with black bean sauce, steamed king prawn, salted egg custard on the table, no one can refuse such a delicious feast.

It was just a glimpse of Kok Oi's whole family. Every working day, Kok Oi's family members join her for dinner. Usually, there are about twelve people.

A family dinner at Kok Oi's apartment. /CGTN Photo

"We have four generations under one roof," said Kok Oi, the female host of the family. "On working days, my family will come to my apartment and have dinner together, including my son and daughters and their children. It is my family tradition now."

Kok Oi, a 62-year-old housewife, was born and raised in Macao. She has three children and four grandchildren as well as a 96-year old mother in law. 

Kok Oi's family members gathered to celebrate the nanny's 96th birthday. /Photo provided by Kok Oi

In September 2019, Kok and her family celebrated nanny's 96th birthday. "Altogether, I think there are about 90 people who came to this family gathering," said Kok.

The old days

However, back to the old times, being a housewife and supporting such a big family was not easy. Especially before Macao's return to China in 1999, housing prices and education is a high cost for her family.

In 1996, Kok Oi sent her daughter Lei Kit Man to Canada to study by chance; the spending on education is high. "I feel education is important, so I gave my full support for my children," said Kok Oi.

Kok Oi's elder daughter Lei Kit Man studied at the University of British Columbia. /Photo provided by Lei Kit Man

In 1999, the year when Macao returned to China, Kok Oi was busy taking care of her family. She had to pick her children up and, at the same time, helped out in the small shop that was run by her husband.

"I didn't think much about Macao's return to China at that moment," she said while smiling, "because I had to look after my children."

Making life different through volunteering

Things changed as Kok Oi's children grew up. Her elder daughter and son went abroad for education; her youngest daughter also went to school. She finally has the chance to enjoy some time of her own.

A volunteer award certificate of Kok Oi in 2004. /Photo provided by Kok Oi.

In 2004, five years after Macao's return to China, Kok Oi joined Macao Women Federation and started to do volunteer.

Kok enjoyed volunteering, for the past 20 years, she and her volunteer fellows have helped local seniors, participated in dancing and singing performances to celebrate Macao's return to China. Helping others makes me feel good, she added.

Happiness lies in contentment

Kok's family story may be ordinary in Macao, but there are extraordinary happiness lies behind. From the daily reunion dinner to an annual family gathering, the concept of family devotion is stronger than ever.

Family portrait of Kok Oi's family. /Photo provided by Kok Oi

A lot of changes have taken place in the past 20 years. All of Kok Oi's three children now have started their own families. "I feel happy for my children," said Kok Oi. They all found a good career, and they are quite successful. I think I have a cozy and loving family.

Ung Kai Him, the nine-year-old boy, one of Kok Oi's grandchildren, shared the same view. "I like Macao very much. I am really happy living here," said Ung.