上海的清晨

睽違近八年，今晨，我終於再次走在上海的街頭。

晨光從高樓之間緩緩落下，迎面的風，喚醒了心底久藏的記憶。眼前的上海，既熟悉，又陌生。我的腳步不由得慢了下來，想從沿途的街景裡，拾回那些錯過的時光。

近八年，寫在紙上不過幾個字，落在生命裡，卻是一段漫長的歲月。世界經歷了風雨，許多原以為隨時可以成行的相聚，一再延後。當年一句自然的「下次再見」，如今想來，竟如此珍貴。

從休斯敦來到上海，跨越的是海洋，牽動的卻是多年未曾淡去的情感。在美國生活、創業數十年，我總為明天奔忙，也總以為來日方長。直到重返這片土地，才更懂得珍惜眼前的相見。

年輕時出門，心裡裝的是前程；如今再度遠行，最惦記的卻是故人。那些曾經同桌談笑、共同奔走的朋友，如今可好？當年一起談過的夢，是否仍在心中？

多年從事新聞與國際交流，我愈來愈感到，再多螢幕上的問候，也比不上面對面喝一杯茶，聽彼此說說這些年的故事。我願繼續為休斯敦與上海搭起交流的橋梁，讓朋友更親近，讓合作有機會發生。

今晨，我不急著趕往下一個地方。只想慢慢走，看看這座久別的城市，也看看歲月之中的自己。

上海，久違了。謝謝你讓我循著記憶，找到回來的路。

願往後的相見，不必再等那麼久。

上海，早安。我回來了。

A Morning in Shanghai
By Wea H. Lee

After nearly eight years away, I finally walked the streets of Shanghai again this morning.

Sunlight slipped between the tall buildings, and the breeze stirred memories I had carried quietly for years. I slowed my steps, as though walking a little more slowly might help me recover some of the time I had missed.

Shanghai felt both familiar and new. As I searched the streets for traces of the city I remembered, I thought about my last departure. How many words had I left unsaid? How many friends had I expected to see again soon?

Nearly eight years take only a few words to describe, yet they hold so much of a life. The world has weathered upheaval. Travel stopped, reunions were postponed, and the casual promise of “See you next time” became something precious.

Only when my feet touched this ground again did I fully appreciate the good fortune of returning, the blessing of seeing old friends, and the quiet gift of walking a familiar road.

From Houston to Shanghai, I crossed an ocean and found myself close to memories that still move me deeply. After decades of living and building businesses in America, I have grown accustomed to working toward tomorrow. There is always another responsibility, another unfinished plan. I have too often assumed there would be plenty of time.

But time does not wait.

This morning, I wanted to pause—to watch the city awaken, to let memory meet the present, and to reflect on what the years have taken and what they have left behind.

When I traveled as a young man, my thoughts were filled with ambition and distant possibilities. Today, they turn first to old friends.

How are the people with whom I once shared meals, laughter, and dreams? How many of those dreams have come true? Some friends may have drifted away; some stories may now live only in memory. That makes every reunion more meaningful.

My return to Shanghai carries affection for this city, concern for old friends, and hope for the conversations still ahead.

Years in journalism and international exchange have taught me the value of meeting in person. Messages across an ocean cannot quite replace sitting together over tea and hearing someone tell the story of the years you spent apart.

Sometimes, the distance between friends begins to disappear as soon as they meet. A familiar voice, a shared memory, a moment of laughter—and the warmth returns.

I hope to keep making such meetings possible: helping friends in Houston and Shanghai know one another, opening doors for businesses, and encouraging younger people to cross the ocean and experience each other’s lives firsthand.

This morning, I was in no hurry to reach the next destination.

I wanted to walk slowly, feel the breeze, and give old memories time to return. Coming back to Shanghai also meant revisiting a part of my own life that I have never forgotten.

Shanghai, it has been far too long.

Thank you for letting me find my way back. Places stay with us because of the people we knew there, the dreams we shared, and the years we can never live again.

After nearly eight years, I greet you with a full heart.

May we no longer leave our reunions to some distant future. May the next farewell lead to a shorter wait.

Good morning, Shanghai.

I am back.