上海的清晨

睽违近八年，今晨，我终於再次走在上海的街头。

晨光从高楼之间缓缓落下，迎面的风，唤醒了心底久藏的记忆。眼前的上海，既熟悉，又陌生。我的脚步不由得慢了下来，想从沿途的街景裡，拾回那些错过的时光。

近八年，写在纸上不过几个字，落在生命裡，却是一段漫长的岁月。世界经歷了风雨，许多原以為随时可以成行的相聚，一再延后。当年一句自然的「下次再见」，如今想来，竟如此珍贵。

从休斯敦来到上海，跨越的是海洋，牵动的却是多年未曾淡去的情感。在美国生活、创业数十年，我总為明天奔忙，也总以為来日方长。直到重返这片土地，才更懂得珍惜眼前的相见。

年轻时出门，心裡装的是前程；如今再度远行，最惦记的却是故人。那些曾经同桌谈笑、共同奔走的朋友，如今可好？当年一起谈过的梦，是否仍在心中？

多年从事新闻与国际交流，我愈来愈感到，再多萤幕上的问候，也比不上面对面喝一杯茶，听彼此说说这些年的故事。我愿继续為休斯敦与上海搭起交流的桥梁，让朋友更亲近，让合作有机会发生。

今晨，我不急着赶往下一个地方。只想慢慢走，看看这座久别的城市，也看看岁月之中的自己。

上海，久违了。谢谢你让我循着记忆，找到回来的路。

愿往后的相见，不必再等那麼久。

上海，早安。我回来了。

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.