Already in his seventies, Grandpa still has a dream. And he has turned it into a reality.

About two years ago, Grandpa decided to have a house built in our ancestral village, where he planned to spend his last years with Grandma. Constructing a house without the government’s permission is illegal. All the family were opposed to his idea, yet Grandpa set his heart upon pursuing his ambition.

When Grandpa said he was going to have his dream house, he meant business. To establish an eye-catching structure, he pleaded with his sons to teach him how to use phone apps like TikTok in order to learn about the job. On his phone, he searched for a building style he wanted. The project did not start until weeks after the idea germinated in his mind.

When Grandpa showed the blueprint to us, none of the family thought it could be executed completely by him single-handedly. Even though he would hire some workers for the construction, we still thought the entire thing would be too grand for someone in his seventies.

Grandpa spared no time and expense for his project. He even got a loan from his sons, promising them each a room once the house was completed.

Things were not going as smoothly as Grandpa had expected, though. Someone resentful in the home village reported Grandpa’s private developing project to the local government. Officials from the government office came and investigated before they gave Grandpa a serious warning. Thus, the project had to cease. Temporarily, though.

Almost at the same time, Grandpa was taken ill, either because he had tired himself too much or because the government order had hurt him. After Grandpa was hospitalised, we all thought his unrealistic project should not have started in the first place.

Two months later, Grandpa bounced back and was released from hospital. We predicted he would give up on his dream house. Contrary to our predictions, Grandpa started to visit the local government, applying earnestly for a formal nod of approval to complete his half-done house. With help from family and friends, he obtained the official papers from the authority at last.

Last month, the building of the dream house was brought to a finish. Following local custom, Grandpa hosted a housewarming party, inviting all family and friends over. The celebration lasted for two consecutive days. Smiles were all over Grandpa’s face at the gathering.

From the bottom of my heart, I truly admire Grandpa for not only owning a dream but also making it happen. As a teenager, I have no reason to do less.