My grandmother just passed away this past Friday and I would like to say a few words about her to remember her by. She was always a strong, determined woman, very much ahead of her time. She was an excellent gardener, a superb cook and a skilled knitter. As most people do, she has faults but she never stopped caring for her children's needs and wants.

These last few months before her passing away has been a difficult time for both my father, and our family. I believe that it was a growing experience with sadness and joy mixed all together. I am a changed person today because of it. In death it places all the necessary things into perspective. How do you want to go? How do you want to be remembered? Throughout our lives, we do things that we regret and do things that no one could ever know. But if we can look back at our lives and say, yes I have lived a good life, then true happiness can be found in the afterlife. Saying goodbye is not always easy to do, in fact it might be the hardest. While at times, my grandmother's death seemed like a burden to us, it was a cross that we had to bear and we dutifully accepted that. I am extremely proud of my father for the strength he has shown and continues to show during this rough time. He has endured what many never wish on anyone. He has shown endurance, fortitude, patience and most of all compassion.

Grandma, even though I didn't speak chinese that well, these past few months have shown me what a strong person you are to endure such pain and suffering. Please know that we all pray for you in heaven and watch over us keeping us safe until we see you again. We will truly miss you.

Love always,

Dennis