My dad turned 80 on Saturday, February 19th. We had a big family dinner for him at Dai Tung. 63 in attendance including Sam & Peter Kwauk from NYC, Greg & Elly Kwong & kids from Calgary, Auntie Mary from Calgary, and Cliff Tong from Los Altos CA. It was a great dinner and a great way to honour my dad. I read a funny joke by Brad Kwong. And Cliff spoke on behalf of Uncle Bill (who had to leave early). Dad seemed so happy and engaged in the moment.
The next morning, I asked him, "Dad, did you have fun last night?"
He replied, "YES!!!...What did I do?!!"
"We had your birthday dinner."
"OH??? Where did I go?"
Not sure if he was just playing with me or if he really didn't remember. But regardless of whether he remembered or not, he had a wonderful time that evening. And that's what life is all about...enjoying the moments, moment by moment.
About Me
- DD
- I was born & raised in Vancouver, BC but now live in suburban Kirkland, WA. I love adventure although I seem to be more cautious since having kids. Scuba diving, sky diving, two safaris in Africa, backpacking Europe, soul-searching in Israel, and the list goes on, have all been in my distant past. Now, my life is about family and raising my kids to love God, love people and serve the world. I have got one talented husband, one angel child, one spirited child, and a large, supportive extended family. Life is good.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
My friend, Vicki...
My friend, Vicki Hung, committed suicide on Friday, February 18th. We had exchanged over 15 emails just days prior to her taking her life. Her emails were desperate. She was in such turmoil. She talked about the end of life (I won't go into details...too painful). I feel sadness, anger, disbelief, and confusion. I wonder where it went wrong and what I could have done to stop her. I repeatedly use "why" and "if" in sentences in regards to her state of mind and actions. How terrible was the torment in her mind that eventually took over her state of being! Why would she see that there was no hope? Why would she think she was such a disappointment? How could she leave behind her 2 year old?
She had written that she probably never loved herself and that people rarely told her that they loved her. But she knew I had always cared about her and wanted to know the truth of her, even if it was ugly.
She had written that she probably never loved herself and that people rarely told her that they loved her. But she knew I had always cared about her and wanted to know the truth of her, even if it was ugly.
I loved and lost a great friend (who didn't think she was great or loved). She suffered from severe depression and the truth is I cannot understand her diseased mind or thoughts. She had a history of depression. No one could have stopped her; she had already chosen that path. She brought into this world a beautiful daughter only to leave her. That is tragic to me.
Although we had lost touch over the years, we bumped into each other at Oakridge Shopping Mall at Christmas time. We had an Orange Julius, and shared life. Then we reconnected on Facebook. She was always able to share hard things with me, and she continued to do so until the end. I am glad that we were able to tell each other "I love you". In that, I take comfort. (But it's still so incredibly painful.)
Dear Vicki,
I miss you. I wish you here. I wish we had another day together. I would tell you over and over again that you are loved so much, and that you are beautiful inside and out. I would tell you until you believed it. I would tell you that you are forgiven of whatever regret, shame and guilt that was burdening you. I wish I could have done more for you. But I understand that you needed to go, that you wanted freedom and peace. I hope you knew that you were a good enough friend to me. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I love you! Dee Dee
Although we had lost touch over the years, we bumped into each other at Oakridge Shopping Mall at Christmas time. We had an Orange Julius, and shared life. Then we reconnected on Facebook. She was always able to share hard things with me, and she continued to do so until the end. I am glad that we were able to tell each other "I love you". In that, I take comfort. (But it's still so incredibly painful.)
Dear Vicki,
I miss you. I wish you here. I wish we had another day together. I would tell you over and over again that you are loved so much, and that you are beautiful inside and out. I would tell you until you believed it. I would tell you that you are forgiven of whatever regret, shame and guilt that was burdening you. I wish I could have done more for you. But I understand that you needed to go, that you wanted freedom and peace. I hope you knew that you were a good enough friend to me. Thank you for sharing your life with me. I love you! Dee Dee
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)