I want to share my memories of Michael Tang today. I consider myself an “honorary Tang” and I cared for Ivy and Michael so much. I first met them when I moved into my dorm room at Occidental College. They were moving in their daughter, Michelle Tang who would turn out to be my college roommate for the next four years and one of my best lifetime friends.
The initial interaction was interesting as they were there early getting Michelle moved in (they had already picked her side of the room, her closet, bed, and desk). I know they were not quite sure what to make of me. This American girl who would be their daughter’s roommate. However, Mr. Tang was already smiling, pleasant, and helpful at the start. Michelle and her mom were more unsure. It was an awkward beginning… However, by the first evening Michelle and I started talking and laughing and bonded right away and we never stopped laughing, talking, and bonding since that first day.
I would love when Mr. and Mrs. Tang would come visit us as we would go to lovely dinners and just talk. They both loved Michelle so much and of course always talked about Grace as well. Mr. Tang would always tell such interesting stories and he was so smart and funny! They accepted me and called me an “honorary Tang” and we would always say that I must be at least a quarter Chinese from one of my ancestors
They made an effort to meet my Grandmother and keep in touch and were so gracious with her. We had a wonderful time on Graduation day!
One of my favorite memories of Mr. Tang and his wife was when I flew to Vancouver for Michelle’s wedding. To this day, it is still one of the best weddings ever. Mr. Tang took care of me the whole time and made sure I had everything I needed. He gave one of the greatest speeches at Michelle’s wedding and was so happy that his daughter was marrying such a wonderful man, Elio.
The Tangs made me feel loved and included and that’s a lifetime gift. And I loved them back.
I am so incredibly sad today because of the loss of Mr. Tang in all our lives. He was a supportive and loving father to Michelle and Grace and very proud of them. I know he is in a better place with his wife Ivy and taking care of his daughters from above.
Mr. Tang, I wish I could have seen you one more time and I hope that you know how much I appreciated and adored both you and your wife. I will always be here for Michelle whenever she needs me.
Love your honorary Tang family member,
Jackie "Tang" Lewis