Last month, I went to San Diego twice. And visited the UCSD hospital lobby ten times. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see you, due to the Covid-19 regulation. After you passed away, your body was transferred to El Camino Memorial. I visited the memorial twice to help planning for the funeral. But I didn't get to see you. Once again, I am not seeing you today. The Visitation service is happening at the sunny San Diego. I am writing to you from the rainy Seattle. Still, I want to say Goodbye. Goodbye in Chinese is 再见. 再见 means see-again. Indeed, I'll see you again, if I go to heaven. In heaven, I'll see you with your beloved husband, David. And with the pupils of your eyes, Apollo and Athena.
You know your husband for more than ten years. I know my brother for more than forty years. But you must know David better than I do. You saw him every day since you were diagnosed with cancer, trying everything under the sun. You felt him every hour since the cancer spread, by your side 寝食难安. Rest in peace, Sophie, David will remain as a loving, humble and brave man.
Apollo and Athena are in good hands. You bought lovely necklaces for them, wrote them heartfelt letters in your last days on earth. While you were in hospital, two dozen local families helped the kids in person. They received over a hundred loving and care messages from friends all over. Specifically, more than twenty books written for young kids who lost their moms. And that's the only subset I am aware of. Rest in peace, Sophie, Apollo and Athena will grow up with love and strength.
Your parents are also being supported by many good samaritans. One said "care for other's elder as my own". David and kids will spend the Chinese New Year with them together soon. Rest in peace, Sophie, your parents will be cared for.
Today more than 41 local families are visiting you in person to say Goodbye. Lots of friends will say Goodbye to you virtually, due to the pandemic. I wish I had seen you before you went to heaven. Though this is a goodbye, I am sure I will see you again.