Yup... you guessed it! I'm sick again! Well, back in WA, I was sneezing like crazy and my nose was starting to do the usual running man. As of yesterday (my first day back in CA), I was officially sick. Its gross. I slept with tissue up my nose just so it wouldn't run all over my pillow (I know you're picturing it now) and slept with my mouth open the whole time... which led to thirst. LOL! So... kept on waking up in the middle of the night.
When we find/buy a house, we are definitely going to need something with parking. This whole driving around the block just to find parking thing is NOT okay. I'm blessed to live by the beach and downtown, but I also don't want my Husband to sit in the car in the cold waiting for someone to move their car just so he can park. We've been here for 3 months now and have gotten at least 5 parking tickets. NOT okay.
Last night, Sam's coworker Ozzie made me realize that we've been married for four months now. Holy cow... thats a third of a year! Amazing! Time reall flies, dude. Even so, I'm falling more and more in love with my Husband. :) And I'm not only saying this because he brought me on a late date after Mai Tai to Guppy Teahouse in Cerritos for my brick toast either! LOL... !!!
Our turkey palooza is coming up... I'm so excited to grub. Num num num num nummmmmm!!!!
Oh... and I got my check from my commercial! YESSS... time to treat myself and the Hubby to something nice. FINALLY. :)
November 12, 2009
November 10, 2009
To friend, or not to friend??
We meet so many different people in our lives. Some we love, and some we hate. Some we respect, and some we despise. Some stay in our lives longer than most, and some just walk on by. Each person was brought into our lives for a reason... either the reason is to teach us a lesson or was just to fill up empty spaces, there was a reason.
I will admit, I am often foolish and naive and quick to befriend anyone and everyone. My problem is that I trust people too easily and can tell one my life story only thirty short minutes after meeting them. This, I've got to stop.
I consider many people my friends... but I think that I need to reevaluate and differentiate friends from acquaintances. I am finally starting to realize and sense who are true to me and who care about me... and slowly able to point out who is fake to me or who is only there in my life for their own selfish reasons. They were brought into my life for a reason as well... and that reason is that they were here to teach me a lesson. I may be fooled and you might still fool me now, but I will catch on... no doubt.
When it comes to people, I can be on two opposite ends of the spectrum. I can be very nice to you beyond belief (yet genuinely), or I can be a total bitch (and witch) that you probably wish you never crossed paths with. If I truly care about you though, its hard for me to be confrontational or try to upset you... no matter how many times you've screwed me over. This is not a good thing and I am trying to change it immediately. If I never gave a damn about you to begin with, its easy to turn my witch mode on. I don't recommend.
I like friends who enjoy good company and good conversations. If all you want to do is party it up and really don't give a damn about me, then you're not my friend.
If you truly cared about me, then showing that you do wouldn't be like twisting your arm. If I knew that one of my friends was going through hard times, then there is no doubt that I would show you that I am concerned. I know that there are some that I considered "friends" who read my blog religiously (you know who you are), but even seeing that when I go through some things that I do, a mere 5 second text is too much to ask from them. Its sad. If I know that you read your emails 24/7 but it takes you a week to respond to an email letting you know what's going on with me, then obviously I am not of importance and its best to stop faking the funk. If you respond to emails about going out immediately, I don't see how/why it would take you a week to respond to a message letting you know what's going on with me. All it took was a click on REPLY and typing a couple of words like, "I'm sorry to hear" or "hope things get better" or "take care". I am not being needy... but really, that's all it took. It would be one thing if you rarely check your email, but I know for a damn fact that your email is at your fingertips. Good luck when it comes to your time when things aren't so pretty. Maybe then you will realize that hearing from a friend that he/she cares during those hard times really makes a difference in how you feel. Again, good luck.
I talked to a friend who recently went through hard times about this issue and she and I feel the same way. Its during those hard times when you realize who your true friends are and who are there for you. Sad, but so true.
Oh... and with FB nowadays, it couldn't be easier. You see people's updates all the time and you manage to respond to the happy go lucky statuses but during the sad ones where it really matters, its too hard to make a 5 second response, right? Ha! That's funny. I know its lame how I am bringing FB statuses up and it sounds immature, right? But... am I wrong? You can respond to me talking about having a great time somewhere, but its too much to ask to show some concern, isn't it? (sarcasm)
Its sad that people you feel distant from or people you didn't consider close friends have the time and willingness to take initiative and show their concern and that they care... but those whom I considered close, don't. Sad.
If you have no time for me, what makes you think that I should cater to your schedule and your needs? Friendship is a two way street and I will meet you halfway. I'm done walking the whole road alone.
Stop with the comparing and competing. Friends need to be supportive of each other, not secretly wonder and wish for their "friend" to fail to make themselves look better. I thought this only happens amongst the old fogies, but I guess I was wrong. Its rather amusing to see, actually. I sit here and think, "are you freakin' kidding me?".
Oh. And please don't only come to me when you have drama. I've retired my old dramatic ways and have stepped off the drama queen's throne. I've realized that a lot of my drama wasn't mine to begin with, but I was only trying to defend my friends and help with their battles. I guess I was seen as the confrontational one who would stand up for my friends... even without hearing all sides of the story. Silly me. I really hope I have grown out of this. Pray for me.
I may seem like I don't know what's going on, but I do. I chose not to confront you because I cared about you and saw you as a true "friend". Silly me... you tricked me! I am writing this now because I feel like writing and I have some time to kill before I land.
If I struck any cords, then its safe to assume this was towards you. If you don't understand and are confused, just ask. Knowing some patterns, you will probably bring this up to other friends, and that's fine. If I struck their cords too, then assume they should do as well. I doubt you'd ask me yourself. Rather, you'd try to recruit and get a number of people to back you up because you usually don't fight your own battles. That's fine.
Come one, come all.
Okay... about to land and I need to shut off my phone. Darn! I had more to say too... but toodle loo!
NOTE: Not intended towards anyone in particular... but if the shoe fits, wear it. :)
I will admit, I am often foolish and naive and quick to befriend anyone and everyone. My problem is that I trust people too easily and can tell one my life story only thirty short minutes after meeting them. This, I've got to stop.
I consider many people my friends... but I think that I need to reevaluate and differentiate friends from acquaintances. I am finally starting to realize and sense who are true to me and who care about me... and slowly able to point out who is fake to me or who is only there in my life for their own selfish reasons. They were brought into my life for a reason as well... and that reason is that they were here to teach me a lesson. I may be fooled and you might still fool me now, but I will catch on... no doubt.
When it comes to people, I can be on two opposite ends of the spectrum. I can be very nice to you beyond belief (yet genuinely), or I can be a total bitch (and witch) that you probably wish you never crossed paths with. If I truly care about you though, its hard for me to be confrontational or try to upset you... no matter how many times you've screwed me over. This is not a good thing and I am trying to change it immediately. If I never gave a damn about you to begin with, its easy to turn my witch mode on. I don't recommend.
I like friends who enjoy good company and good conversations. If all you want to do is party it up and really don't give a damn about me, then you're not my friend.
If you truly cared about me, then showing that you do wouldn't be like twisting your arm. If I knew that one of my friends was going through hard times, then there is no doubt that I would show you that I am concerned. I know that there are some that I considered "friends" who read my blog religiously (you know who you are), but even seeing that when I go through some things that I do, a mere 5 second text is too much to ask from them. Its sad. If I know that you read your emails 24/7 but it takes you a week to respond to an email letting you know what's going on with me, then obviously I am not of importance and its best to stop faking the funk. If you respond to emails about going out immediately, I don't see how/why it would take you a week to respond to a message letting you know what's going on with me. All it took was a click on REPLY and typing a couple of words like, "I'm sorry to hear" or "hope things get better" or "take care". I am not being needy... but really, that's all it took. It would be one thing if you rarely check your email, but I know for a damn fact that your email is at your fingertips. Good luck when it comes to your time when things aren't so pretty. Maybe then you will realize that hearing from a friend that he/she cares during those hard times really makes a difference in how you feel. Again, good luck.
I talked to a friend who recently went through hard times about this issue and she and I feel the same way. Its during those hard times when you realize who your true friends are and who are there for you. Sad, but so true.
Oh... and with FB nowadays, it couldn't be easier. You see people's updates all the time and you manage to respond to the happy go lucky statuses but during the sad ones where it really matters, its too hard to make a 5 second response, right? Ha! That's funny. I know its lame how I am bringing FB statuses up and it sounds immature, right? But... am I wrong? You can respond to me talking about having a great time somewhere, but its too much to ask to show some concern, isn't it? (sarcasm)
Its sad that people you feel distant from or people you didn't consider close friends have the time and willingness to take initiative and show their concern and that they care... but those whom I considered close, don't. Sad.
If you have no time for me, what makes you think that I should cater to your schedule and your needs? Friendship is a two way street and I will meet you halfway. I'm done walking the whole road alone.
Stop with the comparing and competing. Friends need to be supportive of each other, not secretly wonder and wish for their "friend" to fail to make themselves look better. I thought this only happens amongst the old fogies, but I guess I was wrong. Its rather amusing to see, actually. I sit here and think, "are you freakin' kidding me?".
Oh. And please don't only come to me when you have drama. I've retired my old dramatic ways and have stepped off the drama queen's throne. I've realized that a lot of my drama wasn't mine to begin with, but I was only trying to defend my friends and help with their battles. I guess I was seen as the confrontational one who would stand up for my friends... even without hearing all sides of the story. Silly me. I really hope I have grown out of this. Pray for me.
I may seem like I don't know what's going on, but I do. I chose not to confront you because I cared about you and saw you as a true "friend". Silly me... you tricked me! I am writing this now because I feel like writing and I have some time to kill before I land.
If I struck any cords, then its safe to assume this was towards you. If you don't understand and are confused, just ask. Knowing some patterns, you will probably bring this up to other friends, and that's fine. If I struck their cords too, then assume they should do as well. I doubt you'd ask me yourself. Rather, you'd try to recruit and get a number of people to back you up because you usually don't fight your own battles. That's fine.
Come one, come all.
Okay... about to land and I need to shut off my phone. Darn! I had more to say too... but toodle loo!
NOTE: Not intended towards anyone in particular... but if the shoe fits, wear it. :)
Family Reunion
My Family reunion this past weekend was amazing! It wasn't a very typical reunion, but it was a great one indeed. The Long side (my Dad's side... Long is my Dad's last name, so my name is supposed to be Thyda Long, but we used my Dad's first name rather than his last for our last name to hide that we are of Chinese descent during the Khmer Rouge) of the family decided that we need a family reunion. My oldest cousin is in her early 40's, and I am one of the youngest cousins... so we have a huge age gap. Even so, we were able to gather nearly the entire family together to honor our Parents for the lives that they have given us.
It was a two day ceremony that was held at the temple where our Family took a huge part in developing and expanding. My late Uncle was actually the President of the temple before he passed away in March and my late Grandmother was one of the original founders back in the 80's. My late Uncle who passed away just yesterday was one of the main leaders of the temple... he led the ceremonies and such there when he was still able to. As you can see, the Family is a big part of the temple and the temple is a big part of our Family.
I was surprised to see so much more than just our family at the ceremonies, but I guess it should have been expected. It goes to show that our family is respected by many since the event was to honor our family. It was a nice feeling.
It was us, the kids, who made the event possible. We made sure that the wonderful Parents that we were honoring did not do any work and we took care of everything. I did not realize how much it cost to hold one of these ceremonies, especially one as big as ours... but it was worth every single penny. :)
We had a gift giving ceremony for our Parents... which was very nice. We had family blessings (of course). We also shared the history/story of our family. I was surprised at how many people were attentive and cared to listen, but again, I was flattered. We honored each family and recognized each family member. We were also given opportunities to speak and express our feelings towards the family. I am glad that each Parent spoke and each speech was so heartwarming. I couldn't help but cry during the speeches and when it was my turn to speak, I couldn't do it because I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop thinking about my Uncles... one who passed away earlier in the year and one who was at the time, sick and in the hospital. I was terribly sad that they both were not able to join us during such a joyful and emotional time. I couldn't help but miss them. I now regret not speaking because I don't know when I will ever get an opportunity like that again. :( I am on the plane writing this on my blackberry and can't seem to stop crying still.
This had been a rough year for our Family. We have lost two great leaders that will always remain in our hearts, but not by our sides. I wish that they would be able to join us for just one more day... but they can't.
I am very thankful for my Family and I could never say this enough... but I have the best family in the world. After going through these rough times together, I feel that we grew a stronger bond and appreciation for one another. Family will always always be number one to me... blood runs thick.
Family, I love you all so much and there are not enough words I can blog to express how much I truly love, appreciate, and respect each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of who I am now, and forever.
It was a two day ceremony that was held at the temple where our Family took a huge part in developing and expanding. My late Uncle was actually the President of the temple before he passed away in March and my late Grandmother was one of the original founders back in the 80's. My late Uncle who passed away just yesterday was one of the main leaders of the temple... he led the ceremonies and such there when he was still able to. As you can see, the Family is a big part of the temple and the temple is a big part of our Family.
I was surprised to see so much more than just our family at the ceremonies, but I guess it should have been expected. It goes to show that our family is respected by many since the event was to honor our family. It was a nice feeling.
It was us, the kids, who made the event possible. We made sure that the wonderful Parents that we were honoring did not do any work and we took care of everything. I did not realize how much it cost to hold one of these ceremonies, especially one as big as ours... but it was worth every single penny. :)
We had a gift giving ceremony for our Parents... which was very nice. We had family blessings (of course). We also shared the history/story of our family. I was surprised at how many people were attentive and cared to listen, but again, I was flattered. We honored each family and recognized each family member. We were also given opportunities to speak and express our feelings towards the family. I am glad that each Parent spoke and each speech was so heartwarming. I couldn't help but cry during the speeches and when it was my turn to speak, I couldn't do it because I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't stop thinking about my Uncles... one who passed away earlier in the year and one who was at the time, sick and in the hospital. I was terribly sad that they both were not able to join us during such a joyful and emotional time. I couldn't help but miss them. I now regret not speaking because I don't know when I will ever get an opportunity like that again. :( I am on the plane writing this on my blackberry and can't seem to stop crying still.
This had been a rough year for our Family. We have lost two great leaders that will always remain in our hearts, but not by our sides. I wish that they would be able to join us for just one more day... but they can't.
I am very thankful for my Family and I could never say this enough... but I have the best family in the world. After going through these rough times together, I feel that we grew a stronger bond and appreciation for one another. Family will always always be number one to me... blood runs thick.
Family, I love you all so much and there are not enough words I can blog to express how much I truly love, appreciate, and respect each and every one of you. Thank you for being a part of who I am now, and forever.
Another Angel watching over us...
Yesterday, my Uncle left the ones who loved and respected him here on Earth to join the other angels who are watching us from above. He was a great man who managed to still make us all smile and laugh hysterically to his last breath. I will never forget the many memories that we have shared.
I arrived here in WA on Thursday and some time around 3am when I couldn't fall asleep, I was on FB and noticed my niece (my oldest cousin's daughter who is my age) updating her FB with, "how can we have a family reunion without my grandpa? i hope he gets better soon". At this point, my heart dropped and wondered what was wrong with my Uncle. I texted her and knew that it was very late in the night and didn't want to wake my Parents up to inform them. That morning around 8am, she responded to me and told me that he was admitted into the ER. Having been at the hospital so much this past year, I knew that it was urgent and just knew that I had to be there. My Parents dropped everything they were doing and luckily, my Sister had just gotten back into town as well and we made our way to the UW Medical Center, which is nearly an hour away. We stopped to pick up my Aunt (his wife, who is my Dad's oldest sister) and my other Aunt who just flew in from Ohio (my Dad's younger sister). We finally made it to the hospital and there was my poor Uncle laying in his bed... in pain from the cancer that he was recently diagnosed with. He also suffered some short term memory loss... what they suspected to be alzheimer's disease... but I don't like to call it that. He saw me and asked me when I came back from California and I told him just yesterday. He asked me why... and I told him that I was there to visit him and there for the family reunion. He asked me why and whats wrong with him. He later told me that he was not going to get better and this was it. Those who know me know that my tears are easy and I had to excuse myself and not let him see me cry. My poor Aunt... she was so strong and tried to hold in her emotions. I later gave her a hug and told her that its okay... and that was when she let herself go and didn't hold back her tears. My heart still breaks reliving the moment and remembering how strong she tried to be for him.
We hung out with him for another 3 or 4 more hours, fed him... though it was hard for him to swallow and he was in pain. It was hard to see him suffer like that and I only wished I could be the one to suffer... not him. He was getting tired and we knew he needed his rest and he couldn't rest with us being there. As we were leaving, my Aunt didn't want to leave him and it was obvious that he didn't want her to leave. Oh... he went on and was being the comedian that he was and was going to tell us a story of him and my Aunt. He stopped himself and said, "no... its embarrassing... I'm not saying it" (in Khmer, of course). I tried to brive him with 5 b ucks and he said that thats too little... he wouldn't say anything for less than 20! HAHA... so my Dad whips out 20 bucks and my Uncle just laughed. I will never forget that laugh. Then I said that I was going to sing him a lullaby so that he would sleep... and I did and so did my Aunt from Ohio... but then he laughed and said that he will only fall asleep if his Wife sang the lullaby to him! Awwww! That was so sweet and my Aunt got shy and blushed... imagine a nearly 80 year old woman blushing! We all laughed at how cute they were. So... my Aunt insisted on staying and of course, we understood and were fine with that. His youngest son and she stayed with him (btw... my cousin, who is his youngest son had been there with him all along). Before we left, I hugged him and told him that I loved him. I asked him to tell me that he loved me too, and he said that he can't. I was like... "WHAT? WHY NOT? YOU HAVE TO!!!!" Then my Aunt and my Mom told him that I'm like a little kid, all he has to say is, "I LOVE YOU" and I'd be happy. So... he said, "I lub you" to me! That made my day!
Our family reunion ceremony on Saturday and Sunday weren't the same without him. After the ceremony on Sunday, my Sister and Sam went to go pack their things and we went to go visit him at the hospital before their departure. My Aunt came with us, of course. He was weaker and in more pain by this time, but he still tried to talk to us as much as he can. He made us all laugh so much! He really does say the darnest things and even Sam said, "I didn't realize he was so funny!". He gave Sam and I our blessings and after feeding him some soup, he started to apologize to me. :( My Uncle is a very respected man in the Cambodian community and was what we called "Ahja"... who is, from what I know, the master of ceremony for all types of ceremonies including weddings. He was asked to be the Ahja for my wedding, but with his age and memory loss, he declined because he thought he wouldn't be able to fulfill the job... which is understandable. He apologized to me because he wasn't able to be the Ahja for us, but there was no reason for an apology. I told him that I was just glad that he was there and was by my side through it. He kept apologizing, and this really made me sad. Its amazing how he has memory loss but remembered everything from my wedding... he even went on and talked about where everyone was sitting and eating. It goes to show that this was something that had been bothering him since and has been on his mind.
After a couple more hours of sharing stories and laughs with him, our other relatives showed up after the ceremony and it was our time to leave for the airport. He gave Sam and I our blessings once again and I gave him a hug and told him that I was going to come see him again tomorrow morning and my Parents were coming with me. He asked me where we were meeting and I told him either there at the hospital or he gets better and we'd see him at home.
I finally checked my voicemail later that evening and there was a voicemail from his doctor telling me that he was doing okay and his condition was stable at the moment. I wondered why and how my phone number got on the white board at the hospital, but I guess my Aunt (his Wife) gave them my number rather than all 5 of his older children because they had both loved and trusted my Sister and I and knew that we were attentive. I was flattered, yet so shocked. I didn't know when the message was left since I hadn't checked my voicemail in days, but assumed that it was old.
Yesterday morning, as we were getting ready to leave to go see him, we got a phone call telling us that he had just passed away. My heart shattered and I couldn't believe that I didn't make it to see him as I had promised. WHY did I wait so long? All I wanted was to see him smile one last time and to give him another hug and tell him that I loved him and hopefully get another "I lub you" from him. He was with his son, Bong Sarim, at the time and he had just finished giving him a back massage and had just laid him back down in bed. He asked if my Uncle felt better and he said he felt a lot better and wasn't in pain. While he was sleeping, about 5 minutes later, he passed away. All I can be thankful for now is knowing that he went peacefully and painless. Best of all, he got to see all of his family before he passed because everyone was there for the reunion as well. He was a great Man and I know that he is in a better place. He lived a long life of 82 years... we all wish it could have been longer.
Oum, may your soul rest in peace. You know that we all love you and miss you so much. Your smile, laugh, and memories of you will always live on in our hearts and your legacy will continue for many generations to come.
I arrived here in WA on Thursday and some time around 3am when I couldn't fall asleep, I was on FB and noticed my niece (my oldest cousin's daughter who is my age) updating her FB with, "how can we have a family reunion without my grandpa? i hope he gets better soon". At this point, my heart dropped and wondered what was wrong with my Uncle. I texted her and knew that it was very late in the night and didn't want to wake my Parents up to inform them. That morning around 8am, she responded to me and told me that he was admitted into the ER. Having been at the hospital so much this past year, I knew that it was urgent and just knew that I had to be there. My Parents dropped everything they were doing and luckily, my Sister had just gotten back into town as well and we made our way to the UW Medical Center, which is nearly an hour away. We stopped to pick up my Aunt (his wife, who is my Dad's oldest sister) and my other Aunt who just flew in from Ohio (my Dad's younger sister). We finally made it to the hospital and there was my poor Uncle laying in his bed... in pain from the cancer that he was recently diagnosed with. He also suffered some short term memory loss... what they suspected to be alzheimer's disease... but I don't like to call it that. He saw me and asked me when I came back from California and I told him just yesterday. He asked me why... and I told him that I was there to visit him and there for the family reunion. He asked me why and whats wrong with him. He later told me that he was not going to get better and this was it. Those who know me know that my tears are easy and I had to excuse myself and not let him see me cry. My poor Aunt... she was so strong and tried to hold in her emotions. I later gave her a hug and told her that its okay... and that was when she let herself go and didn't hold back her tears. My heart still breaks reliving the moment and remembering how strong she tried to be for him.
We hung out with him for another 3 or 4 more hours, fed him... though it was hard for him to swallow and he was in pain. It was hard to see him suffer like that and I only wished I could be the one to suffer... not him. He was getting tired and we knew he needed his rest and he couldn't rest with us being there. As we were leaving, my Aunt didn't want to leave him and it was obvious that he didn't want her to leave. Oh... he went on and was being the comedian that he was and was going to tell us a story of him and my Aunt. He stopped himself and said, "no... its embarrassing... I'm not saying it" (in Khmer, of course). I tried to brive him with 5 b ucks and he said that thats too little... he wouldn't say anything for less than 20! HAHA... so my Dad whips out 20 bucks and my Uncle just laughed. I will never forget that laugh. Then I said that I was going to sing him a lullaby so that he would sleep... and I did and so did my Aunt from Ohio... but then he laughed and said that he will only fall asleep if his Wife sang the lullaby to him! Awwww! That was so sweet and my Aunt got shy and blushed... imagine a nearly 80 year old woman blushing! We all laughed at how cute they were. So... my Aunt insisted on staying and of course, we understood and were fine with that. His youngest son and she stayed with him (btw... my cousin, who is his youngest son had been there with him all along). Before we left, I hugged him and told him that I loved him. I asked him to tell me that he loved me too, and he said that he can't. I was like... "WHAT? WHY NOT? YOU HAVE TO!!!!" Then my Aunt and my Mom told him that I'm like a little kid, all he has to say is, "I LOVE YOU" and I'd be happy. So... he said, "I lub you" to me! That made my day!
Our family reunion ceremony on Saturday and Sunday weren't the same without him. After the ceremony on Sunday, my Sister and Sam went to go pack their things and we went to go visit him at the hospital before their departure. My Aunt came with us, of course. He was weaker and in more pain by this time, but he still tried to talk to us as much as he can. He made us all laugh so much! He really does say the darnest things and even Sam said, "I didn't realize he was so funny!". He gave Sam and I our blessings and after feeding him some soup, he started to apologize to me. :( My Uncle is a very respected man in the Cambodian community and was what we called "Ahja"... who is, from what I know, the master of ceremony for all types of ceremonies including weddings. He was asked to be the Ahja for my wedding, but with his age and memory loss, he declined because he thought he wouldn't be able to fulfill the job... which is understandable. He apologized to me because he wasn't able to be the Ahja for us, but there was no reason for an apology. I told him that I was just glad that he was there and was by my side through it. He kept apologizing, and this really made me sad. Its amazing how he has memory loss but remembered everything from my wedding... he even went on and talked about where everyone was sitting and eating. It goes to show that this was something that had been bothering him since and has been on his mind.
After a couple more hours of sharing stories and laughs with him, our other relatives showed up after the ceremony and it was our time to leave for the airport. He gave Sam and I our blessings once again and I gave him a hug and told him that I was going to come see him again tomorrow morning and my Parents were coming with me. He asked me where we were meeting and I told him either there at the hospital or he gets better and we'd see him at home.
I finally checked my voicemail later that evening and there was a voicemail from his doctor telling me that he was doing okay and his condition was stable at the moment. I wondered why and how my phone number got on the white board at the hospital, but I guess my Aunt (his Wife) gave them my number rather than all 5 of his older children because they had both loved and trusted my Sister and I and knew that we were attentive. I was flattered, yet so shocked. I didn't know when the message was left since I hadn't checked my voicemail in days, but assumed that it was old.
Yesterday morning, as we were getting ready to leave to go see him, we got a phone call telling us that he had just passed away. My heart shattered and I couldn't believe that I didn't make it to see him as I had promised. WHY did I wait so long? All I wanted was to see him smile one last time and to give him another hug and tell him that I loved him and hopefully get another "I lub you" from him. He was with his son, Bong Sarim, at the time and he had just finished giving him a back massage and had just laid him back down in bed. He asked if my Uncle felt better and he said he felt a lot better and wasn't in pain. While he was sleeping, about 5 minutes later, he passed away. All I can be thankful for now is knowing that he went peacefully and painless. Best of all, he got to see all of his family before he passed because everyone was there for the reunion as well. He was a great Man and I know that he is in a better place. He lived a long life of 82 years... we all wish it could have been longer.
Oum, may your soul rest in peace. You know that we all love you and miss you so much. Your smile, laugh, and memories of you will always live on in our hearts and your legacy will continue for many generations to come.
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