Monday, January 5, 2015

Update


This is a hard post to write.

My dad passed away in the morning on New Year's Day.

His health over the past 9 months had not been good, and he had been in the hospital on numerous occasions, sometimes for extended periods of time, so we knew that it was coming.  Still, the end came much more quickly than anticipated.  We're doing well.  We know that he's in a better place, that his body was just worn out.

My Dad embodied the American Dream.  He came to the US for grad school with two suitcases in hand.  He came right after marrying my Mom, but because of immigration regulations, she could not come until a year later.  They originally intended to return to Taiwan, but Dad got some employment opportunities here and ended up staying.

They eventually settled in Penfield, NY, and after working for another civil engineering firm, he was encouraged by his boss to start his own firm.  He founded Lu Engineers, and grew it into a well respected and thriving business with over 80 employees.  Dad set many goals for himself, one of which was to put all four of his kids through college, debt free, and give them a car at the end. He achieved that goal.

He retired in 2007, and in 2011 my parents moved to Ashburn, VA.  Our family was blessed to have them so close by and got to see them regularly and benefit from a lot of free babysitting.  It was really wonderful to see my girls develop a relationship with my Dad.  Growing up my grandparents were all overseas until we were older and we rarely saw them.  I love that my girls really knew my Dad.

Dad was ready to go, and over the past couple months his message for us was:  I have been so blessed, I'm so thankful, I'm ready.  And:  I love you, God loves you, love God, love one another, take care of your Mom.

This week we're preparing for Dad's service and welcoming friends and relatives who are coming into town.  We are sad, but we're also glad that he is where he is.

I have most of my design work for the next couple weeks done, so you'll see it out and about, and I'll have some directional posts here, but it will be quieter.  I'm still getting around to visit.  I love seeing your work, and leaving comments for others, but I'm finding it a bit more difficult to post here right now.

57 comments:

  1. so sorry for your loss! my dad passed away almost 5 years ago and still very missed. he will be always in your hearts!!! so nice your children so close with your dad! take care of each other!

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  2. *hugs hugs* Love you, sweet friend. Thinking of you all. xoxo

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  3. Your cardmaking friends love you and support you. You're in my thoughts and warm hugs go out to you and your family.

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  4. It's just never easy to say that final goodbye to a parent, Miriam, so please know that I'll be thinking of and praying for you and your family!

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  5. Sorry to hear about his passing. Always a hard thing even if it wasn't completely unexpected.

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  6. Praying for you Miriam! Losing someone we love is never easy, regardless of the circumstances. So grateful that you have the peace of knowing where he is - hope is such a blessing! Hugs!

    housesbuiltofcards@gmail.com
    www.housesbuiltofcards.blogspot.com

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  7. Sorry for your loss Miriam ! Sending loads of hugs and love.

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  8. So sorry for your loss Miriam but so glad to hear that he was a believer and Loved the Lord. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Keep all those memories close to your heart. sending big hugs your way sweet friend.

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  9. Miriam, I am so sorry...I can relate on many levels. If you need someone to talk to, please don't hesitate. Take all the time you need. It's okay if you don't visit, I know you're still there. ;) Take care and lots of hugs my friend.

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  10. So sorry to hear of your loss. Prayers for peace lifted for your family.

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  11. So sorry for your loss... Many warm thoughts and prayers for all of you.

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  12. Oh, Miriam, I'm so sorry. Take all the time you need. You know we'll be here when you're ready to come back. Thinking of and praying for you and your family during this difficult time. Big hugs!

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  13. Sorry for your loss, Miriam. Sending my thoughts your way. Take care during this difficult time.

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  14. Oh Miriam...I am so sorry about the loss of your father. Please know my prayers are with you and your family. Much love to you. <3

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  15. Hugs, love and prayers going out to you today, Miriam! I am so sorry to hear this news, but am glad that your family was able to have a good relationship with your Dad. He was a very accomplished man and also a very loving one, it seems. Cherish the good memories!

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  16. Big hugs and prayers to you, Miriam. What a wonderful way to honor your Dad by sharing such a heartfelt write up here on your blog. I loved reading his story about coming to America and being successful through dedication and hard work. What an amazing role model for you, your siblings and your children. We are blessed with parents who live close by too, and in addition to the free babysitting, I am so thankful they are a big part of my kids' lives. Family is everything. I will be thinking of you and yours.

    Love,
    Kelly

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  17. My heart hurts for you on the loss of your dad. Our daddies are such special people in our lives and I know how much this kind of loss hurts. Praying for your peace and consolation during this especially sad time. hugs!

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  18. This message is so pertinent to me as I too lost my dad this past week (December 29) after a year long fight with ill health. Though we know that our loved one is in a better, happier place, we, as the survivors, have to deal with their loss. It will be tough but let the memories give you comfort . Cry when you must but don't fbe afraid to laugh at the funny memories. May God keep you and your family in his care.

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  19. So sorry for your loss - prayers for you and your family <3

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  20. Thank you for sharing your father's story with us! Thinking of you and your family!

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  21. so sorry for your loss Miriam

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  22. I'm sorry for your loss! My dad passed away almost 5 years ago. He, too, felt he had lived a good life. It's hard to let them go. He'll live on in you.

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  23. So very sorry Miriam for your loss! Please take whatever time YOU need to process this. Your health & well being is important as well.

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  24. Miriam...I am so so sorry for your loss. It is never easy even if they are ready to go. You and your family are in my prayers.

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  25. So very sorry for your loss, Miriam! You and your family are in my prayers. HUGS!!!

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  26. I am so sorry for you loss .... sending prayers and love to you and your family .....

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  27. I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs to you and your family.

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  28. Miriam, so very sorry for your loss. Sending hugs to you and your family.

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  29. What a wonderful man and father and husband he was. His time here was rather short but oh, what he accomplished. How blessed you are to have had him for a father. Let your blog rest awhile and cherish your beautiful memories instead. We'll still be here when you come back . . .

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  30. Thinking of you and your family Miriam♡

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  31. Miriam, so sorry for your loss. I can hear through your writing that you are confident in his Faith...what a Blessing that is:)

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  32. Oh Miriam! I'm so sorry. You'll be in my thoughts and prayers. Hugs to you.

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  33. Sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad, Miriam. My Dad passed in 1993. All those precious memories will remain close in your heart. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time! Sending warm hugssss you way...take care!

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  34. I am thinking of you so much right now and I understand the hurt that is in your heart!! I hope you will be alright and that you will feel God's arms wrapped around you in comfort and giving you His peace!! May you be blessed, is my prayer, dear Miriam!!! Take care of yourself, and your family!! Love and hugs!!!

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  35. Oh my dear Miriam, I am so sorry to hear about your loss.
    I know exactly how you feel.
    Please accept my most sincere sympathy.

    Hugs~

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  36. Big hugs to you Miriam! I am so sorry for your loss- your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man & an even better "Gong Gong." Sending my thoughts and prayers to you and your family. ♥

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  37. praying for you and your family, stay strong. chin up. there are no words to heal a sad heart at this time.

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  38. This is a beautiful post, Miriam, as hard as it was to write. My heart hurts for you, having lost my Dad four years ago next month. Big hugs to you!

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  39. Miriam, I'm so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you.

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  40. Oh, Mim, I'm so sorry to hear about your Dad's passing. Thank you for sharing the photo. Your Dad's face is open and full of warmth and intelligence. It's clear you are all a very loving and close family and I'm very happy that you have been blessed in that way. He left a wonderful legacy behind and no one can ask for more than that. Big hugs, Darnell

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  41. What a beautiful tribute to your father, Miriam! I have been thinking about you and your family. It truly is a beautiful legacy that he left in this world. We must remember all the good things that he dedicated himself upon. Sending you big big hugs. I feel blessed to know more about him--however late it is now. xoxo

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  42. So very sorry to hear about your dad. I am sending you virtual hugs from San Diego.

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  43. So sorry to hear about your dad Miriam...your post was beautiful. It was so nice to hear about all the sacrifices, hard work, dedication and love for both family and faith that your dad had and has passed on to his family. I pray that you find strength in these coming days and know that you and your family are in my prayers. Hugs.

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  44. I´m so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad!! But such a beautiful tribute from talented daughter like you!
    Sending you big big hugs.
    Archana

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  45. I'm so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing, Miriam - take lots of family time, it sounds like you have a lot of wonderful memories of him, which is wonderful.

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  46. So sorry for your loss. How brave of you to write this post. I know you must have weeping the whole time. It's a wonderful tribute to him. God bless you.

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  47. You tell your father's story so lovingly and well Miriam. Amazing -his accomplishments of goals--he's an inspiration for life. I feel for you and your family, losing your wonderful Dad and Grandfather. Your Dad has found peace. Sending you a big hug. xx

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  48. Sending you big hugs Miriam!!! So sorry for your loss...

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  49. Just now reading your post....I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of your father, Miriam. He sounded like a beautiful father, husband & human being. Sending big hugs & prayers to you & your family during this time of loss.

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  50. I am so sorry for your loss, Mariam. ((( Hugs )))

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  51. So sorry to hear about your loss, Miriam. Such a beautiful tribute to a remarkable man. Take good care.

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  52. Dear Miriam, I just read this post and my heart goes out to you. What a wonderful story about your dad -- his determination and grit, and his love for his family -- lessons we can all learn from him. Thank you for sharing this tribute. There is something so beautiful and so universal about the messages he gave you...how important and central love is. Much love and light to you and your family.

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  53. I'm so sorry Miriam, your Dad sounds amazing! I'm so glad you got to spend so much time with him and your kids too! To this day my kids talk so much about my parents and the influences they had on them :-) Big hugs and peace to you and your family

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  54. I'm so sorry for your loss, Miriam. Hugs to you.

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