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.