亲爱的舅妈，
Life is just so damn unfair sometimes. Like a sudden flash of lightning, it can instantly take away a loved one, leaving a gaping hole in its thunderous wake. During these anomalous life events, one can only hope for two things — that one has lived a life without regret and those who are affected by the aftermath may find support. 舅妈, I’m thankful, and grateful, to say that you have both.
Of the many friends and family I’ve met in our network, I can, without a doubt, say that you’re one of the few who has lived her life to the fullest.
I’ve always admired you for your doctorate degree in Physics, and even more so considering the circumstances of the education system and gender dynamics of the time. You were never afraid to push boundaries of what was considered “normal”, focusing on your career before starting a family. I’ve will always appreciate your fondness for the sciences, which was reflected in your level-headedness and rational approach to the world. I will never forget the time we were driving back from Yosemite, when you probed me on my elementary grade math.
You always had an immensely open perspective; in fact, now that I reflect upon it, it was the most open perspective of all the folks in my parents’ generation. When I got into arguments with my family, you could always understand my perspective which was always a bit different. When I watched you teach/lecture your children, I always thought to myself, “wow, what a cool mom”! (mom, if you’re reading this, i’m not saying you’re not cool. just… more traditional)
You were a fantastic parent. You were always there to support your children, to guide them, to influence them; but never dictating what they should or should not do. You gave them room to explore their own interests, although funnily enough, both of them fell into physics track (I guess you can never be 100% unbiased). Christina/Jeffrey, if you’re reading this, you should know you’ve been extremely lucky. Most Chinese kids are never given so much freedom to explore.
As for supporting the loved ones that you’re leaving behind, I think you’re in good hands. Our families have always been immensely close. You have an amazing sister-in-law in my mom, who has been watching your kids as her own since the moment they were born 20 years ago. My brother and I will support your children as if they were our younger siblings (in some sense, they are). I’ll try my best to keep that Jeffery out of trouble ? We’ll also be here for 舅舅. Maybe we can get him to work less, and travel here more. It will be a long healing process, but we’ll be there for him when he needs us.
So with all that being said, I think there’s nothing to regret, and there’s nothing to worry about. You’ll always remain in our hearts, and may you rest in peace.