Friday, February 27, 2009

My dearest daughter Pichi,

When I heard about your sudden passing, it broke my heart, and I have been grieving endlessly. Tears well up in my eyes when I think about your life, from when you were just a baby until now. The images I have of you are so clear, that it seems just like yesterday. You were always so smart. You had a heart of gold. At home, you were the one that your mother and I loved especially much. You always respected and loved your parents, and always looked out for the needs of your brothers and sisters. In school you were always a good student, your teachers and classmates always loved you, and you graduated from Tunghai University with honors.

Ever since you got married in the United States, each week in Taiwan we looked forward to receiving your phone call. You always called to send your regards to me, and were happy to tell me that you had classmates and friends all over the United States and Canada. Whenever you travelled to a new place, you always shared about your experiences with me so I could share in your joy. You remembered all of the holidays as well as my birthday, and never failed to send me a gift. You were such a wonderful daughter.

I know that you were a devoted Christian, and you took on the heart of Jesus Christ. You joyfully served in the church, and encouraged your children to do the same. You had a heart for missions, and always served others wherever you went in the world. When I think about how I will no longer be able to hear your voice on the telephone, and that I will no longer be able to receive a Christmas card from you, I am heartbroken. Although I know you are free from pain and suffering in the Lord’s arms, as a father it is extremely difficult for me to let go of a daughter I love so much.

Because I am so old [93 yrs old], I am unable to make the long flight from Taiwan. My heart hurts because I am not able to join you this week. I can only remember you and bless you through my prayers, until we meet again in heaven.

I thank God that he gave me such a wonderful daughter. Pichi, my daughter, your Daddy loves you forever.

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Letter read by our mom's younger brother (Uncle Jack) at our mom's memorial service on behalf of our maternal grandpa.

Originally written in Chinese, below.

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璧姬 我摯愛的女兒,

忽然聽到妳因病安息主懷的信息,令我震驚和無限的哀慟,妳從小到大的生活情況都一一的浮現在我的眼前,雖然我的淚水如湧,昔日的情景依然清晰,妳從小聰慧,秉性善良,在家裡妳是父母寵愛的女兒,對父母至孝至順,對兄姊和弟妹都尊敬關懷,在學校妳是功課名列前茅的好學生,老師和同學都讚賞妳,妳以優異的成績畢業於台中東海大學。

自從妳在美國結婚成家之後,每個星期,我們在台灣都可以接到妳的越洋電話,妳總是貼心的問候我,並且很高興的告訴我,妳的同學和朋友幾乎遍佈美國和加拿大各州,每到一個地方,妳也不忘告訴我遊覽的心得,讓我分享妳的喜樂,而每逢過年過節以及我的生日,妳都記得向我祝賀,並且寄禮物回來給我,妳就是這麼貼心的乖女兒。

妳是虔誠的基督徒,妳以主耶穌基督的心為心,熱心的在教會侍奉,熱心的投入宣教,並且鼓勵妳的兒女參加宣教,前往各地服務人群。

想到以後再也接不到妳向我問安的電話,再也收不到妳的聖誕卡,我不禁又悲從中來,雖然我們知道妳已息了地上的勞苦而安息主懷,但身為父親的我,怎捨得我至愛的女兒璧姬離我而去。

我已老邁不適宜長途飛行,未能參加妳的追思禮拜,令我心疼不已,我唯有在祈禱中懷念祝福妳,直到將來在天家相見。

我感謝上天曾經賜給我這麼好的女兒,璧姬,我的女兒,爸爸永遠愛妳。

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