Friday, March 27, 2009
When cherry trees blossom in April
An act of generosity
I don't know if Morris was aware of this or not...but when we were finally able to move out of our apartment in Houston and looking for a home, we had asked Peggy to be our realtor. She took it very seriously, and promptly helped us find a house we really liked on Enchanted Isle! (Ha, and we are moving to "the Misty Isle" in a few months!) Anyway, we were so surprised and touched by her generosity in not keeping any commission on the transaction. She instead wanted us to have the money she would've made! I remember her and another lady...I think she was another realtor friend who also gave up her part too, coming over to our house to present the check. We had a nice visit and I expressed our appreciation for their unexpected and generous gift! We were able to put new carpet, that the house really needed, in with the money. That act of generosity pretty much typified Peggy's lifestyle didn't it? Not wanting anything in return...just seeking ways to serve others. Jesus was very evident in her life.
Monday, March 16, 2009
"My dearest daughter Pichi..."
the following was a letter written by peggy's father. it was read at peggy's memorial service by jack, one of her younger brothers.
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.
•
Thanks..and keep 'em coming!
Sunday, March 8, 2009
"a dream my dad had"
The following email was written by Elsa. She is Peggy's niece, the daughter of Peggy's oldest brother. Their family was very close with Peggy, and likewise their entire family was very close to Peggy's heart as well. We think that Peggy is still praying for them, even in heaven.
March 6, 2009
Hello Liaw Clan,
My dad just shared a dream he had last night and wanted me to pass it on to you all. Two things he did not know when he told my mom the dream were that it was her [Peggy's] birthday yesterday and that her [Peggy's] favorite color clothing (according to my mom) is red.
In the dream, my dad was at a fair-like place with booths walking when he noticed someone that looked like her. Then he thought to himself that it can't be but as he got closer, it became clear that it was her. This part of the dream was not clear to him but what followed was. When she turned around, her face was beautiful and radiant. She looked gorgeous (my dad really emphasized this) and she was dressed in red. She didn't say anything to him. He feels that it's her telling him that she is doing well in heaven.
I know it's been a tough week for you all. I'm sending you positive energy and you are in my thoughts.
Love,
Elsa
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Happy Birthday, Mom...
today, march 5th, is my mom's birthday. she would have been 61 years old today. to be honest, the past week has been really tough for me (and i know for the rest of the family as well). i think it's starting to sink in that my mom is no longer here. my mom was one of the first people i would call whenever i got good news, or whenever i needed to ask a question. i remember the other day i was in the kitchen in our apartment in dallas, and i had a question about cooking something. i instinctively reached for my phone to call my mom, and then it hit me real hard that she wasn' t there.
it still hurts everytime i pull into the driveway at my parents house, and my mom isn't there to greet me. it still hurts everytime i walk by her empty piano bench. it still hurts everytime i want to tell her something only to realize that i can't. i feel like there's an emptiness in my heart. i miss her so much, but i know by God's grace He will carry our family through. my mom told us before she left that if it were possible, she would pray for us in Heaven. i like to believe that she is still praying for us this very moment.
happy birthday, mom...we miss you.
And Let Us Not Grow Weary
i've been reading this devotion book called Streams in the Desert which i pulled off of faye's bookshelf. the devotion for march 5th, our mom's birthday, seemed so fitting for her life...and i thought i'd share it with y'all:
"We are made partaker of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end" Hebrews 3:14.
It is the last step that wins; and there is no place in the pilgrim's progress where so many dangers lurk as the region that lies hard by the portals of the
In the bitter waves of woe
Beaten and tossed about
By the sullen winds that blow
From the desolate shores of doubt,
Where the anchors that faith has cast
Are dragging in the gale,
I am quietly holding fast
To the things that cannot fail.
And fierce though the fiends may fight,
And long though the angels hide,
I know that truth and right
Have the universe on their side;
And that somewhere beyond the stars
Is a love that is better than fate.
When the night unlocks her bars
I shall see Him--and I will wait.
--