The friendship between Peggy and me goes way back – we had been friends for a very long time. We were classmates in middle school, high school, and in college. We were best friends in our work and later on, we decided to further our studies in the U.S. together. When Morris – Peggy's husband – graduated from University of North Texas, they moved to North Carolina for Morris’ teaching position. Soon after, Morris and Peggy then moved to Clear Lake in Houston. We became closer friends ever since.
She was a very easy going and caring individual. All of our friends knew that she took care of Morris extremely well. She wholeheartedly looked after her sons, daughter, son-in-law, and daughter-in-law. So, the relationships between all of the family members are very genuine and sweet. On the other hand, no appropriate word can be found to describe Morris' love for Peggy. Faye, Gene, Mathew, Simon, and Sharon all loved Peggy deeply and respect her highly. Particularly, the deep regard and compassion for Peggy expressed by Simon and Sharon are the envy of us all.
When Faye was born in 1978, I brought Morris' mother from Taiwan to help Peggy take care of Faye. They got along so well that his mother stayed with their family until her very last moment. Peggy took her with the rest of the family to travel around the country, visit friends – and this gave her mother-in-law complete joy until the end of her life.
Peggy was loved by each and every classmate. I was the luckiest one – we spent a lot of time together and had many beautiful memories. During the post-graduate study years, we drove all night to San Antonio, had fun all day there, and then we drove all night to Dallas. We visited Peggy's host family – Carol – and enjoyed her delicious pudding. During Christmas of 1987, we drove a mini-van together, including 10 members from both of our families, to Florida. Those fond memories will last forever.
Peggy loved us to the extreme; she would invite my family to her sweet home and also to her church activities in Clear Lake. Because of Peggy's patience and enthusiasm in keeping the Tunghai alumni well-connected with one another, we all remain very close to each other.
All this time, I knew that Peggy was a true and faithful Christian. Until later during these last few months, I began to realize her level of deep faith. Last August, when she first knew of her terminal illness, she told us that if this were God's plan for her, she would obey. She pleaded that we should not feel sorry for her and instead, should celebrate her new life in heaven. Her confidence in facing death deeply moved me - a beginner of faith.
Peggy’s life has ended in this world. However, she had a truly meaningful life. Every friend misses her. However, we also know that Peggy has left all the worry and pain behind – she now rests in our Lord's arms, and is enjoying true happiness forever. I wish for God's grace to heal the hurts and grant peace to everyone.
Li-Chu Liu
3/13/2009
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