December 3, 2004
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Event Recap:
Thursday, December 2nd
My Heart & Soul, CA/AZ
Carpe Diem:
For those who don't know the saying above, "Carpe Diem" is Latin for "Seize The Day." This is a mantra I've come to embrace the past several years and has led me to live my life to the fullest. Today I found out this saying has more meaning to me now more than ever.
My 5th Aunt on my dad's side lives in Phoenix, Arizona and lives about 20-25 minutes away from my parents. When I went home to visit my family 2 months ago I had the pleasure of visiting my Aunt who has always had the biggest smiles, warmest hugs.....and don't forget the nice red envelopes she has for me come Tet (Lunar New Year).
My Aunt & Me - Picture Taken [October.3rd.2004, 2:14pm]
Out of all my relatives (besides my immediate family) I've seen her the most the past several years and I'm always ecstatic to see her She's made living in Arizona a little bit more tolerable for my parents and I am very thankful for that. She's actually the one that introduced my parents to each other.....so technically if it wasn't for her I wouldn't be here and my parents wouldn't be married. It was nice spending time with her on my visit to Phoenix and seeing her beautiful home and how she interacts with my parents
Fast forward two months........at 9:00pm last night my cousin came home to find his mom, my aunt who had been completely healthy, laying on the floor of her living room near the couch you see in the picture above. They then rush her to the hospital and find out that she's had a stroke. I received a call from all 3 of my sisters and my parents this afternoon letting me know what happened.......
~2:00pm Conversation with my sister:
Lan - So has she woken up yet?
Tu - She won't be waking up
Lan - Waking up today or never again?.....
Tu - She's in a coma right now
Lan - What are the chances she'll be waking up
Tu - Not very good......they are deciding right now whether or not to keep life support going
[Silence]
My heart dropped as soon as I heard that.....I'm not sure how I'm feeling right now. I've only lost someone this close to family once in my life and I don't think I've cried in years.
~5:30pm Conversation with my sister:
Lan - So are there any updates? When do they have to decide by?
Tu - Soon, now it's just a matter of when, not if.
Lan - What!?
Tu - She has no brain function and her heart is beating faintly
Lan - I can't believe that
Tu - When they cut off life support, it's just a matter of how long it will take her to pass away...
Lan - Tell mom & dad I love them and I hope you know I love you too......I'll be home soon
~11:10pm
Rest In Peace Co Nam (5th Aunt)
They shut off life support and she peacefully passed into the night. I know this maybe a little selfish but I just thank god my parents are alive and healthy.
~11:00am
Writing all this down has helped me cope w/ the pain a little better. It hasn't fully hit me yet what has happened. When I see the faces on my cousins and parents faces....we'll see how I hold up then.
~11:01am
I just realized my Aunt is my dad's big sister. I can't even imagine how I'd feel if i lost one of my sisters. [Reminder to self: Hug my dad when I see him next]
Quote of the Day:
"The past is history. The future is a mystery. The only gift we have is today, that's why they call it a present."
Comments (24)
I'm here if you ever need anything...homies for life.
::hug:: if you need to talk about anything i'm here for you lan...i've had similar situations with a family member too. call me at anytime
*hugz* if u need anything, just holla at me...i've lost someone before...so i sorta know wut u're going through. we may barely know each other and even though u're trying to kill me, but if u ever need anything...just give me a ring. *hugz* i hope things brighten up...don't lose hope! *hugz*
so did they stop her life support already?
I'm here for you. If you need me. I really wish her the best, and hope everything turns out okay for you and your family. If you need to, I think you should go AZ.
lan! i'm so sorry i was unable to call you in 15. just know your aunt and you are in my prayers. muah.
My grandma had a stroke a while back and she pulled through. I'm sure your aunt will do the same. Us Asians are tough folk.
I hope that things get better for you and your family....
Btw...if i give it back, what name would i have? lol
I'm wishing for the best. I'll try praying even though my relationship with a higher power hasn't been established yet...remember that if you need anything, don't hesitate to ask for it. Talk to me when you need someone. I've been there, and I want to help. Take care.
take care.
I'll pray for you and your family.
so sorry lan. my stepdad, well basically my dad died when i was a senior in hs so if you wanna talk i won't pretend to know exactly how you feel but i'll underestand to understand and listen.
Lan I'm so sorry to hear this...must be tough for you for not being able to be with your family right now.
And I'm sorry for being a little meanie yesterday =( You should've told me what you were going through! You don't smell like trashcan, ok? Hope you and your family will be ok...
You're a strong soul! Keep your head up. I think that you have to right attitude that will help you and your family get through such a hard time! I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers!!!
sorry to hear about your loss. just remember that you can honor your aunt through your actions, and still make her proud.
::hug:: i'll pray for your aunt...hang in there, buddy.
*BIG BEAR HUGS*
It's alright~ Things change, for good for worse, is up to you. Need anything, please let me know. A bundt an9el cake?
*BIGGER BEAR HUG* Nancy just gave me the news. We're here for you, whatever you need. I know you may not have your blood family here, but know that you got family in the friends that surround you. Much love. -Darrell
my condolences
lan, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
don't really know what to say but take care and hope you are okay
i understand what your going thru completli...it def puts things into perspective.
hope everything is well with you. keep your head up.
deepest condolences to you and your family.
=( sad moment...im still looking forward to take you out =) take care sweetie.
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