The departure of our matriarch

On December 18th, 2020 with the sun shining and snow on the ground on a cold winter's day in New York, we put our mother to rest in her final destination, next to my father as was her wish all along.

Reflecting the last several months since the pandemic started, she had been our major concern because of her age. When our whole family got Covid, we had to move her upstate to George and Susan’s home . She enjoyed the peace, quiet environment and George & Susan’s company for a month. However, she still missed her own apartment. She returned when her aide was able to come back.

Then she broke her arm falling down in October and we had no choice but to put her in a high risk environment of a hospital. Later she went to a rehab center. When she returned home in mid November, we thought we made it through safely. Unfortunately, she came down with a fever on the 20th of November and it was back to the hospital. When I saw the ambulance taking her that night, I had a chill and felt that this could be it! George stayed with her all night in the ER. Despite the dangerous environment, he couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her alone. Eventually George got infected and was admitted to the hospital the following week. It was the most painful and dark time during the following two weeks. The difficult part was we couldn’t be with her! And she left the world all by herself!

The following day we had to start preparing the service and burial. I insisted on Paul and Louise not coming, because of the pandemic peaking again. I didn’t want another person to get sick and knew Mom did not want it either.

Then there came the rescue team, the GRANDKIDS! Justin lost a few sleepless nights and quickly set up a website, where we can forever remember her! It was beautifully done!

Jamie took the lead and organized along with Wendy, Tim, Ada and Tony to set up a memorial service agenda. It was more organized than I expected. Thanks to all grandkids tribute videos.

It was so touching and moved many viewers. Grandma made such profound impressions in everyone’s heart which I will never be able to catch up with.

As the old saying goes, the sun rises and the sun sets! All beautiful things will come to an end. We did not want to say goodbye but we knew mom is in a better place now. Knowing her character, she will be happy wherever she goes!