A Life Well Lived

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My head is still spinning from too much crying and laughing at the same time. We just came back from a beautiful memorial service while our loving neighbors kindly watched the boys. I think their head might be spinning too from too much noisy and energy that my kids brought. Sorry guys and thank you so much! 

We met Liza and her husband 10 years ago in a ministry to refugee youths. We spent time praying, talking, and eating at their house, which was nothing fancy but full of memories, love, and laughter. At that time her third child was about to graduate from high school and she was about to return to work as nurse after being a stay at home mom to her 3 kids while they were growing up. I remember her always smiling, loving, and serving. Her loves to people is soooo obvious. She also loves to pray and sing.  


We only met a few more times before she passed away but the loving legacy she left will forever be remembered. Below are some sweet memories and lessons that her close families and friends share today at the memorial service, which is very touching and beautiful, which made us laugh and cry at the same time.

Liza was the first Christian in her family and she was the one who led her belated mother and her youngest sister to Christ. She was also the first victim of breast cancer in the family. The rest of the sisters look high on her for she had survived cancer for more than two decades before she got relapsed in last August. Because of her faith, other three sisters and most of their children are now believers in Jesus. 

In Wednesday night, after nine months painful battle with cancer, Liza passed peacefully from this life into the presence of the Lord. Her health declined quickly in her final weeks, but they were blessed to spend Mother's Day at home together the day before she was hospitalized, and then to gather as a family around her in the hospital to pray and tell her good-byes. 

The daughter shared a testimony about her, a story that she said she would tell her children again and again,

"My mom is a a learner, free spirited, a simple women. She is a strict mother, resilient, delighted in people, and faithful to the end." She is a remarkable woman, the first Christian in her family, and the daughter of immigrants from China to Malaysia who made her way to the United States. My mom loved deeply, prayed fervently, served faithfully, lived simply, and when it came to Tetris, Scrabble and Mah Jong, she played to win (and often did)."

Her son shared, "One thing that I will miss is her cooking. Over the years, she has develop her own Chinese-Malaysian-American cooking such as serving tomatoes sauce meatballs over rice; cooking fried rice with corn and ham, and such. Growing up, she always cook for us, breakfast, packed lunch, and dinner. Looking back, I'm very thankful that she chose to put on hold her career as nurse to nurture us. She made us a home. While my dad is the head of the home, my mom is the heart of our home." He then thank his dad for being a role model and faithful caregiver to her mom at her last days on earth.

Her husband shared at the end thanking and praising her as well. All her three kids grow up loving and serving God. After hearing the sharing from her close friends and family; I can't help but being reminded of the Proverbs 31: 

v.10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies.
v.11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value.
v.12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.
v.13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
v.14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar.
v.15 She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.
v.16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
v.17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks.
v.18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night.
v.19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
v.20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.
v.21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
v.22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
v.23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
v.24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes.
v.25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.
v.26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
v.27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.
v.28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:
v.29 "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."
v.30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.
v.31 Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.

Thank you Liza for loving, caring, and being such a sweet blessing and inspiration to many, especially to me. I will see you in Heaven one day.