Aunty Bessie is my mother Katherine's younger sister. Although they are two years apart in age, my mother suffered from a childhood illness and had to stay home for one+ year. Mom ended up attending the same grade level as aunty through middle school, high school, and St. John's University. Because they were similar in age as compared to their three older sisters, aunty and mom did things together more with their younger brothers(uncle 1 and 2) and cousins (the Chu). They also hung out together with their friends. My mom used to tell us how the whole gang went boat riding in West lake and stayed in the Summer house all Summer long. They napped after lunch and ate watermelon before supper. Playing, bicycle-riding, chatting were their main agenda of the day. These were the best days to remember... In college, Aunty started dating the late uncle Teddy. He was part of the gang, too. Their relationship blossomed and even became stronger during a critical period of time aunty suffered from TB. My mom, then a teacher, took care of her and gave up her salary to buy medicine and nutritious food for aunty. After China closed its door to foreign influence in the early 50s, mom and aunty were the only two Shih siblings lived outside of China in Hong Kong. Their bond continued even later when my mom and dad moved away to Taiwan and Singapore. When my dad passed away suddenly in Singapore in 1977 while I was only a college freshman in the States, aunty Bessie and uncle took my mom in. My mother worked to support our college tuition while aunty and uncle provided mom shelter and comfort the following 10 years before mom transitioned to the States. I am forever grateful to aunty and uncle who stepped in to help in our time of grief. As I look back at the life of aunty, her love and care to her siblings and their next generation, my wish is that we will apply the same love to those in need and make an impact in their lives. The name "Bessie" means "the Oath of God". "Bessie" is also the nickname of "Elizabeth". I am named after aunty Bessie who told me once that she chose "Bessie" because of an old English Lit author/poet. Two years ago, my sister Molly shared Christ with aunty who prayed to receive Christ. We will all see aunty someday standing in the glorious Heaven. While remembering her passing, this is also a time of celebrating her life on earth and in heavens. "God made us for the very purpose of being near to Him always. Heaven will be a forever hello" - Anne Cetas "Face to face-O blissful moments! Face to face-to see and know; Face to face with my Redeemer, Jesus Christ who loves me so!" -Breck Now we see Jesus in the Bible, but then face to face. Aunty Bessie now is resting in her loving heavenly Father's arms.