To Dear Auntie Bessie: You left us very quietly without saying good-byes, You left us so suddenly - I could not be there, You left us too soon - I could not bear… When I was a little child, grandma said I looked like you… I often saw your photos, but never had a chance to meet. When I went abroad, it was our 1st time to meet, two generations apart, but we bonded quickly like glue… You gave me my 1st ring, it was the 1st piece of your own, from none other than your mom & my grandma, this little pearl baby ring I treasure it above all. You accompanied me to the north of East China Sea, Japan was the 1st trip for me with you, which opened my eyes, mind & heart, to foreign art, culture and all… We spoke often from then on, exchanging our caring thoughts and all, never ran out of words to say, we were best friends above all. We lived apart - thousands miles away, often gathered when we can. many fun filled trips with delicious food, these happy memories remain till the end. You were caring, kind, with a gentle soul, always received everyone with open arms. You were loyal, loving with a generous heart, always hosted gatherings for us all. You were elegant, smart with a graceful spirit, always looked beautiful inside and out. You were cool, calm and collected, always faced life’s ups and downs with dignity. You left us weeks ago, I still cannot believe nor want to, where you are after all, free in that serener sphere of heavenly rest…