From Susie

Anh Vui,
Thank you for passing the eulogy along. What an author you are Anh Quoc! I am amazed by you, your strength, and devotion.

I am so thankful I had the chance to see Cau Nam, tell him how I felt, hug him, and say goodbye before God came to take him away. And he heard me-I know it. He heard all of us. He's still listening...I just wish I had more time with him and all of you. Chi Da Thu and Chi Lan Anh, I am sorry I didn't have a chance to meet you.

Somehow, I have more peace of mind than I ever thought I could because of everyone, whether in Houston or from far away. I have so many memories to hold onto:

⋄ Emails from the beginning that made you feel like you weren't miles away⋄ Essays that made you ball for Cau Nam...well, all of it was difficult to hear/read and made me cry⋄ Communication from all hours of the night trying to keep us informed⋄ My siblings and our planning for the visit...my time with you, without the distraction of the kids...time with everyone⋄ Anh Quoc and all of Cau Nam's kids, their devotion, and their efforts in reaching out to make us feel better⋄ Anh Tan's pictures/slide show⋄ Blog and tribute to Cau Nam⋄ Albums to share our last thoughts and thanks to Cau Nam⋄ The hospitality and generosity⋄ The bottomless kitchen at Di Sau's house and yes, I really did think the pho was delicious⋄ The Le Family Christmas programs from 2007 and 2008; Duong Sau's special message to each of his kids⋄Jokes and laughter from Chi Huyen, Anh Vui, Anh Huy Hoang, Anh Kiet, Chi Dung, Anh Tan, Anh Son...everyone trying to make you smile⋄ Everyone putting their pain aside and trying to make everyone else feel better - Di Sau's and Cau Nam's children⋄ Constant texting from Son to report on mom, Di Sau, and Duong Sau⋄ The way mom and Di Sau held each other, their crying, their identical laugh⋄ The Vietnamese sniff Di Sau gave in our last goodbye like I was a three year old⋄ Anh Kiet's and Anh Be's constant camera and effort to capture everyone by their dad⋄ Mo Nam's quiet care and presence in the room⋄ Anh Be's final words to us when we left the hospital⋄ Anh Hao (I hope I have the right name) and your strong wife⋄ The hugs⋄ The strength and kindness from all my older cousins: Chi Vi, Chi Thy (?sp), Anh Vu, Anh Vui, Anh Hom (?sp), Anh Huy Hoang, Chi Ha, Anh Hung, Chi Phung, Anh Quoc, Chi UA, Anh Tan, EVERYONE... (Di Sau's kids and Cau Nam's)⋄ The thoughtful looks and smiles from the second cousins (Jordan, Annette, Tung) that may not have known what to say ....but you knew they cared⋄ The last night in Cau Nam's room, led by Anh Hung (?sp)⋄ The painful goodbye to Cau Nam and the room of support⋄ Anh Be's final words to us when we left the hospital

The list runs long and could continue for pages. Whether it was family I haven't seen in a few years or family I just met, there was an immediate love, concern, and connection that hit my core. I cherish the time I had with all of you. Cau Nam would be so proud of his family.
I love you and am praying for each of you and your families.

Susie

PS. Indiana's not so bad, even at -10 degrees. We may not have the greatest culture and cuisine but I'd love to see any of you, anytime.