我下意識覺得不好, 無法面對這種談話, 所以拜託大牛打這個電話.  

Lillard太太去世了.  今年開過幾次刀, 或許年紀也太大了.  Lillard傷心得無法與人講電話, 才請他的朋友幫他通知我們.  我們真的不知如何安慰他, 想想, 或許過兩個月再和他聯絡.  又因為這陣子要去東部, 也只好回來後, 再想要如何聯絡.  

於是, 寫了一封信給他.  希望他不要再難過, 　

Dear Dr. Lillard,

Thank you for having Paul to inform us of what happened on August 6th. From the tone of the message Paul left in the answering machine, I sensed that unwelcomed weightiness but dare not call Paul back. So, Ming-Zen called him instead.

It is the worst news we would’ve dreamt  to receive…

Mrs. Lillard’s smiles keep flashing back in my mind and her slow-speed witty words still are heard between my ears with the typical “listen, ya’ll…”. 

At one summer trip you visited us in L. A., the way she asked Peter to hold her hand to help her cross the street was so clear to see. She winked her eye with a smile to me for this plead to Peter would keep naughty Peter responsible for her and keep him from running wild around dangerously.

I love the way she told the stories in the minivan to the kids. Sometimes, she just talked to Billy and Peter. They both listened tentatively. Anything she described caught our attention. I, the third kid, was mesmerized by her slow but interesting words that afternoon while we headed to the beach all in the minivan.

Several times we met with you folks, Mrs. Lillard was always the center of our attention. Like water flowing leisurely in the creek, she made our reunions so complete with her lively talks and happy gestures. 

And I’d like to point out her innate quality in gambling. She made it so natural like it was essential. However, she’s generous to share with us her bonus points and all so that we all got free staying at the hotel and had a great time toghether.

One visit to your home, I was surprised to see she carefully arranged the family pictures I mailed several times in an album. The details revealed her devotions to us. And I was terribly moved. 

From one conversation you mentioned to us at one trip talking about her, I imagined the picture of Mrs. Lillard at the poolside of your backyard sipping the blue Hawaiian drink that colored her lips.   That’s the Mrs. Lillard I have impression of, i.e., an easy, contented and good-tempered lady. Mrs. Lillard is amazingly incredibly charming to me. Her good-tempered and joyous nature showed her extraordinarily special personality that I praised so much. I respect her and she has been a role model to me. 

Yes, we shared many precious moments together.    It is lucky we’ve got to know her. We will forever remember and cherish the memory. We also thank Mrs. Lillard to give us so much warm recollections in our mind. It will be pondered over from time to time till the end.

As for Dr. Lillard, I entirely understand the pains you are going through now. But realizing Mrs. Lillard had a great life with you around her, I do hope you find yourself contented with her completeness in this world. Shall we say “ Mission Completed” to mark the last period in her life. Then, we should not feel sad at this day. Until one day, we unite with Mrs. Lillard in another world, we should try to find the chores we haven’t completed for our missions eagerly and pleasantly. With the wisdom what Mrs. Lillard enlightened us, we shall be able to conclude our missions with high marks as well.

So, Dr. Lillard, please overlook the piercing pain. Take good care of yourself. Please bear in mind that you are not alone. Daniel and I are just one call away. We will be there for you at all times. 

With best regards and love,