my last times with dadi

i was thinking about the last time i saw and spoke to dadi, and i feel lucky to have such good last memories of him.

the last time i saw him, he was leaving new york to go back to taiwan, and i remember i had school that day. so i had to say bye to him in my apartment when i left for school. (i do wish i took him to the airport that day...) i remember giving him a kiss and telling him i loved him. and he did the same to me. that was one of the things that dadi was great at - he always showed his affection for those that he loved so that they wouldn't forget that he loved them. he always told us that he loved us, wrote us cards and notes. because of him, i am able to show affection to others too. and for a lot of people, especially in chinese cultures and for men, it's hard for them to show direct affection. but dadi knew how important it was to do so.

the last time i talked to him on the phone, he called me, because it was his birthday. (i do wish i had called him and remembered...) he told me what a great time he had with momi and her student and his friends at his birthday dinner. he was in a very happy mood. i told him sorry for forgetting his birthday that day, and he said not to worry, i could remember his chinese birthday instead. (i do wish i had a chance to help him celebrate his last birthday...) and, like all our calls, we ended with "love you"s. i hope he remembers the last thing i told him was that i loved him and i hope he know i meant it very much.

in the wake of the horrible virginia tech shootings, i think about if those poor students who were suddenly killed had good last memories with people they loved. i hope they did. and i know dadi will be up there to take care of them as they go into heaven.

i hope everyone remembers to tell the people they love that they love them, and to make good memories with them. it seems silly at times, but it is definitely worth it!