One of my co-workers is this smily, bright, bubbly Chinese girl (well, not really a girl...she's 4 days older than Erin - my sister). She never has a bad thing to say about anyone I know of, will do anything for anyone, is the happiest person in the world, and just makes you happy to be around her or just know her. She laughs (really giggles) about everything! She rides this hilarious looking collapsible (for carrying on buses, trains) pink bike from her apartment to the office on nice days. Totally looks like a kids bike and we tease her about it! But, she loves it!
I have a good connection with her as I was the one to talk to her at the job fair in Champaign and basically recruited her to start with our department almost 5 years ago. She worked in Decatur for almost 1 year, then moved to Hamburg and worked there for 1 1/2 years, then moved here to Switzerland and has been here for 2 years. She's worked here with me since I've been here in Europe. I really enjoy working with her. You know when she's in the office...as one of my US co-workers said in August when I was home...that was one of his memories of working in Europe.
She emailed me this weekend that she had to fly to Beijing immediately as her dad was in the hospital and had a heart attack on Friday. I told her no problem. Her next project is in Singapore, so she was planning to just go there from Beijing. She was so worried about her dad! She was really close to her dad. She got married in May this year to her long-time boyfriend. He graduated with his PhD in the US and in order for him to move to Switzerland (scheduled for later this year) and get a visa...they had to get married. They just did a justice of the peace wedding and were planning a big (or bigger and official) wedding in China later this year. She was so excited to have her mom and dad be there to see her get married officially and couldn't wait. She would also tell me that her dad was so proud of her...her great job that allowed her to travel the world and experience so much. He lived through her postcards she would send him. And, she couldn't wait for her mom and dad to come see Switzerland and where her current home was at. She was just hoping that her dad would be OK and would be much better after seeing her! She was worried though because he was only in his mid 50's and overall was in good health, so she was surprised by the heart attack. But, she was glad that her husband was flying from the US to meet her in Beijing, so he would be there to support her through this!
She called me this evening crying. I've never heard her sad or upset ever!!! This was heartbreaking to me, as she is always the supportive and happy person in these situations.
Her family had not told her everything. Her dad had actually been in an accident when he was traveling outside of their hometown on Friday. He had actually died that day. They did not want to tell her and have her extremely upset on her long travel back to Beijing. Which is understandable...but..........(as Gene says...he would punch out anyone that did this to him).
It is now just her and her mom...and she's got to be strong and take care of her mom. Her mom was understandably upset and collapsed at the hospital upon hearing the news. She's trying to make all the plans and get through the funeral this week. All the while, knowing that her dad would not get to be there for her official wedding or anything else that she was hoping he would get to experience with her. She's going to have to try and take care of her mom after this, too, (her parents had already retired...common in China at a younger age).
Makes me just be thankful for the time I have with my loved ones...as you never know when they will be taken from this world and away from you. Keep my co-worker, her mom and family in your thoughts and prayers, please!!
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