Linda Chiang Ling-Chuan Kim
January 28, 1948 - December 26, 2008
Today my dear mother-in-law passed away due to an unexpected brain aneurysm. It is still so hard to believe. Just Monday I saw her at her house and talked to her a few minutes. Tuesday she called me and asked if I needed anything from the comissary. Then, Tuesday night she went to the hospital for a severe headache. While there she collapsed and was immediately put on life support.
All day Wednesday and Thursday we were at the hospital, hoping, praying for a miracle. Then, it became apparent she was not going to make it. Christmas Day we sang her a few hymns and ended with "God Be With You til We Meet Again" and finally "Aloha Oe." We all shed many tears over this wonderful woman that means so much to us. Zui and his siblings slept over night at the hospital, and by morning she was gone. I imagine she is much happier now, embracing her son and feeling the peace that only our Savior brings.
Mom was such a firecracker--here she is on the ATV and loving it :)
My last picture taken with her, just 2 weeks ago.
Anjuli just loves her "Rama"I wish this video showed a little more of Mom, but you get the idea: Mom adored her grandkids and loved making them laugh. She was the perfect Grandma.
I learned so many things from Mom, here are just a few:
1. Be Grateful
Always say "thank you!" She often told me how important it was to immediately express gratitude for something someone does. Don't wait a week or two to write a thank you card. Call the person up and say thank you right away.
2. Be Generous with your time and Compassion
Mom was always so generous. If mom heard we were sick, she would call me up and ask to babysit the kids, as well as send over some soup and fruit. She always made sure our fridge was stocked, giving us plenty of fruits and vegetables every few days.
3. Serve Willingly
Mom was constantly serving family and friends. When somebody cooks a meal, you start helping to clean right away. Don't wait until someone says they need your help, just start doing something!
4. Work Hard
Mom was one of those amazing woman who did everything and anything, all at once. A few of her daily tasks included running 5 miles a day(at 4am, no less), landscaping her garden, teaching piano to 50+ students, flower arranging, cooking for the masses, and excelling in her church callings.
5. Smile
Mom has one of those smiles that brightens up your day. Maybe it's the Chinese eyes, I don't know :) but when she smiles her whole face just shines. She was always so happy and cheerful.
Life is so fragile, please treasure every moment with those you love. We will surely miss you, Mom!
2. Be Generous with your time and Compassion
Mom was always so generous. If mom heard we were sick, she would call me up and ask to babysit the kids, as well as send over some soup and fruit. She always made sure our fridge was stocked, giving us plenty of fruits and vegetables every few days.
3. Serve Willingly
Mom was constantly serving family and friends. When somebody cooks a meal, you start helping to clean right away. Don't wait until someone says they need your help, just start doing something!
4. Work Hard
Mom was one of those amazing woman who did everything and anything, all at once. A few of her daily tasks included running 5 miles a day(at 4am, no less), landscaping her garden, teaching piano to 50+ students, flower arranging, cooking for the masses, and excelling in her church callings.
5. Smile
Mom has one of those smiles that brightens up your day. Maybe it's the Chinese eyes, I don't know :) but when she smiles her whole face just shines. She was always so happy and cheerful.
Life is so fragile, please treasure every moment with those you love. We will surely miss you, Mom!
Christmas morning came bright and early. Aside from all the heartache due to Linda being in the hospital, we still managed to have a good Christmas.
The kids loved it. Anjuli had a great time opening presents.
And Zion, well, he unwrapped with Daddy's help...
but mostly liked to eat the paper.
The string leads from your stocking to your best present. My string led to underneath the printer.
Zui gave me a gift certificate for a manicure and pedicure! (he's definitely not in the doghouse!) 
Zui's string led to the closet.
He got a curl bar for his weight set!
Zui also got some weight lifting gloves, a new watch, and a pair of soccer cleats.
I sure love my children. Christmas is so much funner with them :)
And this big fat pig was enjoying everyone's leftovers after lunch.
Anjuli told me yesterday she wanted to go for a walk. But before we left she said "hat," "shoes" and pointed to my purse. That's right, she wanted to go in style.
"Yes I know I'm cute!"
Daddy and Anjuli went out for a stroll in the rain--downpour. Zui sang "singin in the rain" the whole time, it was so cute.
Anjuli turned 2 today! So as tradition calls, she got to do 
At night we had a birthday party with our friend Britni and her 2 year old, Aiden. Anjuli loved blowing out the candle, which we did about 10 times cause she really got a kick out of it.
Zion is the latest pianist in our family. He's reached a new milestone--the "I can reach the piano keys" milestone. I remember when Anjuli got to that age. 
