Spring Break
As I started writing this, I did not know where this article would lead me. At first I wanted it to be general and talk about the overall picture of Spring Break. However, I couldn't help but write about an important person and event in my life. So the article is divided into two very different sections: one about Spring Break in general and one about something that happened during this year's Spring Break.
What a wonderful time is spring when all the flowers are blooming. March 20th marked the beginning of spring. Along with that day came a North American tradition, the Spring Break. That's when all the schools in North America (except Canadian universities and colleges) get the week off to enjoy the wonders of the new season. Although I didn't get the week off, it was an eventful one.
Let me start by telling you what a lot of people do during Spring Break. Because almost all the students get the week off, it is often a time for family to come together and go travelling. They often get into the family car, pick a destination, and drive like there's no tomorrow. Likely destinations from Vancouver include Seattle, Portland, San Fransisco, and even, Las Vegas for the adventurous ones. I imagine some of them go into the interior of British Columbia, but usually all the snowy highways scare people away. At least, they would scare me.
When I was in elementary and high school, Spring Break was just a nice week away from school and studies. I would usually enjoy it with friends. We would go to different places and hang out together at each other's homes. Before, when all my friends did not drive, I remember times when we would take our bicycles and travel around the neighbourhood to all the different parks and schools. We would cycle from morning to evening.
Daniel Fung, 1960-2001
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Unfortunately, this year's Spring Break started on a sad note. One of my mentors and good friend passed away on Monday, March 19. His name was Daniel Fung and he was one of my pastors. He was diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer back in 1993. Miraculously, after a few more tests, the tumour was gone. However, back in 1997, the tumour had come back and was hitting important nerves. He had lost the ability to speak and, for a while, the ability to eat. It was a difficult time for his wife and his two young children.
I truly admired Daniel. He had great courage. He did not complain about his pain nor curse anyone about it. He was a humble servant. His heart was not thinking about himself, but about those he served and the reason he served. His wife, Karen, has also been inspirational to me. She works very hard, is a faithful wife and has been truly amazing during all the hardships and trials. Both of them have deeply impacted my life.
I was at his funeral yesterday (Sat, Mar 24) and I was touched by how many people came. The church was full. There must have been close to 400 people. These were the people whom Daniel had touched in one way or another. All of us knew and loved Daniel and struggled with him for every step of the way.
Although Daniel's passing away is a sad occassion, I am happy for him. The pain is now over. I believe he has gone home. I'm actually very happy for him. One day, I know I'll see him again and be able to hear him speak again. Everyday I am encouraged by his good heart and the great life he lived for all of us to see - a life that he never claimed as his own, but one he gave to somebody special in his life.
Don't think I'm sad or anything. I hope I don't sound that way. I'm not looking for sympathy. I'm fine. I just wanted to share with you the life of someone who was truly special to me and to many others.
"I'm glad you're home now, Daniel. Love, Henry"