Phil,
You already know I'm an emotional hurricane, hence my nickname, but you've always embraced that part about me --so here it goes...
For all the times that you've been there for me, I want to be able to call you one more time for our heart to hearts. Which is to explain to everyone else is just a very deep talk, but we are extra and always call it our heart to heart -where we talked at length about our existential crisis, our ambitions, our fears, and what we wanted to do for our parents in their retirement. We wanted to be able to care for them the way they cared for us, so they can finally rest and "take it easy". Even though they will not listen to our reminders to do so.
For all the times that you've been there for me, I wanted to be there for you when you got married. Be there to iron chair covers for you until 1 in the morning, get and set up propane tanks when the venue tells us the caterer can no longer cook in the kitchen the day before the wedding and make runs to the store for water and Gatorade because - let's be honest - we are getting old and hangovers are real.
For all the times that you've been there for me, I wanted to be there when you bought your first house that would be even bigger than that mini mansion on Redondo Beach where you and your roomates welcomed our college friends for our first crazy LA reunion. And I'd imagine in your new home, we would fit and stack seven air mattresses in your living room. There might even be a rainbow room.
For all the times that you've been there for me, I wanted to be there when you opened up your own business. No doubt it would be a great success. And I'd be there with lots of champagne of course, and your favorite spirits. We all already know what those are.
For all the times that you've been there for me, I wanted to be there to spoil your first child who I know would have been even more of a genius than you- if that's even possible. You'd teach your little girl or boy how to build rockets, do photography, how to dance and do all those body rolls. You'd buy them a big, jovial dog (hopefully a black lab since you saw first hand how Brick and Mortar converted me to a dog mom). You'd show them how to shoot guns as well as you did, you'd show your little one the farm life and how to help with their grandpa raise chickens. You'd wrap them with so much love and your great big hugs.
Although I can't be there for those moments in this world anymore, for the times we have together I'll keep them close. I'll try to heed your advice about forgiveness, I'll try to be as kind as you are (even to strangers), I'll try to challenge myself, strive and reach beyond the limits just as you did, I'll try to be strong and resilient in the face of anguish and hurt just as you were and I'll try to raise my children how Bác has raised you. And yes Bác I'll make sure my kids learn to speak Vietnamese -- but first I have to learn it.
I could go on talking to you just like when we had our many heart to hearts. I know others want their turn so I'll end with this: Do you remember us talking about space exploration and I would always tell you to save me a spot when you colonize space? I guess you are just up there now
getting a head start and getting it ready for us all.
I love you. Thank you for being our angel on this Earth and after it.
— Lylian Fons
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