My dear relatives, friends, ex-colleagues, prayer warriors, and loved ones of
Joanne Kwan Foong Kuem,
please note that she has gone to be with the Lord as of 6:45pm this evening.
Wake will be held at: Void Deck, Block 113 Depot Road (Opposite HP Building, Depot Road)
Nightly Services at 8:00pm
Tuesday, 26 June (English)
Wednesday, 27 June (English & Mandarin)
Cortege will leave on:
Thursday, 28 June 2007 @ 3:30pm for Mandai Crematorium Hall 2 for cremation at 4:30pm.
Joanne Kwan Foong Kuem,
please note that she has gone to be with the Lord as of 6:45pm this evening.
Wake will be held at: Void Deck, Block 113 Depot Road (Opposite HP Building, Depot Road)
Nightly Services at 8:00pm
Tuesday, 26 June (English)
Wednesday, 27 June (English & Mandarin)
Cortege will leave on:
Thursday, 28 June 2007 @ 3:30pm for Mandai Crematorium Hall 2 for cremation at 4:30pm.
NO WREATHS PLEASE, ALL DONATIONS TO BE MADE TO WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH, THANK YOU.
"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles, they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:31
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53 comments:
Hi Alex,
My deepest condolences. I have been reading your blog and touched by the bond of love between Joanne and yourself, and the faith and love of God magnified in your journey of faith.
Thanks for showing the meaning of true love...
Take care and God bless.
Dear Alex,
Thank you for sharing this journey of faith. She is now with our Lord Jesus and no longer suffering. I went on my knees to pray tonight. My faith has been strengthened thanks to you and Jo.
My prayers go out to you, Jessica and Jo's parents.
My condolences. I'm still in this with you, my brother. Just holler.
God Bless you and the Lord Jesus keep you close to Him this hour.
DD
Take care dear brother in Christ, you've been a shining example of one who loves selflessly.
Take care and do stay strong for the Lord will carry you though till the ends of the earth.
thanks for sharing the meaning of love and grace of God.
God bless.
Hi Alex,
I have come to know you as a good trusted friend and from the love and committment you have shown to Jo all these years. My deepest condolences. She is in the good hands of the Lord. At the same time, do not quit. I will say my prayers and will be there if you need me.
Take good care and I will keep in touch.
CF
Dear Alex
My deepest condolence. Continue to hold on to the Lord and I pray that He will release peace, comfort & rest into each and everyone in the family... especially the 2 folks. Will be there tomorrow to help. Please take care ya... in Jesus's name, Amen!
Jasmine
Hi Alex,
This song came to my mind when I prayed for you and Jo. it was sang during the previous week's song offering in church.
Ray Boltz - Trust His Heart
All things work for our good
though sometimes we can’t see how they could.
Struggles that break our hearts in two
sometimes blind us to the truth.
Our Father knows what’s best for us;
His ways are not our own.
So, when your pathway grows dim,
and you just can’t see Him,
Remember He’s still on the throne.
God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
when you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.
He sees the Master plan.
He holds the future in His hands.
So don’t live as those who have no hope.
All our hope is found in Him.
We walk in present knowledge,
but He sees the first and the last.
And like a tapestry, He’s weaving you and me
to someday be just like Him.
God is too wise to be mistaken.
God is too good to be unkind.
So when you don’t understand,
when you don’t see His plan,
When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.
Take care bro...
love, sharon and john
Hi Alex,
I am so sad and sorry to hear this.
Kar Wai
Thank you, Alex, for sharing your love for Jo with us... She is now in good hands - the Lord's.
May you be at peace too, and be comforted in the love and faith of Jesus.
Dear Alex,
We're sad to hear of Joanne's passing. We take comfort in the knowledge that Joanne is now safe in the arms of Jesus. Romans 8:11 says "He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you." Her death is not the end. We thank God for the hope that we have in Him. We're encouraged by the faith & love which you & Joanne have shown in your journey together. We pray for God's peace & comfort to be upon you and the family.
God bless,
Gerald & Janet
with our kids Joel & Hannah
Dearest Jo
... ... I have promised you I will be strong and will not cry so much again... each time after visiting you, I cried and went to work with puffy eyes the next day. After all I am still human. Thank you for your wonderful encouragement when I was at the dark valley, when I give up hope on myself, you loved me without any condition. You asked me why you... I told you I don't have any answer to your question. I believe by now you already have your answer... I am happy for you now, you are no longer required draw anymore blood, painless and free from the torturing. I have to salute to you, you have been very strong and brave... whenever I face any problem, I will think of you and how you face your... for sure you will be in my heart forever... I miss you.
Always love
Jasmine
Dear Alex,
I hope you are taking good care of yourself after the many sleepless nights of giving your unselfish care to Joanne. There are no words I know right now that can offer comfort to you in this time of sorrow except that you and Joanne are in Raphael, Luke & my thoughts. I broke the news to Raf and Luke when they came to pick me tonite, Raf suggested we pray for Joanne, so we made a small detour to St. Joseph's Church. The gate was closed but the kind night watch man let us in the compound. As the church doors were closed we got out of the car and stood by the Grotto, hugged together and prayed for a few minutes.
It was deeply distressing to hear that Joanne is gone when the news was first broken to me this evening. Although the signs were quite obvious that things were not on her side, there have always been some hope that things could better and that she could live longer, so the news is still heart-breaking and I will have to come to terms with losing a very dear friend.
I have the benefit of knowing Joanne way back in 1985, when we're mere teenagers in Secondary school who met by way of a dance troupe in Telok Ayer. We have since cliqued very well through the years and have kept in close touch along with our other friends Belinda, Jasmine & Rebecca.
Joanne & I were especially close because we have a common interest, it was food. It started with hawker fare after dance practice and advanced to finer cuisine as we became more affluent. It progressed to making the good food. So we spent many rest days together in our kitchen experimenting many recipes. We have jointly perfected a cheesecake recipe and I shall remember Joanne everytime that piece of cake melts in my mouth.
Joanne said once that since she loved food so much, she could be cured of her sickness if she can have an abundance of them along with good friends and family. How I wish that formula could work.
Joanne has been a confidante, an inspiration & a selfless person. She always lent a listening ear to me or any friends in trouble. Her achievements as a brilliant student, a high performing PR Consultant from a top class firm & being one of the top performer in the dance troupe inspires others around her to strive harder.Her unselfish ways has touched me and made me more concious of caring for people around me. In her sick bed, 2 weeks ago at SGH, she was evidently in pain and uncomfortable but she still enquired about Luke, my little boy who's hyper-active behaviour has caused me much stress of late.
The few words that Joanne uttered in hospital that has given me some form of strength in dealing with this news because she showed strenghth, acceptance and faith as she said something close to "God wants us to move on, so we move on"
Although Joanne will not be physically present but she will forever remain in my heart and thoughts. I will aspire to bring Luke up to espouse the good values and traits that Joanne has.
Good bye Quen Jie(Joanne)!
Take care Alex!
Love Kim
hey alex kow foo. sorry to hear bout joanne. ill miss her so much. may God continue to grant u peace and strength. love, sarah
Oh, Alex, where do I start?
Well before Joanne became ill I was deeply impressed by the love between the two of you. The bond between you over this difficult time is truly remarkable and I have such respect for that.
There is no right time to lose someone you love, and the only solace is that you had that wonderful love for the time you did, and the memories to last you a lifetime.
My most vivid memory of Joanne was how she looked after us when she was master of ceremonies at our wedding. She made the greatest day of our lives all the greater, and without you, Alex, we would of course have no photographs to remember it by.
You are a model of true love. I thank you for showing us your strength and energy, and look forward to when we next meet.
Kim (& Belinda)
Dear Alex
My thoughts remain with you at this time and I hope you find comfort in God and those around you.
Gabriel
Dear Alex
With you we stand till the end, we are a family, united in the Lord Jesus, we grieve with you, but not a grieve that is without hope. for we know one day, soon, when all this is over, we will be forever united in Him. In a beautiful place where there will only be joy, laughter and everlasting peace.
Family forever
Foo family
Dear Alex,
Emotionally, i feel sad that Jo has moved on.
Spiritually, i am happy that she is in a better place, laughing and dancing in Heaven with our good Lord smiling lovingly at her.
My sincere condolences for your loss, but having said that, rejoice in the Lord.
Hi Alex,
While Joanne was unfortunate to have contracted cancer at such young age, she is however blessed to have found such a loving and caring husband in you.
Joanne, together with our dance mates Jas, Belinda and Kim (Teo) have always been close. My regret is that i never got to see her one last time when i went back to Singapore for CNY as i was down with an eye infection. She will always be in my mind for being a good friend and a good sister. She has been a beacon of strength and optimism and i shall miss her deeply.
Pls take care of yourself now that she is gone.
tars@shanghai
I've found a place caught in open arms, where Love's embrace mends a broken heart. Here I will stay for all my days. Draw me closer. Selah.
To Alex:
My thoughts and my prayers are with you, though we do not know each other. The days ahead are going to be very tough, but I believe that your love for Joanne and the presence of the people who love you and Jo will keep you going. Keep believing in the power of the risen Christ. Take care and may God bless and protect you always. God be with you till we meet at Jesus' feet.
Love,
Alvin
P.S. Coincidentally, my late mother's birthday is today.
Hi Alex,
Though we do not know each other well, it was obvious how much Jo and u loved and cherished each other. Jo has gone into the arms of our Lord and will be feasting with the angels in Heaven. Please take good care of yourself and I am sure Jo will be watching u from above and praying for u...
To everything there is a season,
A time for every purpose under heaven;
A time to be born, a time to die;
A time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
A time to weep and a time to laugh;
A time to mourn and a time to dance;
A time to keep and a time to cast away.
Deepest condolences,
Julie
Dear Alex
We are sorry for your loss.
She will live on in the hearts of everyone who loved her.
Blessed are those who mourn
For they shall be comforted
Matthew 5:4
May it be a source
of inner strength
to know that
there's a loving God
watching over you
and that
throughout this time of need
He'll stay close by your side.
Take good care and God be with you always.
James and Rita
Dear Alex,
My deepest condolences to u and the family. I am grieved, yet heartened that Jo is no longer in pain and safe in the arms of Jesus. I will always remember attending your wedding and seeing you and Jo walk down the aisle with such joy and bounce in your steps. and later, you guys were smiling so happily for the camera even after having to take photo after photo. I regret that I am not able to be at the wake to say a last goodbye but brother, please take care of yourself and draw strength from the Lord. U and the family are still in my prayers.
MH
Hi Alex,
The love you & Jo have for each other inspires. The faith, courage, strength and hope shown so clearly is divine.
I have been praying for Jo & you whenever I log into your blog. Your lives encourage and challenge me to trust more fully in Jesus in my personal struggle - my wife too had cancer.
I'm reminded that our home is not here but in the heavenly mansion. And one day, we will all return home and be reunited with our love ones. That is the wonderful hope we have in Jesus.
May His comforting presence be yours in the days ahead.
Thank you for blessing all of us with this journey of faith...
Alvin Lee - Dahon Riders
Dear Alex,
Kim broke the news to me last night when I was having dinner. I was lost for words, it felt so sudden for I was just reading your blog few hours ago. Memories of the past kept flashing through my mind...
I still rememeber it was during NYGH orientation that I first met Joanne. I was in sec 1 and she was my sec 4 senior. She was dancing on stage, though there were about 8-10 dancers, my eyes were only on her. Her moves were so graceful and she had this look that just made her stood out from the rest. She impressed me so much I joined the dance society as my ECA.
We got to know each other better when I joined the dance troupe at Telok Ayer. Together with Kim, Jas, Belinda, we spent most of our youth dancing from Telok Ayer to Ghim Moh. Joanne has always been an inspiration to me, motivating me to scale greater heights in dance. She was my 'idol' during my teens.
And I recall those days at the Teochew opera. We shared so many wonderful moments in practice, on stage and off stage. Joanne, though you are no longer here, you will always be in my heart.
"To be away from the body is to be with the Lord". While I feel sad to have lost a friend, I am glad that Joanne is now in a far better place. Alex, thanks for taking care of Joanne till the very end. She is indeed very blessed to have you as her husband.
We pray that God will fill you with His peace and comfort you during this time of bereavement. May His strength continue to sustain you and His grace to carry you through.
Take care.
Love,
Rebecca (& George)
Hi Alex
My deepest condolences to you on Jo's passing. While we grieve, I am sure Jo is smiling at us from heaven, in the arms of Jesus.
I've known Jo when we're in Mass Comm in Ngee Ann and also came to work with her a couple of years in a PR agency. And when I saw her at Wesley, I was very happy that she is a believer.
You both have encouraged a lot of people with your faith and love. May God continue to be your source of strength.
Please take care and God bless.
Kim Tan
Dear ALex,
I'm sure Jo is in the good hands of our Lord Jesus Christ. Take care and be strong.
William
Dear Bro Alex,
This is from my boss:
"May God embrace Joanna Kwan and bless her loved ones
Amethyst & I sorry to hear about Joanna. However, God must have his reason.
We will pray for Joanna and for her loved ones.
Best regards,
Dr. Bui"
Jen
Hi Alex,
You know, when Joanne first told me that she was dating you, I thought that only GOD (through Joanne Tan & Samuel Cheong, correct?) can make these two seemingly separate parts of my life together (my 'lancing'/pubbing side and spiritual side, cos after 'lancing' with her, I'd always drag myself out of bed to attend the then 9.15am service at Wesley, where I usually bump into you). She also asked me what I thought of you, and I told her that she could not have chosen a better guy cos 'Alex is one of the nicest ACS guys I know and very strong in his faith'. She said 'really?!' and until today, you have shown us nothing less than proving what I said true and for making her dream of a dream husband come true. I thank you and God of course.
Joanne was a dear dear friend at Ngee Ann Mass Comm and our classmates will remember us, changing into 'lancing' outfits & putting on our make-up after class, and head off to meet Kim, Belinda, Jasmine & gang for our weekly 'exercise'. Of course those were the good old days when we were much much younger haha. Her selflessness also showed when she decided to 'expose' her good dance (proper dance ok, not see sua kind) friends to my nonsense and play translator between this bad-Mandarin speaking MGS girl (eh, proof of true MGS-ness hor) and her primarily Mandarin-speaking dance troupe. Needless to say, my spoken Mandarin has improved and her effort has helped me with my communication with my own MIL :)
Well, we all certainly miss Joanne is gone but at the same time, I'm happy that she's finally gone home to God...she has definitely impacted a lot of people and I thank God for giving me the chance of having such a friend.
Take care and we're all here for you ya?
May Tan (she always calls me by my full name you know hahaha)
Dear Alex,
Deepest condolences. I'm sorry to hear of this bad news.
But thinking that Jo is in the good hands of the Lord now brings comfort. I'm sure He will take good care of her and shower her with so much love.
Pls do take care. I'm sorry I can't be of much help. I'm currently in the midst of mugging and juggling assignments, sorry that I won't be attending the wake.
God Bless!
Dear Alex,
though i do not really know Jo, i have seen her a couple of times with you and i have the seen the deep love that you two share. i just want to know,on behalf of ROCK,that we are always behind you and we will continue to keep you in our prayers.Stay strong and continue to be a light to others around you.
Joel Thong, ROCK
Dear Alex,
I'm Josephine, I left a comment here a month or two ago after I came across your blog by coincidence. I mentioned to you that I am a Singaporean girl studying in NZ, and my mother was suffering from leukaemia.
Well, my mother passed away a month ago, 29 May at 6.46pm, 6 months after she was first diagnosed with leukaemia. After she had to be admitted to ICU when her condition deteriorated, I immediately booked a flight back home but didn't manage to fly back in time to say goodbye. It was very unexpected as her condition deteriorated in the afternoon and she was gone by evening. It was most heartbreaking as I didn't have the chance to spend lots of time with her before she passed on. I think it's great that you had the chance to care for Jo, spend lots of time with her, be there for her every need.
After I found this blog, I have been following your updates closely and praying for Jo every day. Indeed, like many people have mentioned, I have been very touched by your love for each other.
Alex, I understand how hard it must be to lose Jo, but be strong and take heart, because our Lord Jesus Christ has overcome death, and we now have the hope of meeting again one day. And remember, it may seem that she has lost in the battle with cancer, but in Christ, she is victorious because she fought the good fight of faith, and she ran the good race.
You and Jo have been a blessing to me, and have been a great source of comfort and encouragement to me whilst my mum was battling her cancer and even after she passed away. Thank you so much. Take care, and may God bless you.
Jesus said, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies"
John 11:25
Josephine
Dear Uncle Alex,
We are sorry to hear about your loss,Aunty Joanne.
Our deepest condolences.May God comfort you as you go through this rough time...
God Bless.
Alex and Zach
Dear Alex & the Kwan Family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of Joanne.
It was really hard, taking the news yesterday evening. I knew she had been ill but I didn't realise how ill. I deeply regret not taking the time to keep in touch more regularly. The last time I saw her was almost 3 years ago at a friend's one-month baby celebration. She looked great then.
Having worked with her many years ago, I'll always remember her to be cheerful and cheeky (much like my daughter). After reading your blog last night, I'd like to add another 'c' to that list... courageous.
Losing a wife, sister, daughter like Joanne is heartbreaking. Since losing my father 3 weeks before my wedding and then experiencing the joy of becoming a mother a few years later, I've become so much more sensitive to the need for us to treasure our loved ones and to show them that we love them at every opportunity.
You and her family have exemplified that.
Take heart that you have done all you could possibly do, and that she is in good hands now.
Do take care,
Verdayne & Mark
Kids: Sonya & Oliver
Dear Alex,
You may not know me, but I think I've seen u arnd in SundaySch while I was a kid. Reading ur blog today reminded me of God's sovereignty once again. I have lost my boyfriend 2 yrs ago, who passed away due to Leukemia. I can understand your days n nights of caring for Jo. Dear Alex, please take good care of yourself. Be real with your emotions and just articulate to the Lord in whatever form you desire. No more pretenses, just full surrender. I believe God can and will heal your heart. Jo's in the great hands of God, just as Christopher is. We'll meet them one day :) That's our confident hope! God promised to restore me through Ps71:20-21. Be encouraged. Trust God's heart.
Abide in God,
Winnie Joy
(I'm from Wesley too)
Dear Alex
I wanted to speak during the eulogy last night but I was too afraid of having my tears overcome me, sorry.
My dear brother, I have said this to you many times...but today, I would like to share this with everyone else...a piece of what JoKwan sincerely believed and held on to preciously...
JoKwan has told me repeatedly how blessed she is to have you as a husband. That you are an angel God sent to her. Without you, she wouldnt have been able to fight this cancer for so many years. Without you, she wouldnt have been able to endure the hospital trips. Without you, she wouldnt have come to know God. Without you, she wouldnt have had so much joy, laughter and love in her life.
She said she has been so happily married, she wishes everyone was married. She wishes that those who were married would find as great a husband as she had in you.
Alex, all of us cry and grief when we think of Jo, the physical suffering she had to go through and her early passing. But she has lived a life that was short but well lived. And you were the instrument of God who made it so. She knew it. All of us could see it. And God granted it.
How I praise the Lord for his mighty ways. Our Lord has made so many of the things that Jo wanted in life come true. Now, she is with Him and her life will be even better than what she has experienced here. And that is all that counts isnt it? Hallelujah!!
All of us will individually have our fond memories of JoKwan to treasure and to hold. We will cry but our Lord will wipe away our tears and He will strengthen us.
I really look forward to being a witness to what God has planned next for you. I cannot imagine that God has used these past years to build up such a strong warrior in you without putting it to some great use. JoKwan and you have already touched many lives with your faith. Press on...and allow Him to use you mightily. Amen.
Love,
JoTan
Hi Alex,
I'm a colleague and friend of DD; that's how I was introduced to your blog. I am a husband (and father) myself, and I am truly encouraged by your truly Christ-centred marriage with Jo. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this moment.
I'm quite sure Jo is looking down at all this now - peaceful and safely in the wonderful place which our Lord Jesus has prepared for her.
Take care.
Danny
Alex
This comment was left on my blog and thought it appropriate to post here:
I’ve to say that I clicked onto their blog, and have spent the longest time walking through the journey with them. If there is one lesson i’ve learned today, is the fact that I’ve been really too selfish. And love shouldn’t be weighed nor compared. Her life, though such a short one, was perfect simply because she had her soul mate to walk every minute with her. Some live a lifetime, never to find such joy. So God bless her soul, and may God bring strength to Alex and to their families.
Alex,
I used to party with Jo and Jessica at Xenado before she went to Australia to further her study. Yes, she's a great dancer and though she's younger than us, she took care of us, protect us from naughty men.
I remember the 1st time I saw you was at Tangling Police Station. Jessica bag got stolen at Mariott hotel cafe. I was asking Julie, what Jo see in you. I look upon her as a very special girl who can have a very handsome boyfriend. Now I know what she sees in you. You have a great heart.
Thank you for being such a loving and supportive husband to Jo. It's too bad she didn't live long enough to enjoy more.
Since she is so blessed to have you as her husband, I am sure God will be with you to carry on with your life without her (physically). She will always be in our heart.
Take care Alex.
Kelly (Jessica friend)
Remember this old sunday school song...
Hes the Lord of the sunshine
The Lord of the rain
Hes the Lord of the good times
The Lord of the pain
Hes the Lord of the mountains
The Lord of the sea
Hes the Lord of the music
The Lord of the children
The Lord of you & Jo...
Be BLESSED.
Dearest Alex,
I found out about Joanne through Meng (Alex Tang) who found out from Kee Joo. We didn't have your mobile number, so i tried calling your old Braddell one. It was the only number I had. No one answered. Meng told me about your blog today.
It was hard to read about your journey without being touched by your steadfast devotion to God and Joanne. It was hard to read it without crying.
This is such a horrid way for old friends to come out of the woodwork, i know, but i just wanted to say I'm so sorry for your loss. I did not know her, but its clear how very loved she was by you and all those whose lives she touched. My heart goes out to you and all those who knew and loved her.
Take care, Alex, and God bless.
Hugs from an old friend,
Edna
Dear Alex & the Kwan Family,
My deepest condolences on the loss of Joanne.
It was really hard, taking the news yesterday evening. I knew she had been ill but I didn't realise how ill. I deeply regret not taking the time to keep in touch more regularly. The last time I saw her was almost 3 years ago at a friend's one-month baby celebration. She looked great then.
Having worked with her many years ago, I'll always remember her to be cheerful and cheeky (much like my daughter). After reading your blog last night, I'd like to add another 'c' to that list... courageous.
Losing a wife, sister, daughter like Joanne is heartbreaking. Since losing my father 3 weeks before my wedding and then experiencing the joy of becoming a mother a few years later, I've become so much more sensitive to the need for us to treasure our loved ones and to show them that we love them at every opportunity.
You and her family have exemplified that.
Take heart that you have done all you could possibly do, and that she is in good hands now.
Do take care,
Verdayne & Mark
Kids: Sonya & Oliver
Hi Alex & Jess,
As I prepare myself to accompany you guys for Jo's final send-off, there's so many mixed feelings inside which I cannot express in words or say it out to you when we are face to face.
Reckon God has made new dynamic plans for both of you, as you start a new phase in your own journeys of faith.
Know that you are always in my thoughts and in my prayers. As this part of Jo's earthly journey ends, I look forward to the day when we will meet her again in the presence of God.
God Bless,
Julie
Dear Alex,
Although words cannot begin to ease the sorrow of your loss, please know that you are in the prayers of so many who care.
Praying that the Lord will comfort you with His peace, surround you in His love and encourage you with His presence.
II Cor 1:3,4
" Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God."
Therefore, my dear brother Alex, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. I Cor 15:58
Alex, read this:
http://mylittleadult.wordpress.com/2007/06/27/all-my-bitching-makes-me-feel-like-a-complete-loser/
Dear Alex
Thank you for allowing us to walk Jo's last journey to her final resting place. She has left a very deep footprint in my heart and will be there forever...
I like Pastor Wendy's message, she has helpped me personally to overcome the vacuum that Jo & my late dad left behind. The big empty vacuum has now filled with their memories and footprints now. Pls thank her on my behalf.
Life is never the same yesterday and today. Jo has taught me what is life for on this earth, she has inspirated me so much that I am having difficulties not to think of her, Miss 'Dao Fu', Quen Jie and the way she got angry. I will laugh when she gets angry and I am going to miss those actions.
Never in my mind, that last year Christmas was my last time shopping with her. She hardly has time to do shopping due to her treatment and etc. I remembered she almost wanted to walk over to a table not far from us and to tell that man to stop scolding his maid (maybe one of his maid agency employee)or lower down his voice. I stopped her as it will spoil her day, so we agreed to have the captain to do so instead.
After the lunch, we were planning our shopping route... she disappeared!!! I stood there stared blank... if I could make my head turn 360', I proably have done that many rounds... just when I was doing my 'turn' I heard a voice calling my name... Jasmine... Jasmine... is her voice!! Where is she?! =,=''' She was attracted by the Body Shop's promotion and thinking I was following behind her. Thereafter I held on to her arm and refused to let her walk out of my sight. He he he... These memories like slides show and they made me smile each time I thought of her.
Kim, Rebecca & myself has decided to do a yearly picnic at East Coast to visit Jo, Alex, Jess, Alex's dad & Jess's parents are all welcome!
Jo said to Kim & myself during our last visit to her in the hospital, she said in her weak voice: 'We have to move on la'... 3 of us cried when she said that... We are moving on as per her instruction so that we can meet again in a far away place when it is time.
Alex, this is another new chapter in your life, continue to update your blog about your life as those who were encouraged by both you & Jo also concern about you and would like to keep you in our prayers too. You are not alone ya!
Will inform you when is our next gathering so that you can join us.
God bless
Jasmine
Thank you for letting us see how Jesus is alive in you and through you.
Alex,
REMEMBER HOW SHE LIVED!
Aloha,
Dave
Alex, another one from a reader of my blog:
Seems that you have been spending more time on your blog in the last
weeks. :) I returned to your blog yesterday and found out that Jo passed
away. I normally read your blog and theirs parallely. I must admit that I
am somewhat affected by this piece of news. Well, if you happen to see
Alex sometime, and if you happen to remember, please tell him that a
silent reader of his blog shares his grief und prays that the Lord's peace
and strength may be upon him and his family.
From another friend from Mass Comm at Ngee Ann...
25 June 2007
In A Happier Place
Got an sms on my way home from May that Joanne had passed away. It was not surprising as her condition had deteriorated the past week. My regret is that I procrastinated going to visit her since I found out about her condition last October. And I can't even go to her wake tomorrow as I'll be going back to Kunshan again for another week! I believe Jo's in a happier place now with Him - free from the suffering and pain she had gone through the last few years. Her passing has taught me the lesson to never leave things till tomorrow - or it may just be too late. I never got down to seeing her and I never will again. Sorry Jo. And goodbye. You'll always be remembered for your strength, determination and faith.
http://pillotalks.blogspot.com/
Dear Alex
Words cannot express the regret I feel for not having visited Jo earlier. I could not even attend the wake as I was leaving on a business trip. Despite her condition, Jo still manages to respond to the sms I sent her when she was in hospital, thanking me for our prayers. As for you Alex, I never met you personally but your selfless love for Jo has taught me to cherish what I have and love. Jo is in a happier place free from pain. Stay strong and May the Lord be with you. Jo will always be an inspiration and an unforgettable friend.
Hello Alex,
I have just read your blog today and I am touched by the way you did your best to care for Joanne.
I am a 2nd year medical student and personally, I hope to do my best in future, upon completion of my course, for the people of the world.
My deepest condolences to you and everyone concerned.
Take care.
Hi Alex,
This is much belated. Tears rolled down my cheeks when I received news about Jo's last stretch for the Lord. I promised to see her at home when I returned from the US.
Nonetheless, I am happy for Jo to have returned to the Lord. This is what she wanted and what she told me when I visited her at the hospital. In her words, she was ready when God was. So, in a way, I suppose it's a joyous ocassion for her and for us.
She told me, she knew from above she will see you as a man who mirrors the many virtues of a man of God's words. In return, she asked that you see a smiling Jo as you look into the sky.
Jo and you have taught us many lessons - about God, faith, love, family.
She was a fantastic colleague (one of the few apolitical ones), a great baker (yummy cheesecakes)and a cheerful friend (never seen a frown on her).
I thank her for her prayers and for giving me the "extra time" in the last few months. I am most privileged to have her witness my baptism.
If you haven't figured it out, Jo, in her own way, had drawn and continues to miraculously draw many people together.
For we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7
- SC
Jo,
found your blog thro philo's blog ... i can't believe you're gone .......
you were so full of life ... so jovial, i'll never forget the way you eat with your dainty fingers.
oh jo .... i wish i'd known.
His ways are higher than ours ... may He watch over your loved ones in your absence.
love/nancytoh
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