04/03/2016
FB is asking what's on my mind. Well, the answer is: IRIS & FUNG CHANG.
Iris, my student, & her mother, Fung, have lost their beloved father & husband, Kim Chang. He was only 44. He was a wonderful person. He was kind, easy-going, & GENUINE!
Iris was my piano student for many years, but stopped for the 9th grade (this year), so she might concentrate on academics. She has many other talents, including art, which you can see in the pics I will post. She also has started playing guitar & co-created a pop band called "Play the Ace." (you can follow it on YouTube) Iris sings vocals, plays keyboards, and guitar, which she is teaching herself to play. Her father played the guitar & had his own band, also. I think that she is like him in so MANY ways. I know he had such a huge influence on her life. There will be such a void -- a "Daddy-shaped hole" in her heart that cannot be filled with anyone but Kim. I know that's a blunt statement, but it is a harsh reality.
HOWEVER, that doesn't mean she has no hope for a bright future! The old adage that time heals all wounds is somewhat true. Iris CAN get past this, in time. She will need the help of many friends to get her through this first difficult year, & we know that the pain will not stop there. I hope she will also lean on God. I will be praying for her, often, as well as her mother, Fung, who has been a GREAT friend to me, through the years! Iris is an only child, so I know that she and her mother will lean on each other for strength.
My greatest concern has been how this will affect Iris's personality. She is one of the happiest, funniest, smartest, wackiest students I've ever had. But now I'm concerned about whether such a tragic, life-altering event could change the personality of someone at such a tender age.
However, I am happy to report that her mother told me that she is doing very well. She even went to a choir competition today, the day before the funeral. Of course, even though Iris is doing well only 3 weeks after her father's passing., there will be MANY sad days ahead. Please pray for Iris and her mother, Fung, as they mourn and learn to lean on each other.
I never realized how much Iris is like her father until I read the condolences on his obituary page. Every description of Kim sounded just like they could have been talking about Iris. They were both so laid-back & easygoing & ALWAYS smiling. My greatest prayer is that she will not lose those wonderful characteristics, that came from her father. It is through Iris and the traits she inherited from Kim, that he will live on.
Rest in peace, Kim. We will ALL miss you!
http://www.turrentinejacksonmorrow.com/obituaries/kim-tao-chung-chang