Remembering Judi - The neighborly grandmother who spread hope

Judi had a natural ability to spread warmth. Whether at work or in her daily life, everyone who interacted with her couldn't help but be touched by her presence. Just mentioning her brings to mind a smile that healed pain and inspired hope. Like the "I Can Hope" program she advocated, she was an angel who left us with hope. I met Judi in 2012 when she and her husband Randy came to Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital to promote the "I Can Hope" project. I had the privilege of interpreting for them and witnessing Judi's rigorous attitude towards scholarly research and her tireless enthusiasm. For several consecutive days, despite being in her 70s, she not only insisted on teaching daily and seriously answering trainees' questions but also went to clinics, communicating with patients and their families to understand their actual needs. Her constant smile, like a ray of sunshine, was imprinted in my mind. Her husband, Randy, also spared no effort in helping with our training. They quickly integrated into our team and became the most unforgettable members. In April 2013, the "I Can Hope" project was officially established in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital. Judi and Randy were invited again and I accompanied them throughout. In our daily interactions, I had the privilege to see Judi's simple and frugal side. I remember accompanying them to the supermarket to buy daily necessities. Since their stay was short and they wouldn't use the items many times, even though the activity expenses could be reimbursed, they repeatedly confirmed that if the items were not used up, they could be donated and not wasted before agreeing to buy them. Their insistence made me feel a simple warmth, just like her smile, a kind of moving feeling that dispels fatigue. Despite her professional guidance and help, Judi and Randy felt more like kind and friendly elderly neighbors to me. In the spring of 2014, our family moved from Tianjin to St. Paul, where they lived. At the beginning of the move, we received their selfless help. Randy drove to help transport furniture. Judi brought thoughtful English beginner's books for my 5-year-old son Ben and even helped me contact a hospital in St. Paul for a short visit so I could understand daily work in American hospital. They also helped us get to know more about Minnesota and appreciate the beauty and cultural characteristics of this city of a thousand lakes. Their friendliness made us feel the warmth of family in a strange city and gave us more courage to face the challenges of new life. They became Ben's favorite American grandparents.Picture 5- My family visiting Judi's lakeside log cabin in June 2015.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)Picture 6 – Judi and Randy visiting us during the Lunar New Year while my mom was visiting from China in February 2016.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) In May 2016, our friend Qi Wang went to the US for an exchange and transferred to St. Paul to visit her old friends Judi and Randy. Their friendship, like tea, remained clear over the years, with an ever-present fragrance. In the spring of 2017, our family moved to Berkely, CA. Although we left St. Paul, the memories remained, our gratitude unchanged, and our concern for our friends undiminished. During holidays, hearing their voices on the phone and chatting about everyday trivialities always relieved stress and brought calm. Time flies. Our old friend is no longer here with us in this world. Amid the sorrow, her brilliant smile fixed in my heart, like a beam of hope, remains in the world, lighting my way forward.