there's someone missing

i walked out of work today and listened to my voice message.

Hi T. Dad here. I want to let you know Ba Nettie passed away. I don't have any schedule for visitation times or memorial service. When I have it, I'll give it to you. ok. bye

I listened to the message again.

I couldn't believe it.

I knew she wasn't in good health. My mom had told me a couple of weeks ago that Ba Nettie went to the hospital but was at home with a nurse looking after her. My mom was going to visit her.

It didn't even occur to me that she wouldn't get better. I had a firm image in my head that I might be able to see her at my wedding. Although, I did hope she would be able to go to my Dam Hoi...but that didn't happen. I think my dad told me she was too sick to come. I don't think I even introduced Ba Nettie to Dan.

I am glad that I did get to call Ba Nettie earlier this year. I don't think she quite remembered me when I spoke to her and it seemed like she was trying to get me off the phone.. but that could have been because she got tired from talking.

Ba Nettie was such a great lady. The things that she was able to accomplish in her life. She was one of the first women to get a degree when UCLA first opened its doors. She helped not just my family but Nettie's family too. She was such a firm UCLA fan.

I'm still in shock.