Jennie Yeung
Bernice and I were school mates in Hong Kong. As we lived fairly close, we spent a lot of time together - in libraries, at basketball games and even playing violins in the school orchestra. Whenever she knew I might not be happy, she was there for me. Whenever there were differences in opinion among the classmates, she’d never take sides, and was friendly with all the parties.
We went different ways after high school. Out of destiny, we were connected thirty years later, and Bernice drove over to see me within days, and had always been there when she was needed. On my request, she went to see a friend of mine who had terminal cancer, and asked her colleague who was a specialist to talk to this friend. Another time, Bernice knew that I was let go from my job and she came to see me the next day. Whenever we went out for meals, she always found a reason to pay for my share. The list has of kind gestures is simply too long……….
Over ten years ago, when I was waiting to board a plane, she called and told me she had a growth in her brain. She was in a hilarious mood, I laughed with her. It was only when I was quiet on the plane afterwards, that I figured it could not be a small matter, as it was her head rather than any part. I’d admired her optimism.
When I knew that she was on her final phrase, I cried over the phone. Bernice called me at least twice to comfort me.
Bernice is surely someone I will miss.
Jennie Yeung
