A Letter to My Dear Friends and Readers

Paper house for my father's funeral.

 I recently returned from Viet Nam, where I laid my father to rest and said my final goodbyes. It was a profound experience, and one that left me sorrowing for his loss, and joyfully celebrating his life. 

When I got back I found so many sympathy cards, notes, tweets, and e-mails! It was so moving to feel how much my friends and readers care and appreciate my father and the relationship I had with him. It affirmed my desire to share what he gave me with others, that his is a gift that extends far beyond me.

 I’m sad and I miss him terribly—I will every day of my life—but he gave me so much joy and happiness. Everything around me reminds me of him, of his love for me, what he taught me, how supportive he was. So that even though he is gone, he is with me always. The thought and memory of him give me strength.

 I thank all of you, dear friends and readers, for your love and support, and for appreciating my father’s legacy. Thank you for joining me in honoring him.

 My dad gave me the foundation for my life and equipped me to go on the journey that brought me to this point. That is why I wrote my book, Empowered by Hope, so that I could share his wisdom.

 My mother died when I was 8 years old, and I was an only child, so my father focused his love and attention on me.

 He said “When you’re a parent, you parent from the day your children are born until the day you die.” He truly exemplified that, even choosing to die at a time that was auspicious for my life.

According to his belief in astrology, that time would have positive energy and a positive effect on me. His intention was that I have an abundance of happiness, good health, and prosperity.

 I knew that he was giving me his blessing and his best wishes. He lived his life for me to the very end, and I am deeply grateful.

 Now that he has passed and is at peace, I can focus on my writing and speaking, and I look forward to sharing more with you.

My best always, Ha