Ms. Chen, a great role model, passed on this weekend. In reflecting on the time I have known her, the guidance - purely through example - that she has shared, and the stories I am now hearing from those who knew her better than I, I am realizing that her example was far greater than just what I noticed.

Ms. Chen lived a life for others, which is something I aspire towards. Yet she did so with her whole heart, her whole life, and no desire for return. In this life we can only full heartedly give our selves to one thing. For Ms. Chen that one thing was selfless service.

I have had the opportunity to travel some with Ms. Chen and see her in many situations.? She always kept the spirit of caring for? the needs of others. She would notice the small things like when someone needed a drink of water, or when someone was tired and should rest, or when someone was misbehaving and needed some guidance.? Ms. Chen was straightforward with what must be done right.? I had a special relationship with her and she was always quick to give me support and criticism.

Ms. Chen was unasuming and did not call attention to herself.? At her funeral the only pictures of her were the ones that I had taken in the few years that I have known her.? She was always in the background making sure everyone had what they needed, but she would never do so in a way that brought attention upon herself.? There is a saying that truly great people leave no tracks.? This does not mean that they do not have a great impact on the world, rather it means that when they do good deeds, they never leave signs that it was them who did the deed.
If we know what to do in this life and do it well, our lives, in a way, become eternal. I will always remember Ms. Chen, respect how she lived, and keep her guidance close to my heart.