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Cecilia Gillen Obituary
(NGUYEN THI MINH HANG)
Of Reston, VA. Passed away Thursday, March 30, 2006. Mourned by her husband, Charles, their three sons and six grandchildren, as well as her mother and many siblings in both Virginia and France. Born in 1938 Hanoi, Vietnam, during the Indochina War, she spent part of her childhood in the rural areas while her family resisted the French. After a few years they fled Communist control and returned to Hanoi, and in 1954 joined the exodus to South Vietnam. In 1961 she married her American pen-pal and raised a family in Saigon until their departure for the USA in 1973. During her husband's four-year diplomatic tour in South Korea, she was chief Vietnamese language instructor at the University of Foreign Languages in Seoul. After her three sons went off to college she embarked on her own professional career which lasted 20 years, until her sudden death. Visitation Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by memorial service from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., both at the National Funeral Home, 7482 Lee Hwy., Falls Church, VA 22042. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Reston Interfaith or Catholic Charities USA are encouraged.
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Memories and Condolences
for Cecilia Gillen
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G Gillen
March 29, 2025
We went to see the cherry blossoms at the Tidal Pond in full bloom this week, as you always loved to do. Remembering you, Alice, and aunt Tam and Andrea.
Elaine
March 31, 2024
On this Easter Sunday, flowers in bloom, which I believe you would be happy about, thinking about and still missing you. Love Elaine
Graham
March 29, 2024
18 years since we lost you. The time it takes a newborn to become an adult. The pain of loss is diminished but ever present. Wishing you could see how wonderful your grandchildren have become.
E
March 29, 2023
Cecilia
How could it be 17 years? Seems like yesterday because you are always in my thoughts. I wish I could give you a big hug.
Love, Elaine
Graham
March 29, 2023
Thinking of you, mom, especially when the cherry blossoms are out.
Love, Elaine
March 30, 2022
Still missing you in our family
Graham Gillen
March 29, 2022
Miss you terribly, Mom. But we have found a final resting place for you and Dad, and you will be together there soon - surrounded by gardens and nature and cared for by Benedictine nuns.
March 29, 2021
Another year of missing you, Cecilia but you are always in my prayers.
Love, Elaine
Graham Gillen
March 29, 2021
I wish you could see the women that your granddaughters have become. And I hope, somehow, that you are able to guide the spirit of your sister who recently joined you. We miss and love you always.
Graham Gillen
March 30, 2020
14 years and we still miss you. Thankfully we have some wonderful photos from Dad to remind us of you. It was his gift in so many ways.
Graham Gillen
April 18, 2019
13 years later and we still miss you every day. Every time I tell the story of Bright Moon and Evening Star people remain amazed. It's also spring and our cherry trees (Alice and Cecilia) are blooming in tribute to you and Alice.
Love, Elaine
April 2, 2019
Still missing you Cecilia but you are always in my prayers
Chinh Nguyen
April 1, 2019
ah. i can't believe it's been three years since last i wrote something here. you would be so proud of your grandkids. we miss you.
Graham Gillen
December 3, 2018
Mom, this would have been your 80th birthday and I can't think of a better present than to let you know your first granddaughter Grace go into dental school and is going to be a dentist! I know you and Dad are very proud. Miss you, as always.
Love, Elaine
December 2, 2018
Missing you and Mom on your shared birthday, especially at this time of year.
I hope Charlie is taking care of both of you.
Graham Gillen
March 30, 2017
Your Mona Lisa is going to be a nurse at UVA. I am sure you would be so proud. Miss you every day.
Graham
December 3, 2016
Happy 78th birthday Mom. You would be so proud of your granddaughters!
Love, Elaine
December 2, 2016
Cecilia:
I wish you were here to celebrate another birthday with your family.
I think about you often and want to wish you a happy birthday - also give my love to Mom on her birthday too.
Chinh Nguyen
March 31, 2016
We miss you, Aunt Hang. This past year Uncle Ross and Aunt Etearrah bought a riverside property, and hosted Thanksgiving there. I think you would have loved it.
Love, Elaine
March 30, 2016
10 years have gone by so fast - but why does it seem like just yesterday?
Miss you, Cecilia
Graham Gilllen
March 29, 2016
It's been 10 years tomorrow. I think of you all the time, Mom, and the memories are always happy. Except tomorrow. Tomorrow will hurt again like a kick in the gut. If only you could see your grandchildren today you would be SO proud. And maybe you do know, somehow, somewhere, how they have grown and how they are doing.
Yeah, tomorrow is going to really hurt. Love and miss you always,
Graham
Graham
December 3, 2015
Happy Birthday Mom.
Elaine
December 2, 2015
Loved you and miss you being in my life.
Happy Birthday, Cecilia
and love to Mom on her birthday too.
April 4, 2015
Another year gone by - still thinking of
you often and wishing you were here.
Love, Elaine
Graham Gillen
April 1, 2015
Remembering you Mom, in your favorite time of year when the cherry blossoms are getting ready to bloom.
Chinh Nguyen
March 31, 2015
I've gotten pretty good at cultivating calibrachoa, Aunt Hang. You would love them. My roses are doing very well this year. We miss you.
Graham
December 3, 2014
Thinking of you on your birthday. You would be very proud of your granddaughters if you see how well they are doing.
December 2, 2014
Cecilia
I think of you often, especially today on your and Mom's birthday.
Miss you both.
Love, Elaine
Love, Elaine
April 1, 2014
Cecilia
So sorry, I don't know how I could have forgotten you on March 30, but you are in my prayers every day anyway and now Charlie is also. Miss you both.
Elaine
April 1, 2014
.......and Charlie is my much loved brother whom I still can't believe isn't with us anymore - and I miss him.
Chinh Nguyen
March 31, 2014
On February 28, 2014, Charles Gillen passed away. He was preceded by his wife by seven years. After she died in 2006, he continued the tradition of correspondence with her that brought them together in the first place, enshrining the legacy of their marriage here on the web, in addition to the compilation of her letters. He was a true polymath, being a master of multiple languages, including Vietnamese and French, and a masterful photographer with a keen eye, a writer, and a keen observer of history and politics. Without him and Cecilia, the greater part of the Nguyen family could not have escaped the horrors of the Vietnam war, and our lives would be very different. He is survived by his three sons and six grandchildren. His pride in them was one of the few things with which he verbose. He will be missed.
Last year I did not take care of my roses correctly, Aunt Hang, so they didn't bloom until late spring. Now they're blooming like mad. I know you would have loved them, Aunt Cecilia.
Graham
March 30, 2014
It's been eight years Mom. We miss you terribly but hope you and Dad and together again. Your granddaughter Grace is going to UVA like her Dad. She will also get that IB degree you could never finish and I know that makes you very proud.
Graham Gillen
March 3, 2014
Mom, that guys who's bugging you...take a second look. It's Dad and he finally quit smoking. Now you are together again.
Graham
December 4, 2013
Happy 75th birthday Mom. I know you would still have worn ponytails and l looked 39.
Elaine
December 4, 2013
A belated 75th! birthday wish to both you and Mom @ 101 ! ....not that I wasn't thinking of you on the 2nd as I placed grave covers at the cemetery - sorry, but I forgot to send my love.
Charles Gillen
December 3, 2013
Happy birthday, Cecilia... 75 candles on the cake!
Chinh Nguyen
March 30, 2013
I bought a house over the past year, Aunt Hang. A dove has nested in my garden. I think you would have liked that. We miss you.
Love, Elaine
March 30, 2013
Another year without you, Cecilia. Miss you and wish you were still a part of our lives.
Graham Gillen
March 30, 2013
Mom, how fitting this year that this date falls on Easter eve. Were I attending Easter vigil service like you did so often, the somberness of the service would have been a difficult reminder. But alas, it seems life's pace continues to move at such a frenetic pace that it's hard even for my own family to sit own regularly for dinner these days. And so I will appreciate an Easter Sunday at Steve's tomorrow where I perhaps can reflect more on what family means to me in the larger sense. That appreciation is one of your enduring lessons and gifts that I will keep forever.
March 29, 2013
Friday, 29 March
Cecilia, I'm writing one day early to make sure that this time I'm the first you hear from. At my dinner table I still face a large photo of you, but it's the "younger" you that appeared in the 1956 LIFE magazine. From where I sit, your face looks almost life-size.
The wall behind me has four smaller photos including a nice one of you holding Steve's baby Megan during our visit to Tampa... you still looked so young, people could easily think she was your baby. But now Megan looks taller than Denise! All your six grandchildren are doing fine, and I guess before long Megan will be the third one to start driving.
Your three sons are old enough now to understand what a great job you did in raising them, and are busy raising their own kids the same way.
The winter passed fairly easily for me, as snow was no problem walking little Lucy, and I began reading all the works of Honore de Balzac (in translation). I'm not finished reading him yet. If you run into him up there, mention he's got a new fan :^) Your sister Chau laughed that I read such "old-fashioned" books. I see her and your brother Hien fairly often at any big family dinner. At Tet, sister-in-law Nghia brought me enough cha-gio to last several meals.
On my last birthday, I turned 79 (and noticed my hair is starting to grow thin on top... but don't tease me about that). Glenn's birthday email arrived that day -- as he, Melissa, and Audrey were ending a week's vacation at a tropical island resort. I made sure Audrey had extra pocket money (from you) to shop for souvenirs... I remembered how you enjoyed shopping... and not buying until an item you especially wanted finally was on sale.
In July Graham's family will spend a week in Paris, and even take some cooking lessons there. In September Grace will start her LAST year in high school. Time flies.
I finished writing this at 2 AM (yes, still a night-owl) and will end here to take Lucy for a very quick pit-stop before I pick up a book and a beer. Chuc em ngu ngon!
December 3, 2012
Happy 74th Birthday Mom. You'll be happy to know a digital version of the December 24, 1956 edition of LIFE magazine has been digitally scanned by Google. You look as beautiful as ever. We miss you all the time, but especially at Christmas time.
- Graham, Jennifer, Grace and Margaret.
Charles Gillen
December 3, 2012
Elaine got here first again! Cecilia, you're 74 today, and I can report your three sons and six grandkids are all doing fine, and all remember you on this day.
Elaine
December 2, 2012
I miss you and think of you often and before this day is over, I want to wish you a happy birthday.
And if she's sitting beside you in heaven, give my love to Mom on this that would have been her 100th birthday
Love,
Love, Elaine
March 31, 2012
Cecilia
I think of you often and miss you in my life.
Chinh Nguyen
March 30, 2012
Every year I worry that I've forgotten to write something. We miss you.
Graham Gillen
March 30, 2012
Today is always a hard day to get through, Mom. We miss and love you. You should be very proud of how your grand-daughters are growing up.
Charles Gillen
March 30, 2012
Well, Cecilia, it's March 30 again, marking the sixth year you're away -- but not gone from our hearts. Grace can drive a car! Audrey is learning to drive! Sean and Kylie practice on your piano every day. Our sons are nearing their 50s. You're still the only woman in my life, but I have a cute new female pal named Lucy -- age 3, 13 lbs -- who drags me out for exercise every day, but I miss the way you and I used to walk the dog together every night.
Charles Gillen
December 27, 2011
Cecilia, thanks for the Christmas present! My survivor pension from your last job just increased $25 per month :^)
Charles Gillen
December 3, 2011
So, Cecilia, you've turned 73... I'm 77 (and it feels like 100). No change since my message back in March, except that I now have a crew-cut, long hair became a nuisance. I remain one of the very few pipe-smokers left :^)
Still your husband
Love, Elaine
December 2, 2011
Cecilia:
Happy Birthday to you and to Mom, who would have celebrated her 99th birthday today! Miss you both and think of you often.
Charles Gillen
March 30, 2011
Sorry I'm late Cecilia... got the days mixed up. Next July We can celebrate our 50th anniversary, but I wonder what you might think of an old
husband who needs a cane and hearing aids. And you might not recognize
me... I've spent the Winter letting my hair grow long :^)
For me, you're still here all around me... in the pots and pans we shared, along with the chinaware, glassware, and even the kitchen towels... getting a bit ragged now but I won't throw them away. I bet two cans of tomato paste in the cubboard must still have your fingerprints, because I'm sure I never bought them!
All your granddaughters are taller than you, (except Margaret and Kylie
so far), and all have copies of the autobiography I helped you write.
Your three sons and daughters-in-law have done a great job in raising
your six grandchildren, and I know each was very special to you.
As for me, I'm still a night-owl and late sleeper... but the dog gets me
up and outdoors every day, and makes sure I follow her exercise schedule. Daisy will be 5 years old in June, less playful than when I got her as a pup, but still good company.
And at dinner every night, I'm still facing your photo on the wall opposite me.
Charlie
Elaine
March 30, 2011
Cecilia:
How quickly 5 years have passed.You are missed more each day as I pray to and for you.
Love
Chinh Nguyen
March 30, 2011
We miss you. Every time we get together as a family, I think of how proud you would be of your sons and grandchildren.
Graham
March 30, 2011
It's been 5 years Mom. We think of you every day. And your grand-daughters - both scholars, one a runner and soccer player, the other a singer and volleyball player. You would be so proud. And wherever you may be, I know that you are.
Love,
Graham, Jennifer, Grace and Margaret.
December 2, 2010
Happy Birthday Mom.
We all miss you and think of you often.
- Graham, Jennifer, Grace and Margaret.
December 2, 2010
Cecilia:
Yet another birthday to sadly miss you and Mom.
Love, Elaine
December 2, 2010
Cecilia:
Another birthday, missing you and Mom.
Love, Elaine
Charles Gillen
December 2, 2010
Cecilia, happy 72nd birthday today.
March 30, 2010
Cecilia:
You're always in my thoughts and prayers. Miss you so.... can't believe it has been four years since you left us to cherish your memory.
Love, Elaine
Graham
March 30, 2010
Mom,
Easter Season is always bittersweet as this is when we lost you 4 years ago. But the coming of the cherry blossoms reminds us that you are still with us.
"She who has gone, so we but cherish her memory, more potent and more present than the living"
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
We all miss you and think of you often.
March 30, 2010
Dear chi Hang ,
I'm thinking of you often and say a prayer . I miss you still especially today and ngay gio cua your dad as well . Patrick will be home sometime this week and will lit incense sticks for grandpapa and bac Hang .
Love , em Nghia - Thinh & cac con
Chinh Nguyen
March 30, 2010
It's hard to believe it's been four years since Aunt Cecilia left us. I know you would be so proud of all of your children and grandchildren and all they've accomplished. Sometimes, when they turn their faces just so, I see you in them.
Charles Gillen
March 29, 2010
Well, Cecilia, your 4th anniversary in the dark hours of March 30 will be brightened by a full moon, which seems very appropriate. All the grandkids are doing fine, and Grace starts high school next year. Daisy remains my constant companion, in fact she's snoozing on my bed as I type this. As the weather improves we'll spend more time in the sunshine at the dog park. Steve is making more international flights, and just got back from Moscow. Last weekend Gray's family visited North Carolina to see Glenn, who later this year will take his family to visit Ireland. Family schedule conflicts this summer mean there'll be no family reunion at the beach.
However, I've no desire at all to travel, and use a cane more often... a habit I started when walking our old dog BB. Difference is nowadays I really need a cane, and now own four of them in different styles. Getting old!
Hope tonight you can smell the incense sticks I'll light for you.
Charles Gillen
July 20, 2009
Well, Cecilia, July 20 this year would have marked our 48th anniversary. Men got to the Moon on that same date 8 years later, but you're the Bright Moon I celebrate today.
Some family news: your Uncle Bang will join you very soon.
Graham
March 30, 2009
Mom,
It's hard to forget the events of this time of year as it's around Spring Break when we plan a trip with the kids. But I almost did. Maybe I just don't want to think about it too much.
But in the short time you knew them, you had quite an impact on your grand-daughters. Today at dinner, Grace quietly got up and lit a candle at the dinner table.
It only took us a moment and a knowing glance to remember why she did it. Your grand-daughters are growing into fine young women and we all miss you very much still.
Love, Elaine
March 30, 2009
Cecilia:
It hardly seems that three years have passed since you left us. You are never far from my thoughts and prayers. Miss you still.
Charles Gillen
March 30, 2009
Report No. 3
If you look down from your photograph, you'll see that I have all bases covered: statues of Buddha and KwanYin on your left and right, while below Mass chants from the Middle Ages are playing. Plus, of course, three incense sticks, two cups of jasmine tea (from the set that was our 1961 wedding present) plus a clementine for you (thanks to Steve), two cookies and a white flower picked by me from the tree blooming outside the bedroom window.
Your children and grandchildren are all well, and I'm still surviving on my own cooking. Of course I'm still smoking my pipe (though nowadays I rarely see another pipe smoker anywhere). Dr. Parry has stopped telling me to quit.
Daisy is still my constant four-legged companion, and she now has a cousin to play with: Jennifer recently got a frisky Sheltie puppy; old Seymour can rest in peace because his family finally has another dog to take care of them.
Every now and then I pick up your autobiography and read a page here and there. You had never shown me your diary, in which you once wrote I understood you more than anyone else. That wasn't completely true until after I had lost you but found your writings; I learned to appreciate you even more, and regret the times I underestimated you.
In March 1960 your diary recorded the arrival of five boxes of my belongings I had shipped to you, prior to leaving the Air Force and returning across the Pacific to you. Your mother and sister Chau had smiled, saying "This is Charlie's trousseau!" That return was the best thing I ever did, just as disappointing you would have been the worst. You were worth every minute of every year since.
Graham
December 3, 2008
Happy Birthday Mom. We missed you again at Thanksgiving. I know how you loved family gatherings and I am trying to keep that tradition going the best I can.
Charles Gillen
December 2, 2008
Happy 70th birthday today... no candles on your cake but I've just lit three incense sticks for you. The fragrance brings back memories.
Elaine
December 2, 2008
Cecilia:
Thinking of you on your birthday that you shared with Mom - miss you both.
March 30, 2008
Cecilia:
I think of you often and say a prayer, hoping you know how much you are loved and sadly missed, especially today.
Love, Elaine
Charles Gillen
March 30, 2008
Today is your second anniversary, Cecilia. I had walked Daisy just before midnight (we both are night-owls) and then gave her a much-heeded shampoo and shower which made her very frisky. I think she's starting to accept, perhaps even enjoy, being rubbed down under a warm shower. Besides the usual walks, she gets me to the dog park every day - even twice in good weather. She's good company, takes long naps while I read or work at the computer, but during our walks stubbornly insists on sniffing every inch of the way.
The condo garden trees are in full flower again for your anniversary, just as I described a year ago. All day today I've had "Tan Co Giao Duyen" songs playing for you, and when the clock marks 38 seconds past 4:41 AM I'll light some incense sticks from the "Cambodian store." I'll have to shop there soon, because the Jasmine rice I bought a year ago is nearly gone. I doubt the clocks where you are use Eastern Daylight Time, so this timing is purely symbolic, a rare gesture I know you would appreciate, especially coming from me.
Grace, your eldest granddaughter has now reached exactly your height of 5'2" but can't fill out your ao dai dresses yet. All five girls are well, and Sean at age 4 is so addicted to cars he can name every one he sees. Young Maggie, who now insists on being called Margaret, shows signs of wanting to become a good cook like her grandmother. Your three sons are all well as they advance through their 40's, though we all feel deprived of your presence.
You still haven't answered the email I sent to your office address before they closed your email account... I bet its still there in your celestial in- box, and as usual you let get it so full you can't find it.
I see you every day... a large portrait of you (from 1964) faces me as I sit at the dining table. You're still looking great, kiddo. Thanks for everything.
Chinh Nguyen
March 29, 2008
We miss you.
Graham Gillen
December 4, 2007
Happy Birthday Mom.
Charles Gillen
December 2, 2007
Happy 67th birthday, Cecilia. I just lit three incense sticks for you. Miss you.
Robert Destatte
August 3, 2007
Cecilia, I knew you professionally. I could count on you to alert me whenever a useful new item appeared in the foreign press. It was a privilege to have known you.
Maynard and Lucius
June 27, 2007
Cecilia---the only angel on earth Maynard and Lucius ever met and truly loved. Certainly Charlie and all in the family miss her terribly but we too are so sad without her. But, we all live on knowing Cecelia is now without pain and with the angels and god.
Charles Gillen
June 19, 2007
It's mid-June and the fireflies are out at night when I walk the dog. Time is going backwards, and you may be pleased to hear that the "Cecilia" in my mind's eye is the young wife you were in 1964, not the Cecilia of March 2006 with graying hair afraid her hands might become as arthritic as her father's.
Cecilia, you knew I don't believe in Heaven, but I've been writing to you here because if it DID exist, that's where you would be, and might be able to read this.
But it seems I've been writing more for my benefit than yours... and so I'm going to stop writing. There's no more need, because you will always be with me. Thanks for everything. XXX
Charles Gillen
May 29, 2007
Well, Cecilia... Daisy is back. After two days without the dog, I missed her and realized it was better to be her "slave" than have no companion at all in the house. She didn't seem too upset at spending two days at the county animal shelter, but today was quite tired with little appetite. I guess the other dogs' barking all the time got on her nerves. Maybe now she and I will both appreciate better how much we rely on each other.
So you don't have to worry I'm not getting enough exercise... Daisy will make sure of that.
Charles Gillen
May 27, 2007
Cecilia, once again you are the only girl in my life... I've just divorced the new dog Daisy because of age incompatibility. I'm too old and she's too young (at about 11~12 months). Also, she dominated my life so much I was her slave more than her master.
So, I sadly returned her to the county animal shelter... and right away on WWW she was made their featured dog.
So once again it's just me and you here at home. Say hello to Alice for me.
Charles Gillen
April 14, 2007
Cecilia, you've got company! Alice Bond, Jennifer's mother and the other grandmother of our Grace and Maggie, reached the Pearly Gates today. Graham just phoned with the news. Alice has been in a Florida hospital for some time, and Jennifer is there now.
Grace and Maggie have lost both their grandmothers in just over one year, but now you and Alice can take turns watching over them.
You and Alice always got along well... early this year she read your "Bright Moon" autobiography, and in a card to me remarked she also had loved you so very much.
Now go find Alice, you can help her settle in.
George Thomas
April 6, 2007
Dear Gillen family,
Just wanted to let all of you know your wife, mother, relative is still with me. I still see and hear her disapproving voice and facial expression when I act in a petty, narrow-minded way. There never was any scolding or recrimination, one just knew better was expected. On the positive side, she never failed to show approval/gratitude when people measured up to her high standards or contributed to a positive atmosphere. What a gem of a person!! Those people live forever, albeit not in the dimension we'd like.
Graham Gillen
April 4, 2007
Mom, Jennifer and I took the kids to New York this weekend. We stopped into St. Patrick's Cathedral and the girls each lit a candle for you at the St. Francis station. We also went to Chinatown and saw all the incredible gold jewelry shops. It was exactly the kind of trip you would have loved to share w/ the grandkids, and you were there with us in spirit.
Graham Gillen
March 30, 2007
Mom, hard to believe it's been a year since you passed away. We had a family dinner today and Grace lit a candle to remind us that your are still with us in spirit. Tomorrow, I'm taking the kids to New York City to see Lady Liberty. I remember how much you loved your last trip to NYC and the pictures you took. We will remember you with every bloom we see this spring.
March 30, 2007
Dear Cecilia
On this sad anniversary I especially remember you and your kindness. Oh, how I wish for just one more visit.
This morning the 8 am mass was said for you at my church, St. Mary's and again tomorrow the 5:30 mass will also be said in your honor.
I pray for you often and for those you left behind.
Love, your sister-in-law, Elaine
Charles Gillen
March 30, 2007
Cecilia, today's your first birthday as an "ancestor." Even before this time last year you had already encountered your first angel: Nurse Laverne of the hospital's Critical Care Unit.
Spring is finally here, with three magnolia trees blooming in the garden right outside the door to my apartment, which is about the same size as our first Saigon home back in 1961. You would love the nice landscaping here, and also smile at my attempts to stir-fry dinner. If you're watching over my shoulder, feel free to pass on any cooking tips. You aren't gone, only not visible.
March 2006
March 30, 2007
March 30, 2007
March 30, 2007
March 30, 2007
March 30, 2007
Chinh Nguyen
March 30, 2007
Time truly does fly, and it's hard to believe that Aung Hang has been gone for a year now. I cannot help but feel some melancholy every time it comes to mind. Especially when I think about how, without her and Uncle Charles, I don't think we would be living the lives we do now. This is a photo that was taken with her at my graduation in 2002, and when I look on it I can't help but think that the world is a bleaker place without her radiant smile, and that it was taken so suddenly and unexpectedly from us. It's a lesson I should have learned long ago: life is short. But I think the more important lesson that my Aunt Hang would want me to remember, is that life is also incredibly beautiful. I feel so lucky to have known her. We miss you.
Charles Gillen
March 13, 2007
It's getting time for me to get a new bag of jasmine rice... the bag you left me is starting to get buggy. I'll also look for Chinese sausages (lap xuong) to throw into the rice cooker. I already bought some pickled scallions (cu kieu) and have learned to make decent stir-fry from frozen vegetables.
Of course Daisy has learned to eat leftover rice and is starting to fill out a bit, though still rather small. She enjoys the Reston dog park and is not afraid of larger dogs... you remember how BB was deathly afraid of going there and would even jump out of his collar to get away from it.
Daisy keeps getting compliments all the time, such as "cutie-pie." You never liked black dogs, but only her back is black, soft and smooth like velvet.
The weather is finally getting warmer, and both Daisy and I enjoy a half-hour at the dog park, after which she really needs a long nap.
Your sister Tam offered to organize your first anniversary service, but I didn't want to share that day with anybody else.
Your Husband
February 25, 2007
Today, a Sunday, was your kind of snow day... when I woke up (late as usual) the fluffy snow was already falling. We got 3 to 4 inches of very soft snow that covered all the trees like cotton. I imagined you wandering the neighborhood with a camera, as you used to do.
The new dog, Daisy, had a ball in the snow. She would bury her long nose in the soft snow up to her eyebrows, and prance around like BB used to do. She's still not completely house-broken, so cleaning up keeps me busy, but she is a sweet dog and is still very small and girlish.
Tet has come and gone, and so has my birthday. I'm getting older, but still remember you as young as you wish to be remembered.
Charles Gillen
December 28, 2006
Cecilia, we have a new dog! Twenty days ago I adopted Daisy, a female six months old who is a mystery hound mix: the narrow brown face of a dachshund on a very slender hound body with long legs. She's only one-third of BB's weight and easy to pick up. She even fits in your lap and is quite sweet, but at six months is still quite a puppy who loves everybody and every dog she meets. So I have a good exercise machine and companion again.
She came from the Fairfax County animal shelter. She's only about 14 lbs (compared to BB's 40) but with her long legs is quite tall (especially when she stands on her hind legs) and is a very agile climber all over the furniture. Major problem now is training her to stay quiet and not miss me when I leave the apartment for a while.
Everybody's who seen her agrees she's a very cute dog who seems very happy with her new life.
Your autobiography "Bright Moon" can now be ordered on-line, and I've sent copies to our family and friends.
Graham
December 5, 2006
Dear Mom,
I got a note from Barney Thompson at my church over Thanksgiving. He is married to our assistant rector and is part of the Pastoral Care team.
It was a timely nice note with words of comfort, especially this time of year when your asbence will be especially hard on the family. I told him personally how much I appreciated getting the note.
Jennifer, the kids, and I miss you a lot. But you would be very proud of Dad. The book of your letters is a labor of love and a great gift to the grandkids.
And he is even trying to quit smoking (again). The kids give him a hug every time he comes over to let him know they love him very much.
We also just booked the beach house again this year in North Carolina and that will be another special time when we you will be in our thoughts.
P.S. Maggie says if you see Seymour please say hello for us.
Charles Gillen
December 2, 2006
Cecilia, happy 68th birthday!
Here's your present:
Today your autobiography was officially put on sale at BBOTW under the title "Bright Moon."
The book is 99.99% your words... I added two pages at the end with the last words you did not have time to leave us.
Charles Gillen
November 23, 2006
Cecilia, today was the first Thanksgiving without you; it was at Gray's house... more than 30 people. Your Uncle Bang has moved to live with Ross... when I saw him at the party I began thinking of you and had to go outdoors for a while.
Your office colleagues have made another donation in your honor to Reston Interfaith; Peggy C says they all still miss you.
Your autobiography will be published soon. I added a page with the last words you might have said, if you had been given the chance.
Your Husband
October 13, 2006
Cecilia, leaves are turning color, the sky is clear and the air crisp. At Galerie Brigittge today I finished correcting the proof copy of your autobiography, and realize I should have told you about Brigitte long ago.
You once told me about Galerie Brigitte (GB) at Tysons. In May I went back to the "Dragonfly" antiques store in Reston where I had gotten you that Chinese jade elephant for your birthday. Instead I found Brigitte preparing to open GB in Reston and learned she had attended St. Exupery school in Saigon along with our Steve.
Since then, I've been spending several hours per week at GB to take photos and help mind the store. That helps get me out of the house and away from my computer. I've adopted Brigitte as the daughter you and I never had. She was born in the Year of the Tiger just like you, and you would be proud of her success in "achieving something" exactly as you always wished for yourself.
So, now you can count two more grandchildren: Brigitte's Justin and Kristin, who are nice kids. Perhaps we will hold the "Reston Debut" of your book at GB.
Your Husband
October 9, 2006
Cecilia, your mother Tran Thi Hai passed away last night at the nursing home. At the funeral next weekend I will try to speak the words you wrote in your diary over 45 years ago before you and I married:
"My dear Mother, I am only a daughter of yours and I must leave you someday, but my love for you is unfinished; I will have a family of my own and live with them and love them and have duties towards them, but I know that when you grow very old and have to leave this life, a great part of my live will die with you."
Cecilia, your mother died never knowing the fact that you had already gone before her last March. Chau, Tam and Hien visited my condo today to prepare a photo of your mother for display at the funeral. I also showed them the publisher's proof copy of your autobiography, "Bright Moon & Evening Star," and they were very pleased.
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