A couple days ago, I refused to believe that Mr. Luo passed away so soon. I guess Im too optimistic as Ive always expected a phoenix rising at the end of every war. But perhaps it is true-- the worst things happen to the nicest people. Many years ago, I was learning Chinese at my temple, where I first met Mr. Luo. When I decided to transfer to Whitney Young, I was introduced to Mr. Luo and he told me that I would be in his class next year. His amicable and easygoing personality definitely reassured me during a time of uncertainty. During my first day at WY, I walked into school not knowing many people and the people I did know, I had not talked to for a long time. I entered the school and walked to Mr. Luos 2nd Period class. He introduced me to the class as a new student. I smiled awkwardly. In the months to come, I always loved hearing from Mr. Luo whether itd be his stories about how the fact that he started off teaching students who were the same age as him was what made him so laid-back or his interests in ping-pong. I can still imagine him smiling as he teaches his students His sense of humor and smile made the start of my day bearable. I can say with honesty, that his class was one of the only things I looked forward to at school during my first year at Whitney Young. I became close with Mr. Luo and we started talking as if we were great friends. He introduced me to the study abroad program I went on, which turned out to be the best month of my entire life. Mr. Luo has always been a compassionate person. Regardless of what his students did wrong, he would always tell us nicely. He would always consider our future success and allow us every chance to get the grade we wanted. Ive learned a lot from Mr. Luo on how to 做人 (be a person). He taught me to be more forgiving in others and how to be more sensible during times of frustration. Im sure that we all miss him dearly along with the smile that is always on his face regardless of how much is on his mind or the burden of cancer he had to carry. Whether we are his close friends or simply friends of his students, Im sure weve all learned something from this struggle against cancer. Mr. Luo certainly made his impact in the world and touched the lives of many and led a life full of meaning. I am extremely blessed to have met Mr. Luo as is everyone else. I am happy that I was able to see Mr. Luo one last time and shake his hand in salutation for all the good he did, and the people he brought us up to become. Even during his final moments, he tried to talk to his students as if it was the normal conversation wed usually have with him. He congratulated us for our many accomplishments and success of getting into college. It really seems as if it was yesterday I was in his class laughing uncontrollably after he made some witty comment. It seems as if he left too soon but at the same time it feels like a part of Mr. Luo will forever remain in us all. Mr. Luo is in a better place now, one free from suffering and impermanence. Sure the distance is really great and the constellations may be different, but our bonds with Mr. Luo is stronger and longer than the distance. Until we meet again...take a well deserved rest. Long live #Luostrong. Long live Mr. Luo.
Posted on: Thu, 10 Apr 2014 06:16:17 +0000
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