Father's Day 2014

 

Yesterday was a good day to celebrate dads.

 

Father's Day last year was definitely tougher than I had anticipated it would be. And this year was still tough. I found myself getting choked-up looking at Father's Day cards and seeing ones that I would have chosen for Dad. I don't think it's possible for me to miss him any more than I do right now nor any less. I don't think I will ever be "used" to him being gone. I also certainly don't think Dad would want me sitting here all sad and pouty. There still is so much to smile and be happy about. He and my mom couldn't have given me a better childhood or a happier life.

 

And now Joe and the girls are continuing to fill my life with joy, love, and craziness. I'm thrilled that I will get to watch their daddy-daughter relationships grow over the years. I don't think any of them know just how incredible that bond is going to become. It's a blessing and definitely something to celebrate.

 

This year, we got to spend the entire day together as a family. We ate breakfast together, accompanied Joe to the couple of stores he had to do a little bit of work at, and then came home for lunch. We visited some open houses (just for fun, I don't think we are moving anytime soon, we just really like open houses.) and did some yard work/storm clean-up.

 

Joe acted as the fairy FEMA by recovering our flooded fairy garden. He also set up a drain system for future flash floods. (I tell you, this man was meant to have daughters.) Cece and I baked Joe a cake (and then went a little wild with the decorating). Cece had been talking ALL WEEK about baking this cake so I'm guessing this was the highlight of her day. And then before we knew it, it was time for the kiddos baths and bedtime.

 

 

I hope you had a fantastic Father's Day! Dads really are the best ; )

 

And I love you, Dad! I've looked up to you my whole life and I hope you know that I am still looking up to you.

 

Dad and Cece

With Dad's birthday being a few days ago and the one-year anniversary of him passing being today, I've been thinking of him even more than I already do. I miss him so dearly. There's been a lot of laughing until I cry and crying until I laugh when reminiscing about him. 

 

Below are some short videos that Dad took of Cece when she was just a teeny baby. I thought it would be difficult to watch these as I figured it would just make me miss him more. Instead, I found it cathartic. I couldn't help smiling and feeling comforted by hearing his voice. Some of my best memories of Dad are of him as a grandpa. He was CRAZY about Cece and you can hear it in the videos. I have no doubts that he would adore Rosie as well, but I like to believe that they got to meet in heaven before she was born.

 

 

Love you, Dad. I miss you and I am inspired by you everyday.

 

 

Life, once more, felt like a celebration.

 

 

 

 

Saying "thank you" absolutely doesn't feel like enough.

 

This past weekend, the benefit YU-EN for the Fight was still held for our family. Even though Dad couldn't be there, it was still a massive event complete with a silent auction, about 100 baskets to be raffled off, two bands, live performance art, dinner, desserts, and drinks! Most importantly, nearly every family member and friend we have ever known attended. All I kept thinking was that Dad would have enjoyed this so much. I think many would agree, that man was such a character and born to party.

 

I am still in disbelief that this was done for our family and that so many amazing people helped and attended. Yet, it comes as no surprise to me that so many people loved my Dad.

 

I was the sole supervisor of Cece and maybe only took a total of a dozen photos with my phone (which don't do the event any justice!). However, I will never, ever forget the kindness and generosity everyone has shown our family, not just this weekend, but in this past year. I can't help but cry (again) when I think of how much goodness there is in people. I don't mean just by donating items or money for an event. I mean that every single hug given and every kind word spoken to me and my family has changed us, helped us, and given us strength as we faced the greatest loss we've ever known.

 

Then, to top it all off, the Hawks fought to the very end and won the ****ing Stanley Cup last night. I'd like to think that they won it for you, Dad.

 

Thank you, so much, again to everyone. Just as we were so lucky to have had our Dad in our lives, we are just as lucky to have every one of you!

For Dad

There are truly no words to express how much I miss Dad. There just aren't. I'd give anything to hear his voice one more time or to give him a hug. This past week without him has been devastating and unreal.

A few things are helping. One is having Cece around, that's for sure. Another is knowing that he is no longer suffering. And the last thing is having hundreds, if not thousands, of wonderful memories of him that I'm holding onto tightly and replaying in my mind constantly. I am also completely overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from our friends and family. Half the reason I've been crying so much is because I can't believe the kindness and goodness of people.

I also know that I am the luckiest girl in the world to have him as my dad. And although he is gone far, far too soon, I know that I couldn't have been more blessed to have the time with him that I did.

 

We did get an obituary published in the Sun Times. However, I wrote a longer version than what was published in the paper (with Robbyn's help), and still think it's worth sharing. Again, I cannot thank everyone enough for our friends and family who have done so much for us during this difficult time.

 

Michael K. Yuen

 

April 25, 1959- April 28, 2013

 

Michael (Mike) Yuen lived 54 remarkable years. He passed away on April 28, 2013 at Little Company of Mary Hospital in Evergreen Park, IL after a brief but profoundly brave battle with colon cancer. 
 
Born in Hong Kong to Shuk Yee Yuen and the late Yuen Ying Yuen, he immigrated to the U.S. at the age of four. He was the youngest of four siblings, Thomas Yuen, Judy Yuen, and the late Anthony Yuen. He grew up in Chinatown and attended St. Therese Chinese Catholic School and Lane Technical high school. Mike spent his adult life on the south side of Chicago and eventually settled in Oak Lawn with his family.

Over the years, he worked at several banks as a commercial lender. While building his career and tirelessly devoting himself to his family, Mike proudly obtained his MBA from Olivet Nazarene University in 1993.

He met Patricia (Pat) Kletz, his best friend and love of his life, while working at, what was formerly known as, First National Bank. They wed in 1988 in Las Vegas.

Mike had an affinity for cars and a love for the Rolling Stones. He could never turn down a good steak, a Pepsi, or an invitation to play golf. He had a passion for hockey, especially for the Chicago Blackhawks and for the Brother Rice Crusaders. However, he loved and cherished his family above all else.

Mike had immense pride for his three children: Rachel Gaetz, Robbyn Yuen, and Michael Yuen Jr. He adored spending time with them. He attended all of his daughters’ countless events -- dance, figure skating, cheerleading, art, etc. -- from their adolescence until they both graduated from college. No event was too minor to miss. He later coached his son’s youth hockey team, never missed a game, and got to know all players and parents. When his son Michael Jr. became part of the Crusaders hockey team, Mike became one of the team’s biggest supporters.

Always emphasizing the importance of education, he would stay up late to help his kids with school projects and homework. He taught his children the importance of working hard, doing your best, and being kind and generous to others. He quickly ran out of space for all gifts he received with the label “World’s Best Dad.”

Mike had an energetic and outgoing personality and was so fun to be around; he tended to make friends wherever he went. With such a big and compassionate heart, he also made many life-long friends. He possessed a wicked sense of humor and a knack for nailing impressions of friends, family, and even celebrities. He easily got a crowd laughing, no matter the circumstances.

In 2011, he became an adoring grandfather (“Papa”)with the birth of his granddaughter, Cecelia Gaetz, who promptly wrapped him around her finger the day they met.

He is also survived by his mother-in-law Claudette Kletz and father-in-law Peter Kletz; sister-in-laws Yvonne Yuen, Donna Nowdomski , Gina Kletz, and Shuyi Yuen; brother-in-laws Peter Kletz, Joe Nowdomski, and Ron Yuen; nieces Tracey Yuen, Joanne Chiu, Julianne Chiu, Kristen Nowdomski, Brittany Nowdomski, and Regina Yuen; nephews Eric Yuen, Joseph Nowdomski, and Nathaniel Yuen.

He will be forever remembered by his many friends including: John “The Reverend” Quinn, Laura and Tom Waller, Josephine and Gary Biel, Jim and Nancy Canzona, and the entire Brother Rice hockey team and parents. Mike will also certainly be missed by their family’s four dogs: Bubba, Elsie, Shelby, and Black Dog.

Mike will be forever in our hearts, but never ever forgotten.