June 1, 2017 is the day I will never forget for the rest of my life. When I was with wife and kids right in front of Cinderella castle waiting for the happily ever after fireworks show, our friend Xiaohu called and passed me the news. I was speechless and beyond belief. When you heard the saddest news at one of the happiest place on earth, you just feel everything is unreal. Moments, images and memories just flashed in my mind again and again.
We were having lunch together just a few days ago and we were talking about our plan in summer. How come you just left us without a chance for me to say goodbye. I have long understood life is unfair but this? This is so unimaginable that I have been questioning repeatedly, why, why such a kindest, nicest and talented person was taken away, at such a prime time of his life.
I still remember we were studying and working together in Ann Arbor and taking those night shifts at Notre Dame. I still remember those countless singing parties and fond memories of eating hot pot at your place. I still remember flying with you on ice rink and bathing with you in Lake Michigan. These days are just like yesterday.
You are the person I know if something happens to me, you will be right there for me. When we moved from Ann Arbor to Madison, there was not even a single bit of hesitation I asked you to be both of my children’s emergency contact and you were so serious of taking it. You are just such a person everybody can rely on. Your caring and passion are just so nonpareil and we all deeply, deeply miss you.
I know at that moment, this whole world changed because it just lost one of the kindest, most lovable and the greatest soul. May you (Yu) rest in peace.