Authored by Justin Yuen on Nov 20th 2010, 22:25
Sami arrived yesterday. She brought bagels from New York. She also brought her love for music. I asked her to play the guitar that has been sitting unused in my home for a while, and so she did. I had tried to play that guitar it a couple weeks prior, but my numb left hand would not afford me enough strength to play a simple chord.
Today, I asked Sami to hand me the guitar, inspired by her playing and singing "Leaving On A Jet Plane". Something magical happened. My hand had regained its strength; I could play the simple series of chords to accompany the melody. In time, I discovered that my lungs had regained my strength too, as I began to learn how to sing the popular tune. (I had never really tried singing in earnest before).
I stayed up for a long time, singing and playing, smiling and laughing. After Sami left, Kaori and I started putting together an iTunes playlist of all our favorite music, and we spent the rest of the day listening to it. Now I'm exhausted. Today was a great day.
:-) That's awesome man. I didn't know you played guitar, we'll have to jam when I get in NYC in december.
Hi, son: I am so glad that Sami came up for a visit and played guitar for you. Your violin and pipa are waiting for you to play in HK too, so get well and hurry back.I am now packing up for my trip to the US on Wednesday. See you soon.LoveDad
Glad to read this post, seems like you're staying strong. It's nice to know that you still have your passion for music. Take care man!
Don't forget to post a bar or two on You Tube.... I'm your #1 fan!!!!! Susan Boyle - watch out!!!!! Great news - work up your strength gradually.... See you on American Idol or American Got Talent!!!!! :)Glad your dad is coming over for Thanksgiving. Please say hi to dad for me.Lauraxoxo
*gasp* you singing? hehe i wanna hear that!
That's great Justin! Remember the guitar I bought with you, is sleeping in the corner of my house for a long time, please recover soon and we can play it in HK.
Hi Justin, we still remember you play very good violin in Marian's wedding party. We miss you and glad to hear your lung had regained strength (singing is a good exerise for lung). Have faith and get well soon. {HAPPINESS IS HERE AND NOW}
Justin-What great news! Too bad we can't hear your concert long distance. Keep improving and keep your spirits up. Love, A Ellie
Hi Justin, So So happy to hear this GREAT news! Keep your spirit up and get ready for your family's Thanksgiving celebration! :-)God bless and love from auntie Fei
You were singing? Ouch.If you don't mind, share some of your playlist with us!
Dearest Justin, wonderful to read your message again. We give thanks to God that you are regaining your strength and thank Sami for rekindling your passion for music. I am practising some violin/piano music so that we can play together when you return. Keep your positive spirit. May God bless you.Gu Ma Betty
Message from Victoria, Canada. You don't know me, tho I did meet you when you were very very young. Your family came for a visit a zillion moons ago. Even tho I am 'GREAT' uncle, I am not 100 years old yet, baby of a huge family... but nevertheless I am GREAT, and I am actually great too!i have been following your blog for a couple of weeks now, right at the time when you wrote about your weak moment. I am a cancer survivor myself and I could not help but admire your courage, your positive attitude and your will to fight. Sure, we all have weak moments, we are human, we feel pain, sorrow and happiness. Thru it all, you kept up with a good positive outlook. I understand first hand how hard cancer treatments are, and I truly feel your angst and feelings, and of course the pain & discomforts. Support is key, family is essential, and most of all ask for help when you need it. I could not have gone thru my treatments without the help of some excellent people around me. I learned to trust them, give them room to work, and most of all keep your faith. My shrink (yes, I asked for help) told me to pick out my life's fav. things.. fav person, fav colour, fav food, fav clothing, fav hobby, fav movie, fav music, fav idols. He told me to focus on the fav food when I just cannot keep my food down, focus on the my fav colour when I have to wait inside a cold white walled treatment room, focus on my fav heroes when I just wanted to give up. I made it, I am here. Modern medicine is nasty to the body, but it works, that you have to believe... as my shrink said.. mind over matters, believe is key.So, I am glad that you get to see your fav. person, play your fav instruments, doing your fav things.... and you sound upbeat and happy, 2 thumbs up my young lad!!!Our thoughts here in Victoria will be with you all the time Justin, chin up, I am watching you.
Sorry, Justin.... this is mainly for uncle Frank.....Uncle Frank: Sorry, but I think I have to correct you mainly b'coz I don't want to be "that" old yet....Ronald is my cousin (like Winnie). #1 aunt would have been Justin's grandma and you're on the same level coming in at #9, so I have to apologise to you that you're only Justin's "Grand" uncle?????I have been writing to Kaori and trying to explain to her a little of our family tree. It is very confusing...... Will call you this weekend.Laura
How are you feeling today? Sing any songs? Did you watch the American Music Award last night? I didn't - I am getting too old for that kind of music.......Keep up your strength and get ready for the big turkey.... For me, I have to save room for the turkey as well as my Hanukkah meals. My fiance is Jewish, so, we're going to have 8 days full of great food...... maybe after that, I'll try the Biggest Loser for the coming series :)Take care. You're always in my thoughts and prayers. Laura
Justin-I passed by your Father's gallery today and went in to say hello, thinking he was not leaving for America till Wednesday; so missed him as in fact he had already left. I hope you are feeling better - especially with both your parents there with you right now; as well as Kaori. We think of you constantly. Much love, A Ellie
"Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again,: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, giving your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4: 4. Justin, Grand Uncle Frank said it right that 'believe' or trust is the key. Your Dad will be arriving Connecticut in about 16 hours. Enjoy your THanksgiving with your parents and count each blessing. We are thinking of you and praying for you constantly. We love you. May God be your source of strength always.Much Love, Gu Ma Betty
Awesome Justin :) Glad to hear you were able to play. Remember, if you ever need that violin, there's many sitting here in Boston :)
Today, at church, Pastor Brett gave us this verse (among others) - And God is faithful, He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up against it. Rest assure that God has a perfect plan for you. We thank God that both your parents are with you on thanksgiving and your birthday. Happy birthday!! Wishing you a happy and healthy year ahead. We are all here supporting you from afar and praying for you. Believe that God, at His perfect timing, will relieve you from all evil and pain. Trust in Him and wait patiently for His perfect time. We love you and waiting to welcome you back! We miss you loads!! Stay strong!! We look forward to celebrating your birthday with you in Hong Kong next year!! xoxoxoxoxo
H A P P Y B I R T H D A Y J U S T I N (want to type this in BOLD and in RED). May your dreams come true. Hope you'll get your piece of steak today!!!!!!!Your father and I hooked up very briefly yesterday and also learnt that you had some veal chops that he cooked. I was sooooooooooo jealous that you had McDonalds and veal within the same day!!!!! :) What's next? I am coming over!!!I talked to great uncle Frank (#9) and uncle Roman (#7) yesterday. They are all doing well and my deepest thanks to you - one of the many things you've taught me thru your posting is try harder this coming year to value my family and my relatives near and far no matter how busy life is; no matter how rich or poor - being thoughtful and spreading the love to each others are priceless. Ok, it's getting too deep. I thought I was going to write something silly to cheer you up!!!Will be thinking of you especially this week and looking forward to see your update soon. Keep up the good work and take care.LauraP.S. Vena's: I've been trying to find that verse from the Bible - can you let me know where it is?
Happy Birthday to you...... Best wishes,Grand-uncle Mike & Grand-aunt Kitty