My Deepest Condolences

Dear ''New York, The Big Apple'',

I know you probably won't ever read this, and I know that we haven't talked in a long time - but in the small chance that you come across this letter, please know that I've been thinking about you and your family. And I'm sorry, so very sorry about what happened.

Like the many other people who knew your father, I've been touched by his warm personality, his friendly nature, and his ability to make anyone feel very welcome. It's still unbelievable that he has passed away so early - and although I can't come close to how you may be feeling right now, please know that I feel for you and your family. All our hearts are heavy with this loss, and he will never be forgotten.

My family's thoughts and prayers are on you and your family. On behalf of my parents and my siblings, we send our deepest condolences and our deepest sympathy. We know you're going to be okay, and that your family will be closer than ever.
What affects us most is knowing that you were all the type of family who was close to each other; most families don't share that kind of beautiful relationship where they can talk about their day openly, make jokes with each other, and trust each other completely. But this and more is what you had and always will have no matter what. And although this knowledge affects us in a painful way, to know that a member of your family has passed, it is also extremely comforting in the sense that he had an endlessly loving family and beautiful relationships with each member.

So you and I aren't close anymore, but it doesn't mean that my family and I have stopped caring or have forgotten about your family. Once upon a time when we were very close and I was still meeting your parents, I remember being so nervous on the day I met your father. But the first time I met him he smiled, shook my hand, and we exchanged a few friendly words. And although this is a simple and traditional gesture, he made me feel so very welcome and gave me full assurance that everything was okay. Even my dad and brother has mentioned his very likable nature and friendly personality. Your whole family is just incredible, and I know that together you will all pull through this.

I also remember our families coincidentally meeting at Cherating that one holiday. As always your family treated us with such kindness, and at my family's meal times we would talk about all of your sweet personalities..

Your father taught me how to sail. I had never gone sailing before, and I was nervous to even be spending time with just you and your family. But being in the boat with your sister and your father, they were both so friendly and made me feel more at ease. He taught me how to hold the handles properly, which direction to go, how to tie/untie the ropes, and how to detect and follow the wind.

And to me, he was this kind of person. The kind to be helpful, teach you, and make you feel better. To me, he was the kind to follow the wind - and as he sails along with the wind, he provides comfort and a warm smile.
All my memories of him are only good ones (I could never imagine him not being amiable), and I feel that they demonstrate exactly how kind-hearted he was.

Again, I know I'm not someone who was very close to him, and it certainly isn't proper of me to write so much on a matter I don't have much to do with or know much about (I'm sorry). But I just wanted to express my sentiments and just try to let you and your family know that there are so many people who are here for you and care about you a lot - you are never alone and will always be in our thoughts, prayers, and our hearts.

With love and deep sympathy,
Iris.

"This day is remembered and quietly kept,
No words are needed, we shall never forget,
For those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us every day.
Unseen and unheard, but always near,
So loved, so missed, and so very dear."