Ficus religiosa

Strong willed, courageous, stoic, optimistic and full of love for life, Maryse, when faced with difficulties, however seemingly insurmountable, always found solace in her strongest belief in spiritual support. Non denominational, Maryse however had bias towards her far East heritage, and she sought inner strength from trusted deities. Burning incense was often her way of finding escape from the darkest hours that she sometimes faced. Those precious moments brought her peace of mind to continue caring for her loved ones.

A commemorative tree is in the planning to be planted in her memory. If asked, she would have certainly chosen her favorite tree, one which she has in her garden: a Bodhi tree, whose scientific name is "Ficus religiosa."

Compiègne

About 37 miles Northeast of Paris is "La Forêt de Compiègne (The forest of Compiègne)," our favorite retreat to solitude, away from the hustle and bustle of Parisian life. This forest is roughly circular with a diameter of about 9 miles; approximately 58 miles in circumference with an area of about 35,620 acres. La Forêt de Compiègne has beautiful oak trees among beech, hornbeam and the North American black cherry tree. We went there quite often, just the two of us. The forest was always deserted and we found ourselves always alone, just the two of us. It had many species of wild flowering plants among small lakes, ponds brooks and springs. We went there a few times every year, during different seasons. We thought that we owned the forest to ourselves because we never saw any other souls during all the times we were inside the forest. Every Spring, we go there to look for Lily of the Valley (Convallaria majalis,) which were very hard to find. This forest is the location where I got the best photos of Maryse, and the best lilies, always for her. The scent of wild Lily of the Valley is by far the best fragrance of my memory and none of the world's most famous perfume can ever match its essence.

Burn It Blue

It has been three months since December 17th, 2010...
To Maryse... with love.

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Burn It Blue
Music: Elliot Goldenthal Lyrics: Julie Taymor
Vocalist: Caetano Veloso And Lila Downs

Burn this house
Burn it blue
Heart running on empty
So lost without you

But the night sky blooms with fire
And the burning bed floats higher
And she’s free to fly…

Woman so weary
Spread your unbroken wings
Fly free as the swallow sings
Come to the fireworks
See the dark lady smile
She burns…

And the night sky blooms with fire
And the burning bed floats higher
And she’s free to fly…

Burn this night
Black and blue
So cold in the morning
So cold without you

And the night sky blooms with fire
And the burning bed floats higher
And she’s free to fly

Y la noche que se incendia,
Y la cama que se eleva,
A volar…

And of the dark days
Painted in dark gray hues
They fade with the dream of you
Wrapped in red velvet
Dancing the night away
I burn…

Midnight blue
Spread those wings
Fly free with the swallows
Fly one with the wind

Y ella es flama que se eleva,
Y es un pajaro a volar
Y es un pajaro a volar
En la noche que se incendia,
El infierno es este cielo
Estrella de oscuridad

And the night sky blooms with fire
And the burning bed floats higher
And she ’s free to fly
Just a spark in the sky
Painting heaven and hell
Much brighter

Burn this house
Burn it blue
Heart running on empty
So lost without you

A Certain Smile

Aristocratic and discreet, not too many people have the chance to catch this rare and thus precious smile from her heart. This was at 30 Rue de Campo Formio, in the 13th "arrondissement" of Paris where we walked a thousand times the beautiful tree lined Boulevard de l'Hopital to get to Place d'Italie, or to return from a late night outing from the Nationale metro station to the South. We knew this area so well I can still see it in my dreams and I can hear our foot steps on the deserted nocturnal boulevard.

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Vocalist: Johnny Mathis
A Certain Smile

A certain smile, a certain face,
can lead an unsuspecting heart on a merry chase.
A fleeting glance can say so many lovely things,
suddenly you know why my heart sings.

You love a while and when love goes,
you try to hide the tears inside with a cheerful pose.
But in the hush of night exactly like a bittersweet refrain,
comes that certain smile to haunt your heart again.

Sending Off

It was noted in a previous entry that the Lê Trai were steadfast in praying for Marie Rose in the most rigorous Buddhist tradition. That practice culminated into today's final ceremony at their lovely home in Weston. To complement the abbreviated ceremony performed on December 23rd, today's lasted a precisely timed 45 minutes. Mrs. Lê Trai opened with remarks to educate the attending audience the meaning and purpose of the 49th day final ceremony, which is essentially a "sending off" of the departed. Mr. Lê Trai followed by a repeat recital of the poem offered by his spouse.

Although the entire ceremony was recorded, only still frames are included here for conciseness. The praying was conducted by Mr. Lê Trai. On the left, Mrs. Lê Trai kept the traditional rhythmic beats with the use of a hollow shell seen resting on the red cushion on the left of the photo above . Mr. Giáo, on the right, inserted at precisely timed intervals pagoda quality bell chimes with the black bronze chime.

The ceremony concluded with a burning of the text of the prayers.

A sumptuous all vegetable meal was offered to all attendees immediately following the conclusion of the service.

With deep appreciation, we thank the families of Mr. Lê Trai, Mr. Giáo and all other devoted Buddhists who participated in prayers for Marie Rose throughout this sorrowful time.

Bonjour tristesse

Juliette Greco sings the title song of the French movie of the same name, based on the novel Bonjour tristesse by Francoise Sagan when she was 18 year old.

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Bonjour tristesse

Depuis qu'on est ensemble
Tu viens chaque matin
Me donner la première caresse
Bonjour tristesse.

Amie qui me ressembles
Tu est le seul miroir
Où je peux contempler ma jeunesse
Bonjour tristesse.

Tu sais le secret de ma peine
Car c'est toi qui l'a bercé
Et s'il le faut que je me souvienne
Tu viens poser ta main sur la mienne
Et toi tu n'oublies jamais
Depuis qu'on est ensemble
Tu es mon seul amour
J'ai trop de faiblesse
Pour te quitter
Ma tristesse

Depuis qu'on est ensemble
Tu es mon seul amour
Et j'ai trop de faiblesse
Pour te quitter
Ma tristesse.

Music and Lyrics by Georges Auric.

Where Can I Go without You?

This is song #4 in Nat King Cole's "Love is the Thing" CD.

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Lacrimosa

Maryse had three kid sisters, Rose (Hường,) Elizabeth Kim (Cúc) and Kim-Phượng (not in photo.)

Kim, living in Paris, unable to come to her sister's funeral, expressed her deep sorrow in a poem whose title "Khóc Chị" may be translated into "Weeping for a Sister."

There are no adequate words for translation so this sadness is left untouched...

Kyrie eleison

Mozart's Great Mass in C minor was composed during 1782-83. The Kyrie and Gloria were first performed in the Church of St. Peter's Abbey in Salzburg on 26 October 1783. The premiere took place in its natural context of a Roman Catholic Mass, and the performers were members of the "Hofmusik", that is the musicians employed at the court of Salzburg's ruler, Prince-Archbishop Count Hieronymus von Colloredo. Mozart's wife Constanze was the soloist for the first soprano at the premiere.

This mass was included in the soundtrack for the Academy Award nominated animated feature: The Triplets of Belleville for a scene at sea. The opening Kyrie movement evoked the somber mood of a mother shadowing her only son in the turmoil of a stormy sea.

Because Maryse's birthday coincided with the date of premiere of this Great Mass, and it has been exactly one month since she departed, this mass is for her: Kyrie (Andante moderato: Chorus and Soprano) by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - Berliner Philharmoniker conducted by Herbert Von Karajan - Barbara Hendricks, Soprano.
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That Old Black Magic

Ella in Berlin is a live album by the American jazz singer Ella Fitzgerald. This album, recorded February 13, 1960, at the Deutschlandhalle, Berlin, was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, which is a special Grammy award established in 1973 to honor recordings that are at least twenty-five years old, and that have "qualitative or historical significance." This live performance earned Ella the Best Female Vocal Performance award (Mack the Knife) and it contains some of her best scat improvisation solos (How High the Moon.)

Immediately after opening and a quick 20 second setting up the stage, she began her concert by singing our song: That Old Black Magic, written by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. This is a 3 minute 51 second rendition, our favorite that can never be erased from our memories.
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Biển Nhớ

There is a very sad song by a famous Vietnamese songwriter, Trịnh Công Sơn. He passed away at the tender age of 62, leaving behind more than 600 songs. Biển Nhớ is one that is sad and well sung over the years. I was asked many times by many to translate this song into English. It would have been translated differently at other times... but tonight, it came out different than ordinary. The song is performed by Khánh-Ly, who has recorded all of Trịnh Công Sơn's song ever written...
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Biển Nhớ (Ocean of Yearning)
Trịnh Công Sơn

Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
biển nhớ tên em gọi về. (the ocean misses you and calls your name,)
gọi hồn liễu rũ lê thê, (calling your spirit among the lifeless willows,)
gọi bờ cát trắng đêm khuya. (calling you across the white sand shore at the dead of night.)
Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
đồi núi nghiêng nghiêng đợi chờ, (the listing hills and mountains wait for your return,)
sỏi đá trông em từng giờ, (the stone pebbles long for you every hour,)
nghe buồn nhịp chân bơ vơ. (listening to the sad rhythm of the lonesome foot steps.)

Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
biển nhớ em quay về nguồn, (the ocean misses you and returns to its source,)
gọi trùng dương gió ngập hồn, (calling your spirit drowning under the wind driven ocean waves,)
bàn tay chắn gió mưa sang. (hand blocking the wind and the visiting rain.)

Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
thành phố mắt đêm đèn vàng, (the yellow city lights twinkle like nocturnal eyes,)
hồn lẻ nghiêng vai gọi buồn, (the lonesome slumbering soul crying of sorrow,)
nghe ngoài biển động buồn hơn. (saddened upon hearing the stormy sea.)

Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
biển nhớ tên em gọi về, (the ocean misses you and calls your name,)
chiều sương ướt đẫm cơn mê, (the nightmare soaked by the evening mist,)
trời cao níu bước sơn khê. (the sky reaches down for the mountains and valleys.)

Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
cồn đá rêu phong rủ buồn, (the mossy wind stricken rocks are saddened,)
đèn phố nghe mưa tủi hờn, (the street lamps sob hearing the rain,)
nghe ngoài trời giăng mây luôn. (and the sky weaving endless clouds.)

Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
biển có bâng khuâng gọi thầm, (the dazed ocean whispering your name,)
ngày mưa tháng nắng còn buồn, (the sadness permeates rainy days and scorching months,)
bàn tay nghe ngóng tin sang. (hands longing for your news.)

Ngày mai em đi, (You are leaving tomorrow,)
thành phố mắt đêm đèn vàng, (the yellow city lights twinkle as nocturnal eyes,)
nửa bóng xuân qua ngập ngừng, (the shattered shadow of spring arriving half-heartedly,)
nghe trời gió lộng mà thương. (missing you when the wind rages outdoor.)

Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật

Vietnamese Buddhists practice many differing traditions of Buddhism. Although Vietnamese Buddhism does not have a strong centralized structure, the practice is similar throughout the country at almost any pagoda.

Gaining merit is the most common and essential practice in Vietnamese Buddhism with a belief that liberation from life's suffering takes place with the help of Buddhas and bodhisattvas. Buddhist monks commonly chant sutras, recite Buddhas’ names (Amitabha most notably, doing repentance and praying for rebirth in the Pure Land).

The methods of Pure Land Buddhism may be the most widespread within Vietnam. It is common for practitioners to recite sutras, chants and dharanis, looking to gain protection through bodhisattvas or Dharma-Protectors. It is a devotional practice where those practicing put their faith into Amitabha Buddha ( A Di Đà Phật). Followers believe they will gain rebirth in the Pure Land by chanting Amitabha’s name. The Pure Land is where one can more easily gain enlightenment since suffering does not exist there.

The Lotus Sutra and Amitabha Sutra are the most commonly used sutras. Most sutras and texts came from China and were translated into Sino-Vietnamese (Hán-Việt) rather than the vernacular, making them largely incomprehensible to most practitioners.

Three services are practiced regularly at dawn, noon, and dusk. They include sutras (mainly devotional), reciting dharanis and Buddha’s name, and circum-ambulation (walking meditation). Loyal Buddhists at times join the services at pagodas and some devout Buddhist practice the services at home. The Lê Trai family is such a fervently devout Buddhist family practicing at home (see the second photo below.) Special services such as Sám Nguyện / Sám Hối (Confession / Repentance) take place on the full moon and new moon each month. Chanting the name of Buddha is one way of repenting and purifying bad karma.

In the most solemn Buddhist tradition, Marie Rose was offered an authentic Buddhist ceremony conducted by a devout Buddhist family, the Lê Trai; and a fervent Buddhist, Mme. Lê Hòang Giáo, whose Buddhist names are: Không Phổ, Không Hiền and Không Dung. With quite a bit of difficulty, the entire service was abbreviated to about 5 minutes for the benefit of the guests. It was a tribute to the flexibility and skills of the Lê Trai family and Mme. Giáo. Their generosity is hereby acknowledged with deep gratitude from the Nghiêm-Phú family.

Below is a transcript of the abbreviated ceremony, courtesy of Mr. Lê Trai:

NIỆM HƯƠNG

Án Lam Tóa Ha
Án Lam Tóa Ha
Án Lam Tóa Ha

Án Sa Phạ Bà Phạ, Thuật Đà Sa Phạ, Đạt Ma Sa Phạ, Bà Phạ Thuật Độ Hám.
Án Sa Phạ Bà Phạ, Thuật Đà Sa Phạ, Đạt Ma Sa Phạ, Bà Phạ Thuật Độ Hám.
Án Sa Phạ Bà Phạ, Thuật Đà Sa Phạ, Đạt Ma Sa Phạ, Bà Phạ Thuật Độ Hám.

KỲ NGUYỆN

Nam Mô Thập Phương Thường Trú Tam Bảo
Chúng con Không Phổ, Không Hiền, Không Dung và gia quyến, một dạ chí thành ngưỡng cầu ba đời, mười phương Tam Bảo, từ bi tiếp độ cho hương linh Marie Rose Joséphine Nghiêm-Phú, mất ngày 17 tháng 12, năm 2010, lúc 8 giờ 23 phút sáng tại Miami, Florida, Hoa Kỳ, được sớm dứt sạch nghiệp chướng sâu dày, phát bồ đề tâm rộng lớn, mau sang về thế giới an lành, khắp độ chúng sanh, đồng thành Phật đạo.

ĐẢNH LỄ

Chí tâm đảnh lễ tận hư không, biến pháp giới quá, hiện, vị lai chư Phật, Tôn Pháp, Hiền Thánh Tăng thường trú Tam Bảo

(một lạy)...(one bow)

Chí tâm đảnh lễ Tây Phương Giáo Chủ tiếp dẫn đạo sư A-Di-Đà Phật, Đại Bi Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát, Đại Thế Chí Bồ Tát, Thanh Tịnh Đại Hải Chúng Bồ Tát.

(một lạy)...(one bow)

Chí tâm đảnh lễ Sa Bà Giáo Chủ Bổn Sư Thích Ca Mâu Ni Phật, Đương La hạ sanh Di Lạc Tôn Phật, Đại Trí Văn Thù Sư Lợi Bồ Tát, Đại Hạnh Phổ Hiền Vương Bồ Tát, Linh Sơn Hội Thượng Phật, Bồ Tát.

(một lạy)...(one bow)

Nam Mô Bổn Sư Thích Ca Mâu Ni Phật.
Nam Mô Bổn Sư Thích Ca Mâu Ni Phật.
Nam Mô Bổn Sư Thích Ca Mâu Ni Phật.

A-Di-Đà Phật thân kim sắc
Tướng hảo quang minh vô đẳng luân
Bạch hào uyển chuyển ngũ tu di
Cám mục trừng thanh tứ đại hải.
Quang trung hóa Phật vô số ức
Hóa Bồ Tát chúng diệc vô biên
Tứ thập bát nguyện độ chúng sanh
Cửu phẩm hàm lình đăng hỉ ngạn.

Nam Mô Tây phương cực lạc thế giới đại từ đại bi A-Di-Đà Phật.

Nam Mô A-Di-Đà Phật.
Nam Mô A-Di-Đà Phật.
Nam Mô A-Di-Đà Phật.
...... 108 lần... (repeated 108 times but greatly abbreviated during this ceremony)
Nam Mô A-Di-Đà Phật.
Nam Mô A-Di-Đà Phật.
Nam Mô A-Di-Đà Phật.

Nam Mô Đại Bi Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát.
Nam Mô Đại Bi Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát.
Nam Mô Đại Bi Quan Thế Âm Bồ Tát.

Nam Mô Đại Thế Chí Bố Tát.
Nam Mô Đại Thế Chí Bố Tát.
Nam Mô Đại Thế Chí Bố Tát.

Nam Mô Đại Tạng Vương Bồ Tát.
Nam Mô Đại Tạng Vương Bồ Tát.
Nam Mô Đại Tạng Vương Bồ Tát.

Nam Mô Thanh Tịnh Đại Hải Chúng Bồ Tát.
Nam Mô Thanh Tịnh Đại Hải Chúng Bồ Tát.
Nam Mô Thanh Tịnh Đại Hải Chúng Bồ Tát.

VÃNG SANH QUYẾT ĐINH CHƠN NGÔN

Nan mô a di đà bà dạ,
Đá tha già đá dạ,
Đá địa dạ tha,
A di rị đô bà tỳ,
A di rị đá, tất đam bà tỳ,
A di rị đá, tì ca lan đế,
A di rị đá, tì ca lan dá,
Già di rị, già già na,

Chỉ đa ca lệ, sa bà ha.
Chỉ đa ca lệ, sa bà ha.
Chỉ đa ca lệ, sa bà ha.

TAM QUY

Tự quy y Phật, xin nguyện chúng sinh,
thể theo đạo cả, phát lòng vô thượng.

(một lạy)...(one bow)

Tự quy y Pháp, xin nguyện chúng sinh,
thấu rõ king tạng, trí huệ như biển.

(một lạy)...(one bow)

Tự quy y Tăng, xin gnuyện chúng sinh,
thống ly đại chúng, hết thảy không ngại.

HỒI HƯỚNG

Nguyện sanh Tịnh Độ cảnh phương Tây
Chín phẩm hoa sen là cha mẹ
Hoa nở thấy Phật chứng vô sanh
Bồ tát bất thóai là bè bạn.

NAM MÔ A-DI-ĐÀ PHẬT.

To Buddhism, death is not the end of life, it is simply the end of the temporary body inhabited in this cycle of life. The spiritual part still remains and it seeks to be reattached to a new cycle of life. The Lê Trai family practices Buddhism at home and continually prays for Marie Rose an entire 49 day cycle that will end on February 6th. This is the time it is believed to be necessary for her spirit to achieve complete separation from the body and worldly regrets.

To express her deep sorrow for the passing of Marie Rose, Mme. Lê Trai, Thúy Trúc Trần Thị Bích-Du composed the following poem in her honor:

"Bao nhiêu năm lăn lộn với đời,
Nay về cõi Tịnh sống thảnh thơi,
Ngày đêm chuyên niệm Nam Mô Phật,
An nhiên tự tại mãn nguyện rồi."

... loosely translated by Nghiêm-Phú-Lân into:

"After many years of bustling existence on earth,
You now return to a leisurely life in the Land of Purity.
Day and Night you pray to the Buddhas,
At peace and satisfied, you are now complete."

This poem is sung by her husband, Mr. Lê Trai Không Phổ.
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Click on the "Play" button to start playing.

Phân Ưu

It would be remiss on my part if I were not to mention that my high school classmates, upon learning the passing of Marie Rose, placed the following condolence on the local South California's "Người-Việt" newspaper dated December 24th, 2010 and on line here:

Xin thành thật càm ơn các bạn.

MC Herbie

I do not have many nephews, but Herbie easily fills the space for ten. Living in Denver, Herbie was here in Miami for Thanksgiving. Upon hearing the passing of his aunt Marie Rose, Herbie booked the first available flight to Miami. I was looking for a trusted person to MC Marie Rose's service, and there was no one more qualified than him.

Herbie and my daughter VyVy grew up together in Miami. VyVy used to boss him around and even pushed him around like this...


This day, in his handsome 6'3" frame and choking with emotion, Herbie conducted his aunt's service with dignity and eulogized...


Thank you for your presence, and welcome.

Tonight, we are all here to remember the person that Marie Rose Josephine Nghiem-Phu was:

A loving Mother to VyVy and Mac-Long,
A dutiful Spouse of over 40 years to my Uncle Lan,
Eldest Sister to: My Mother Rose, my aunts and uncles Kim-Cuc, Kim-Phuong, Hoang, Huy and Hai,
Aunt to myself and all of her siblings' children,
Caring friend to us all.

Many of you have known my aunt Marie Rose much longer than I. I cannot tell you the stories of her youth. Hopefully many of you can share those memories with our family and with each other tonight, and in the many days to come.

To me, she was someone who watched over me as a child. As such, I have always considered her much more than an aunt, more like a second Mother.

Tonight, we remember the loving and caring person that my aunt Marie Rose was: Mother, Spouse, Sister, Aunt and Friend. We should remember her as she was in the memory of our lives, always. We should feel that if her spirit is watching us now, that she would be filled with joy seeing us here today and knowing that her life played an important part in reuniting our family here in Miami.

Thank you, tata Marie for your part in my life, in keeping us all together and in finding our family a new place to call home.

May you rest in peace.

Phasmaphobia

Among the many movies we have seen together in Paris, this one particularly made a lasting impression on both of our lives: Danse Macabre! Look it up today and you can see it described as below:

Fiche technique[modifier]

• Titre : Danse macabre
• Titre original : Danza macabra
• Réalisation : Antonio Margheriti et Sergio Corbucci
• Scénario : Sergio Corbucci et Giovanni Grimaldi
• Production : Marco Vicario
• Sociétés de production : Giovanni Addessi Produzione Cinematografica et Ulysse Productions
• Musique : Riz Ortolani
• Photographie : Riccardo Pallottini
• Montage : Otello Colangeli
• Décors : Ottavio Scotti
• Pays d'origine : Italie, France
• Format : Noir et blanc - 1,78:1 - Mono - 35 mm
• Genre : Horreur
• Durée : 87 minutes
• Dates de sortie : 29 juillet 1964 (États-Unis), 14 avril 1965 (France)

In the US, this Italian/French film is known as "Castle of Blood" and it was heavily edited. The plot was quite simple:

A journalist challenges Edgar Allan Poe on the authenticity of his stories, which leads to him accepting a bet to spend the night in a haunted castle on All Soul's Eve. Ghosts of the murdered inhabitants appear to him throughout the night, re-enacting the events that lead to their deaths. It transpires that they need his blood in order to maintain their existence. Barbara Steele plays a ghost who attempts to help the journalist escape.

As a spolier, I can tell you here that the journalist in the movie lost the bet and paid for it with his life while he was just about to escape through a cemetery.

This movie scared the daylight out of me and I since that day developed a permanent phasmaphobia (fear of ghosts!) Maryse, on the contrary, developed a taste for really scary movies, which was the chagrin of my life. However, if you knew Maryse, you understand now why she was very scared of vampires! That was because of this movie. We left the theater at about midnight and took the Parisian subway to get home. The long and deserted walkway of the Chatelet metro exchange was memorable and we both were so scared we never could forget that night.

We were then too young to realize that the movie was based on a story written by the famous Edgar Allan Poe who had a strong influence on Stephen King, our modern day horror story writer.

Reverend Theodore Lewis

In a non-linear fashion, events that are the essence of Maryse's being are assembled in this space...

Below are the words spoken by Rev. Theodore Lewis on December 23rd, 2010...

WORDS OF THE REV. TED LEWIS AT THE FUNERAL OF
MARIE ROSE JOSEPHINE NGHIEM-PHU
December 23, 2010

I am here firstly as a family member. My membership in this distinguished family comes about not through any merit of my own but through the graciousness of Marie Rose’s daughter VyVy in marrying my son Nathan. I am here also as a priest of the Anglican Communion, the main component of which in this country is The Episcopal Church but which is a world-wide fellowship, functioning not only in Britain where it had its beginning (hence the name Anglican), but also in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. In both capacities I am honored to be allowed to take part in our gathering this evening for our beloved Marie Rose, not so much to mourn her loss as to celebrate her life, in this place so beautifully decorated with ikebana and the like and to which so many of you have come. I would express my appreciation also for the Buddhist ceremonial which our brother and sisters have just performed with such authenticity.

As an Anglican priest it is my belief that the Anglican and indeed Christian tradition, which was part of Marie Rose’s own heritage, has much to say to an occasion even such as this, perhaps especially such as this. Now is not the time, nor is it my function here, to make a full exposition of it. But with your permission I will offer a few prayers taken from the Burial Office of our Book of Common Prayer as some indication of its riches.

In peace, let us pray to the Lord.

Grant to thy faithful people pardon and peace, that we may be cleansed from all our sins and serve thee with a quiet mind.

Grant to all who mourn a sure confidence in thy fatherly care, that casting all their grief on thee, they may know the consolation of thy love.

Almighty God, Father of mercies and giver of all comfort: Deal graciously, we pray thee, with all those who mourn, that casting every care on thee they may know the consolation of thy love.

Give courage and faith to those who are bereaved, that they may have strength to meet the days ahead in the comfort of a reasonable and holy hope, in the joyful expectation of eternal life with those they love.

Help us, we pray, in the midst of things we cannot understand, to believe and trust in the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, and the resurrection to life everlasting.

Grant us grace to entrust Marie Rose to thy never-failing love. Receive her into the arms of thy mercy, and remember her according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people.

Remember they servant, O Lord, according to the favor which thou bearest unto thy people. And grant that, increasing in knowledge and love of thee, she may go from strength to strength in the life of perfect service in thy heavenly kingdom.

Grant us, with all who have died in the hope of the resurrection, to have our consummation and bliss in thy eternal and everlasting glory, and with all they saints to receive the crown of life which thou dost promise to all who share in the victory of thy Son Jesus Christ.

* * *
Rest eternal grant to her, O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon her.

May her soul, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

The God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, the great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant: Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight; through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever.

(turning to the Urn)

Unto God’s gracious mercy and protection we commit you.
The Lord bless you and keep you.
The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you.
The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace, both now and ever more.

Amen

Hélène

Hélène is a dear childhood friend of Maryse... Upon learning of Maryse's passing, she has this memento to recall...

Anh Lân thân mến,

This is my 2nd try to write about my dearest friend Maryse. I could not control my emotions thinking about Maryse when I started to write and I got so blurry that I had to stop.

We were classmates since the 11eme class. Starting the 6eme class, I was old enough to bike to the school and so did Maryse. Contrary to Jackie Bông, I called her "JO", short for Josephine. I did not know that she did not like that first name until much later because she never told me she hated it.

We were a trio with another close friend (who passed away already), Mary Yến. After school, we would wander on Catinat street (Tự Do, later) and had ice cream or snack at Givral or Brodard, or we went to the movies. The days that we did not go together, then I would follow Maryse to her home and spent hours with her. Her mother loved me very much and vice versa and she never let me go home without having dinner with the family. The two mothers, mine and Maryse's were also very close.

Then starting secondary school, Maryse left for France. I did not see her again until I went there in 1967 where I met you for the first time, Anh Lân. We had a good time together strolling around the Quartier Latin.

Finally, when we saw each other again, you were in Florida and me in California. We, And Vân and I had the opportunity to visit you on our trip to the Bahamas, then I met Mặc-Long. Maryse also told me that he is the joy and the good fortune for the family. She was a devoted wife and mother and she was very proud of Mặc-Long, praising his various accomplishments at school.

When you told me Maryse left us eternally, I was choking. I felt that I lost a dear sister, dearer than my own because we spent hours on the phone when we talked. Although she was already sick, she still comforted me and encouraged me to be brave and optimistic so that I could fight my sickness.

And 2 months before she left us, she called me and we talked about 15 minutes, she was panting and so I did not want her to tire herself but she still advised me to be courageous.

All her life, she had been a soft spoken person, always sweet and generous. I never saw her having any tantrums even when she was mad or upset.

I will miss her profoundly and remember how great a wife, a mother and a friend she was.

All my sisters love her very much and have a memorable and beautiful souvenir of Maryse and Mặc-Long when they visited Maryse and you on their trip to Canada. What a wonderful family you have, they said.

With our deepest regrets and condolences to you, VyVy and Mặc-Long.

Love,
Vân, Hélène and family.

What's New Pussycat?

It was rare, but we did go to the movies in Paris... I can't remember what happened in the movies because we Parisians didn't really watch movies in movie theaters when we went with dates. Not knowing what Maryse's taste was like, I took the initiative and we went to see our first ever movie together, my choice: What's New Pussycat? I learned years later that she hated that kind of movies. But she endured just to make me happy. To this day, she hated Woody Allen.

Allison Gabrielle

Allison Gabrielle, poet, artist, philosopher, friend and neighbor... eulogized, wrote... and composed...

Loan (Maryse) 's strong soothing voice resounds in our mind's ear, " This is Destiny; That is Karma ", as a wise, all encompassing panacea. Anxiety, hope, desire - yes - and even pain are only temporary sentient emotions. Her steadfast message assures us that our souls have permanent continuity that transcends obstacles and boundaries.

Lover of snow globes, antiques, flowers, country-western music, and classic romantic films with heroic lessons of adaption, Loan created, radiated, and appreciated Beauty. Whether we step into her garden or imagine ourselves in the landscapes that she painted, we will feel transformed.

Most precious and revered memories of Loan's family, paragons of quiet courage, who share her joie de vivre:

Lan, Hong-Vy, Mac-Long, Hoang, Rose, Kim, Huy, Hai, Kim-Phuong and their spouses and extended families; and life long friends will always carry Loan with them, as God carries all of our spirits as well.

For Eternity

I am, in a sense, like Mozart... I am always broke like he was... "money just slips through his hands," like mine. In Paris, we ate well the first week or so, then we survived the rest of the month on student meal tickets. So, needless to say, I did appreciate the tremendous gift Maryse gave me... A silver sterling bracelet on which she had my name engraved on the outer surface...

... and her name initials engraved on the inner side. The year was 1965, when we were really really really together a lot.

You can guess that M stands for Maryse. Her maiden name started with a B.
For reciprocity, it took me quite a while (Of course it had to wait until the first days of the month) to find her what I knew she would love: a mouse in tutu. I love that mouse... and Maryse loved it even more. It was her most prized possession that she vowed to keep for eternity... And here they are together to this day:

Dating Sure Was Better Than Studying

It was hard to concentrate on mathematics, physics and chemistry in Paris with this romance in full throttle...

We were in Paris... and she wouldn't touch cigarettes and wine! That was how I had to quit smoking! She always had it her way, gently, but irresistibly!

How Lucky Can You Get?

You want to know how it all started? July 7th, 1965:

This is a small bistro in the student quarter of Paris 5th "ärondissement." Do you know how hard it was to get all the other guys away from this girl? One was even a Laotian prince! But he was no match at all... really! Yes! It was a bottle of Coke! Hey, I was not about to get drunk with wine on our first date! But wine was cheap and plentiful then...

How lucky can one guy get?

It reads, in French "So that you remember our love."

Jackie

Jackie, a long term friend of Maryse contributed the following...

Dear anh Lân,

Maryse, as I've always called her since we were elementary school classmates, had always been devoted to her family and friends. I also happened to be her neighbor in Saigon in the Frères Louis area where she and I lived in the inside small streets called ruelles. She on the east side and me on the west side, but only ten minutes apart, walking distance.

The careful and thoughtful diet she cooked every day for Mặc-Long was indeed a labor of love. I remember her telling me (when I stayed many times for a couple of days over your house on my way to Trinidad where my husband was assigned at the U.S. Embassy, and vice versa back from Trinidad to the U.S. in the early 1990s) that Mặc-Long was a God-given child. "He brought prosperity and happiness to both of us. Lân has grown in his business since Mặc-Long was born, and I found good fortune and fulfillment," she told me Therefore, he was the joy of the family. Needless to say that she was very proud of VyVy's accomplishments as well.

I also recall that she had a full agenda and timetable for Mac Long and I followed along with her schedule. She prepared and did all the chores in the house for Mac Long, then I went with her to pick Mặc-Long up at his school, etc. When you came home from work, her attention was focused on both of you, and I could see the tight-knit relationship and the TLC (tender, love and care) you provided to Mặc-Long and to her. What a lovely family indeed.

I don't forget that every morning and evening, she lit incense sticks and prayed religiously to Buddha. She gave me a good example and until today, both my husband (an American) and I have been praying to Buddha every evening before going to bed. I still see images of both Maryse and myself visiting her mother (when she was still alive) and her brother and sister' families. I still miss eating the best longanes (trái nhãn) from your garden. I'm also grateful that you, Maryse, and Mặc-Long had spent a whole day going around to find a BMW for us to buy. That car (over 120,000 miles now) was given to our eldest son who drove us this year at Thanskgiving in New York. Every time I sit in the car, which is running very well, I remember the best times I'd spent with my kind and generous friend from my childhood. What a precious time we've had together.

My only regret was when I wanted to come and visit her and take care of her, cooking for her as she had done for me (as I told her), during her time of sickness, she categorically refused to let me do it. But fortunately, I was able to call her and talk with her for hours to comfort her, even a couple of months ago.

I don't know what else to say to express my deep love to Maryse but to pray that she rest in peace and look after her micro family, especially you, VyVy and Mặc-Long, and her macro family for a long time to come.

Affectionately,

Jacqueline Thu Vân / Jackie Bông

A Mother's Love

She dedicated her life to her children... That's Maryse...

Quiet-Dragon Mac-Long
Mystery at School

Breakfast

Snack

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday at Fuddrucker's

Sunday Dinner

Little Rose-Hong-Vy (VyVy)

Sista & Bro

Little Rose High School

Law Graduate

For Real

Maryse - Oct 26, 19xx - Dec 17, 2010:08:23AM

Missing Maryse...