中国古人充满智慧,二十四节气对应天时气候。
今天是清明节,也是我哥哥去世一周年的纪念日。大雨滂沱,仿佛是苍天也不忘哥哥离去带给全家的悲痛。
亲爱的哥哥,每当想起你在医院病床上最后那些脆弱的日子,没有比这更令人心碎的事了。或许老天爷是心疼你,让你早日去往更安宁的天堂。从此我明白,世间一切人与事、一切恩怨,皆可原谅、化解。
人固有一死。哥哥早在天上看着我们,修完人生的功课,终将功德圆满。
爱你,想你。
你的老妹
忆故友-冬青
冬霜难掩旧时青,笑洒人间五十春。
仍忆把酒论古今,同歌共赞百花芬。
高山流水知音去,松柏琼台故梦真。
曲终路断空余泪,星河深处有君魂。(赵哲)
To: The Honorable Bert Van Mook, Manager, British Columbia Ministry of Transportation, Northern Region and Esteemed Colleagues,
Don Mao,February 28, 1975 – March 24, 2025
On the eve of China’s Qingming Festival, as we approach the first anniversary of our beloved son Mao Don’s passing, we are deeply moved by the kindness and compassion shown by the Ministry of Transportation. We sincerely thank you for sending your esteemed colleague, Mr. Dickson, to visit Don’s resting place, pay tribute at his grave, and share in our remembrance and grief.
Mr. Dickson undertook a long journey from Vancouver to Guangzhou, traveling via Hong Kong. Accompanied by Don’s sister, Mao Donglei(Blossom), he made the solemn trip to Zhengguo Fudi in Zengcheng District, where Don now rests. The effort and care reflected in this journey speak profoundly of the Ministry of Transportation’s respect and affection for our son.
We were deeply touched by the two meaningful keepsakes Mr. Dickson brought on behalf of the Ministry of Transportation. One was a commemorative awarding to honor Don’s 20 years of dedicated service. The other was a commemorative album containing maple leaves collected by his leaders and colleagues from various places in Canda. These tokens are not only precious mementos but also powerful symbols of Don’s professional achievements and his character.
Reflecting on his 20-year career with the Ministry of Transportation, Don devoted himself wholeheartedly to his work. He was diligent, responsible, and committed, consistently earning the respect and praise of his leaders and colleagues. He held a deep passion for both his profession and the organization he served. Even after being diagnosed with a serious illness, he remained steadfast in his responsibilities.
During his final days, after returning to his homeland for treatment, he was extremely weak and unable to eat, relying on IV fluids and transfusions for sustenance. At times, he did not even have the strength to lift a cup of water. Yet, he continued to work from his hospital bed, setting up his computer and painstakingly typing to follow up on engineering projects he had designed. He even worked on designing a logo for the Ministry of Transportation, revising it repeatedly until he was satisfied. When we expressed concern, he would gently say that his time was limited and that he wished to accomplish as much as possible. This reflected his deep devotion to his work and his reluctance to part from it.
On March 16, a day filled with spring warmth and sunlight, when Mr. Dickson presented these mementos, we believe Don, watching from above, smiled with quiet joy. He understood them as recognition from his leaders and a sincere expression of care from his colleagues. In this sense, Don is still with us. He lives on—in his team, in his workplace, and in the roads and bridges he helped design, which will continue to serve communities for years to come.
We are profoundly grateful to the leaders and colleagues of the Ministry of Transportation for the mentorship, trust, and care you extended to Don throughout his career. We especially appreciate your compassion during his long illness. His colleagues and friends visited him often, both at home and in the hospital. When he could no longer work full-time, he continued contributing from home while undergoing treatment. Despite his frequent absences, his leaders showed understanding and unwavering support.
Most importantly, during the eight years of his illness, with Mr. Bert Van Mook’s generous support and persistent advocacy, Don continued to receive essential financial assistance and salary supplements. This greatly eased the burden of his medical expenses and brought immense comfort to our family. We will forever remember this kindness.
As Don’s parents, we are deeply proud of the son we raised, and equally proud that he was part of such an outstanding organization.
Don now rests in peace. In our hearts, we imagine him surrounded by green mountains, clear lakes, and flowers blooming in every season. His spirit endures, and he will live forever in our memories.
With our deepest gratitude and respect,
Don’s Parents
March,19,2026
Guangzhou, China