Shen, the middle child of three, had an indefinable quality from the day she was born.  She didn't cry when she was born; she just stared like she was wise from the very beginning.  From early childhood, Shen concentrated on any task she set for herself, whether it was a school assignment, tennis match, or research project.  She was able to grasp the whys in the big picture and still focus on the minute tasks.

        As Shen grew, she was given space to be who she was.  She was allowed her "wings" as long as she was accountable about where she was, who she was with, and when she'd be home.  She fussed, like most teenagers, but she was usually pretty responsible.

        Her parents instilled in her that they could not be beside her at all times and that she needed to use good judgment in making her decisions.  She always promised and assured us that she could make good decisions.  Her mother often told Shen and the other children, "No matter where we are, even if we die, we will always be in each other's hearts."
 
 

        Some of the money set aside for Shen's college education will now be used another way -- to establish a scholarship fund in Shen's name.