with his favorite tank

Justin – A Life Short-Lived

The day I received the news that you were diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia, my heart dropped. But you said, “Nah, I think I’m lucky. There’s usually a lot of grade school kids that get this disease.” In that moment, you showed me a different side of you—brave, mature, and surprisingly optimistic in the face of something so cruel.

I’m glad you’re in a better place now, no more pain, no more suffering from chemotherapy. When I saw you for the last time at the funeral home, you looked so peaceful, just like an angel. It felt as if you had returned to the very beginning, like the day you were born.

I’m grateful I visited you during your second hospital stay. You showed me how deeply you cared for your mother. That moment touched me more than I can say.

I’m also so thankful I saw you again in May, just before Memorial Day. You weren’t the little kid I remembered—you had grown into a proud, generous young man. You welcomed us to the base, showed us around like a true Marine, and made sure we felt taken care of. You were our guide, our host, and even insisted on paying for everything—meals, shopping at the Exchange, all of it.

I didn’t say enough, but I was so proud of you. You had become someone truly special.

All my memories of you feel like they happened just yesterday.

Now, you are free—free from cancer, from pain, from all struggles. Do all the things you love in heaven. Don’t worry about us. We’ll be strong, and we’ll take care of each other.

Be good up there… until we meet again.

Baby Justin with his favorite toy

To my beloved Justin, whom I miss beyond words:

Not a day goes by that my heart doesn’t ache for you.

You may be gone from this world, but you will forever live in the deepest part of my heart.

With endless love and sorrow,

Auntie

We shared so many talks at dorms dinner and chef zhangs cus we are both big foodies lol. You always listened to every word I said and gave great advice when it came to life issues. I loved the fact that u stood up for what was right especially with people in your shop and our friend Buie. I’ll miss your laugh and smile, and the countless pearls of wisdom and history deets you would share. Such an old soul! You shall be missed and I will visit u in Cali ting! Rest easy ❤️

The Leaf conservatory

The Leaf conservatory

Aviation Museum

A special handcrafted plate with his Chinese name — a meaningful and personal touch.

Gone but not forgotten. I will carry the memory our final conversation as inspiration for the rest of my life.  I cannot do much, but I will share some lyrics in my native Finnish for your journey, for I want to make one thing clear: the man now sailing to the stars knew the meaning of "Sisu".

Kerran jäätyy kaikki aine / Pimeys ottaa omakseen / Joka hiukkashitusen /Ja entropia lakaisee /Peilin tyhjäks fotoneista / Muistoista ja tallenteista / Avaruus on tyhjä taulu / Aika loputon

You will always be my best friend. I will always remember everything you told and taught me. You will not be forgotten.  All the hard days at work paid off when you were around. You told me my laugh made your day even on the bad days. All the days me and our friends would dress up just to put a smile on your face because you told me it makes you feel special. It’s because you are and you deserve the laughter and happiness. Your present was very special to me and will always be. I remember when you invited me over and we drunk tea together and talk. You told me you just wanted someone to vent to but you always had my open invitation. Those days will be miss. Also your hugs after we left mango mango, that lessen my anxiety about your sickness. You were the strongest men I knew that dealt with so much and the military too. Rest easy Ting, I will see you again! ❤️

I’m sorry for your loss. He was a great person and an even better friend. He will be missed and his memory will continue to live in our hearts.

  I still can’t believe he’s gone. I remember the sweet voice of a little boy reciting, “Spring has come, the grass is green,” the bright, energetic boy at the taekwondo studio, and the effortlessly cool young man sitting in my kitchen—eating with joy, speaking so freely and confidently. It all feels like it was just yesterday.

His sudden passing is truly heartbreaking.

May he rest in peace, free from pain, and surrounded by love.

My deepest condolences to the family—my thoughts and prayers are with you.