Barbara Melton Perkins
Hue was a beautiful, kind and loving friend. I met her about 12 years ago and it began a journey of learning and love for me. I learned about her Vietnamese background and culture, her family, her spiritual values and her dreams. We talked of many things. Language was sometimes a limiting factor but we often transcended that in the unspoken messages between us. We used to laugh about how we would take care of one another (and others) if either of us won the lottery. Hue loved clothes and jewelry and took special care of her appearance. And yet the essence of her was spiritually, not materially based. Hue was generous to a fault, and cared for others more than her own well-being. She remembered birthdays and Christmas (even though she was Buddhist) and gave what I called "little love gifts." But most of all she gave of herself, her love and caring for everyone in her life. I remember her helping a client who was emotionally fragile, who became very sick, and financially unable to pay Hue. Hue continued to visit her, take care of her and some times spend the night; often to Hue's detriment because she had a full time job and got very little rest. Hue worked very, very hard. I admired her for that and only wished she didn't have to work 7 days a week. I cannot capture in words her beautiful spirit or what she meant to me. I do believe she was the best human being I've ever met or had the privilege of calling my friend. I accept that it was Hue's time, she fulfilled her purpose in this life time and has transcended to a spiritual plane of existence that goes beyond our temporal concerns. If there is a spiritual heaven, I know Hue is there surrounded by beauty, joy, love, warmth, compassion, and light and her loved ones who passed before her. She will be always close in my heart. I loved her very much and I always will. My greatest condolences to Nikki and Tracy and Hue's extended family and friends here and in Vietnam. We'll all miss her very much. Barbara Melton Perkins Dallas, TX