Chea, a young student at the Cambodian Handicraft Association died last night after a short illness. Chea was a real character – I would watch her at CHA and she was very perceptive and she would make all the students laugh – she always had love for everyone and could not do any harm.
I sat with her on Saturday and Sunday – no one guessed where this would end. The last think I said to her was “you ok” and she said to me ” I am fine thanks you”. She was so gentle and loving she will be missed and never forgotten.
I built my house beside the wood
So I could hear you singing
And it was sweet and it was good
And love was all beginning
Fare thee well my nightingale
‘Twas long ago I found you
Now all your songs of beauty fail
The forest closes ’round you
The sun goes down behind a veil
‘Tis now that you would call me
So rest in peace my nightingale
Beneath your branch of holly
Fare thee well my nightingale
I lived but to be near you
Tho’ you are singing somewhere still
I can no longer hear you
– the Nightingale by Leonard Cohen
