It was a shock to hear about Steven's illness, but when the messages were sent about his funeral and his passing, I was left speechless by how quickly time passed between events. I was hoping by some miracle that he would pull through the treatment and beat the cancer, being the optimist he seemed to be. One can't help but think of how unfair and short life can be, and betweeen Steven and others I know who have been recently afflicted with other types of cancers, I've been reflecting on life a lot lately.

I'm glad you and Steven went on the Yosemite trip in August and we got to spend some time out there. It's a trip I won't forget: one fond memory is when we were getting close to the exposed rock of Half Dome and all of a sudden Steven appeared near the plateau that we were pausing on. I was really surprised to see him and later, you, because we all thought we would see both of you late that evening and that you went on a separate path nowhere near Half Dome. I took a picture of him just as he arrived on the plateau. Just so you know, from the time that I met Steven and even though I didn't know him that well, my sense about him was that he's a kind-hearted, generous, helpful, genuinely sincere, and warm person to know. We bonded over the silly only-child connection, and I sometimes wonder how his parents are doing.

I remember the times that he had told stories about how he met you – his love truly shone through. He's missed by many friends, myself included.

-Alina Hua

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