Chi-hui and I have been thinking often of Steven in recent days. The other day, we thought of some of the memorable moments that we shared with him, and it made us really smile, even though there was such an ugly emptiness afterwards. I thought I'd share some of those moments with you:

* A time when the three of us went to see an eE show at Bottom of the Hill. Chi-hui and Steven had come from NAATA, and they came to pick me up from home. He was in the back seat, making the both of us laugh all the way to the show. He had some Jameson's at the show, and couldn't stop talking about needing to save up for that wedding ring so he could marry the woman that he loved so much - you.

* At Sooyoung and Fiona's wedding, when the two of you were on the dance floor. Chi-hui was especially impressed by all his moves! Man, he really did have riddum.

* Chi-hui remembers going skateboarding with Steven, Sooyoung, and Steve Kim, and he remembers how Steven had such a grin on his face, how he was so exuberant. That was what made the night for Chi-hui.

* When the Hyphen magazine staff found out the awful news, someone immediately sent out an email about what a positive, dynamic force he had been for the magazine, even in that brief time working with us before he got sick. He really drove the publication to a better place; it was amazing to watch him in those meetings. He was such a take-charge leader. He had a voice that people listened to. He earned respect immediately.

* I think of so many countless nights in Chicago bars or restaurants or karaoke spots with the Chicago crew. Steven was, of course, integral. That was a special time; he helped make that time and that dynamic special.

* For Chi-hui and me, the thing that comes to mind most is Steven's huge smile. It seemed to convey so many things so immediately and simply - it was a smile that allowed you to see the enthusiasm he had for life, his ability to experience great joy, his sincerity.

In the days since I found out about Steven's passing, I keep thinking - and hoping - that he knows how much he was loved, and how he touched so many lives, even from a distance. I really hope he knows.

-Bernice Yeung

previous | next