thoughts of new destinations

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

One of Cindy's goals after college was to spend a year teaching English in Japan. Although she did not get the chance to fulfill that goal, our sister Carla was able to do so. Carla's time in Japan was like a tribute to Cindy.

While at UCLA, Cindy spent the summer of 2001 studying in England. Once her summer classes were done, she and her friend Cheryl spent a couple of weeks traveling through and exploring other parts of Europe as well.

I also remember that in high school, Cindy took part in the "Close-Up Program", where students spend a week in Washington D.C. to get a close-up look at U.S. government and U.S. history. Watching the inauguration last month reminded me of Close-Up.

I always admired how Cindy took advantage of opportunities to travel and enhance her educational experience, as well as her sense of adventure.

Recently, two of our cousins have made plans to move away from the Bay Area for new job opportunities, one going to the Philippines and the other to Oregon. Yet another cousin recently started spending a semester studying abroad in Barcelona.

Whenever any of my cousins embark on new adventures in new places (of which there have been many others), I believe that Cindy has had a hand in bringing these adventures to life. I like to think of her as one of the little voices that encourages them to "Go for it!" and that reassures them that they've made the right decision during times when they are homesick or feeling doubt; and each new adventure serves as a tribute to her.

thoughts of keeping the faith

shared by Marlo R. Beall, her sister

Today we celebrated my niece Michaela's baptism at St. Anne's Church. It was refreshing to attend a happy event after having spent too much of last year at church due to sorrowful occasions.

Going to church, especially to St. Anne's, reminds me of Cyn. She always actively and consistently practiced her faith. Cyn attended CCD every year while growing up, even taking the time to teach pre-school and kindergarten Sunday School classes when she was older. 

She was also an altar server from grade school through high school. She went to church every Sunday, even on holy days of obligation, and completed all nine of the Simbang Gabi early morning mass novenas at least a couple of times.

In addition to practicing her faith as a devoted Catholic, she also lived her faith through the love and kindness that she shared with everyone she met. I also remember that she had a shiny navy blue and gold keychain on her college backpack that had the letters "PCG" on it. PCG stands for "Precious Child of God", and Cyn is a shining example of what that means.