This article arrived in my inbox today. I thought it makes for a fitting addition to the previous post.
And Yet Other Sad news, from the Luzhou Church Choir
Aside from references to the crash, my WeChat messages added another 54 notices this morning, with a majority of those being from the Luzhou Church Choir’s soprano group.
It’s not unusual at this time of year, during Lent, for so many messages to go flying. There are announcements of Easter anthems we’ll be singing, photo copies of the music, recordings to listen to, discussions of what went wrong during rehearsals that need fixing, reminders about wearing the black Mary Jane uniform shoes (not sandals) for upcoming worship services, those asking leave for various reasons and replies that notices having been received and recorded. (Yes, the Luzhou Church choir members take their rehearsals and Sunday worship very seriously, including excused or non-excused absences being marked and the roll taken at every practice.)
But these were regarding sad news, as posted by Choir Monitor (leader) Zhang in Chinese. I give you the translated version below:
“Choir Family Members: Sister Liu Xiao, who has been serving and working with us for so many years, was picked up by the Lord this morning because of illness.My heart is very sad but the Lord is never wrong in His decision. At the request of her family, the memorial service is scheduled to start tomorrow (Thursday, March 24) at 3 p.m. at Yangqiao South Funeral Home. We beseech the Father to comfort her family and all others. We pray the Heavenly Father to remember Sister Xiao for all her Christian service. We implore the Lord to lead tomorrow’s ministry as we remember her life. For those who have time, please go to see Sister Xiao off on her final earthly journey.”
This was followed by those adding their blessings and condolences to the group, with several continuing with determination:
“I’m going.”
“Yes, I also. Wish Sister Xiao RIP all the way.”
“My car can take us. It holds 3.”
” I can take 2 more. Meet me at Zhongshan Road at the Medical College.”
“Contact me for seating.”
And a last note from Monitor Zhang, which was so touching: “Brothers and Sisters, for those who can go to the memorial service tomorrow, please bring the song “The Incarnation,” “Golden Jerusalem” and “He cares for me.” We will sing for Sister Xiao and send her to the Lord in song.”
This was followed by numerous choir members eagerly responding:
“All right. “
“I can pick up all music at the church. Message me.”
“Copy that!”
“May the Lord bless our efforts.”
“Amen.”
And from America, while still waiting to return to my school and beloved choir family in Luzhou, I add the same: Amen!
connie's space 
The loss of your choir sister is sad….such gentle messages to carry each of uyou at this time.
You raised a point I never had considered – Chinese funeral homes. I don’t believe I ever heard of one being mentioned before or of seeing one. The only note of a death was perhaps on 3 occasions when we saw a parade passing on the street…folks dressed in white. Believe I anticipated cremation as the norm.
Hugs….