Guestbook

Ling will be missed dearly. I had not seen her since the family's move to Dallas but I always remember the light in the room grew a bit brighter when she was in it.

Dear Scott and Tyee, Simply put, Ling was my daughter. She meant the world to me. Her bravery, courage and determination to live life to the fullest, to meet all life’s challenges, is a tribute to the great woman she will always be. Ling inspired everyone with whom she had contact – her students, doctors, colleagues, friends, neighbors and family. She taught us never to give up on our dreams and to celebrate life. She was humble, kind and compassionate. She gave herself to so many -- always kind, patient and loving to those around her. She had a grace, elegance, integrity, intelligence and beauty that defined her as a woman. She was a scholar, a teacher, with an insatiable curiosity – a quality I so loved about her. She continually helped others and pushed the envelope of life. She was a wonderful listener. She saw beauty in the smallest things. Ling loved the music you wrote and recorded for her, Scott, and she told me how thankful she was for the loving way you cared for her, not just when she was ill, but the way you protected and loved her through 22 years. In our last conversation Ling told me, “Scott made me feel loved beyond my wildest dreams.” You and Ling are truly a “forever” love story. Ling called me her “American mother”—a title of honor. She made me feel very special. Ling was extraordinary in so many ways. I am so glad she was in my life. I will remember her tenacity, her laughter, her elegance and grace, the creativity with which she arranged flowers, her positivity in meeting any obstacle with a “can do.” She was unstoppable -- pushing the limits of learning – about the world -- about people, their customs, beliefs, history, ways of thinking. Her achievements were extraordinary. She enriched us all and broadened our horizons with colorful tales of her travels and adventures. Ling had a zest for life that knew no bounds. She was an exquisite culinary artist nourishing everyone who came to her table. She invited the world to her table and, at Thanksgiving, welcomed those who did not have family or friends. She fed our spirits with knowledge and hope. She sowed seeds of love and encouragement wherever she went. She looked beyond differences and saw only good. She was an advocate for peace and social change and environmental responsibility – determined to hold our leaders culpable for injustice and climate change. She made the world a better place. She accomplished tasks with smiles and enthusiasm and she asked us to be the best we could be. Ling leaves a legacy of great achievement, purpose and honor. Scott and Tyee, I love you both very much and stand by to help you in the days ahead. Tyee, you embody the spirit and courage of your mother. She lives on through you. Scott, your music, care and love of Ling honors her. Thank you for cherishing her. Ling will never be forgotten and will be in our hearts forever. Her star shines brightly.forever Elizabeth Ann Arey Santa Barbara

I'm extremely saddened with hearing the news of Ling passing away. I saw her and talked with her over Zoom in last September, and she looked good and active. She was always kind since I came to Dallas one year after she had started teaching at SMU. We exchanged guest lectures to each other's class. Ling always put others first. She is greatly missed. I'm still shocked and cannot accept the reality that she is not in this world any more.

May God's peace be with you and your family as you celebrate the life someone who touched the lives of many. Blessings, Shamra Hodge

亲爱的妹妹： 你的音容笑貌永远留在我们心中，愿你在天堂不再有病痛的折磨。

I was deeply saddened to hear of the loss of Dr. Shiao. She was one of the most meaningful and impactful teachers I have had in my life - and especially so during my time at SMU. I took two of her courses back to back because I loved her teaching style and breadth of knowledge. My deepest condolences to her family.

Ling was an elegant intellectual and feisty debater. She argued I wasn't Mexican and succeeded in making me a bit Chinese. She was a citizen of the world and helped make me one too. Needless to say, she was a warm and kind human being-- An erstwhile compañero.

What an extraordinary person. I was blessed to know her.

Ling and I came to SMU at the same time, and we met in a few school functions over the year. I am very sorry to hear of her passing. She will be missed.