Cali McDonald Chen
Our Little Buddha (August 19th, 2002 - September 8, 2003)
By The Chen Family,
Published Sept 25, 2003
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| Cali loved people, animals, nature and plumeria flowers. |
On White Ashes
(excerpts from translation by Rennyo Shonin, 1410-1499)
In silently contemplating the transient nature of human existence,
nothing is more fragile and fleeting in this world than the life of man. Life passes swiftly.
Whether I go before others, or others go before me, whether it be today or tomorrow, who is to know? Though in the morning we may have radiant health, in the evening we may return to white ashes. When the winds of impermanence blow, our eyes are closed forever.
The fragile nature of human existence underlies both the young and the old. Therefore, in by understanding the meaning of death, we come to appreciate the meaning of this life, which is to be treasured because it is unrepeatable. By nature of true compassion, let us realize the unexcelled value of this existence, and let us live together with gratitude in our hearts.
Facts about Cali:
Cali was conceived in Hawaii on the island of Maui on Nov 22nd, 2001.
Cali was born in a natural, underwater home birth.
Cali's first expression was to stick her tongue out at mom.
She went out on her first stroll shopping the very next day.
Cali loved eating fiber, especially papa's business cards.
She also loved drawing on mama's crossword puzzles in the mornings, before snacking on the paper itself.
Cali loved the water and the outdoors; she loved taking baths, showers, and visiting the beach, or just finding a stream of water to hold a flower under to watch the petals bend back from the waters streaming pressure.  She was an amazingly happy baby, constantly laughing, clapping and smiling. We called her "Little Buddha" because she had the spirit of a happy little Buddha, taking shear delight in every waking moment's offer of discovery.
She loved the piano and played songs often. Cali was a great explorer, and learned early to crawl, and go up and down the stairs. She loved playing with the pets, Ziggy our Jack Russell Terrier was very protective of Cali, especially with strangers.
click here to see a brief windows video of Cali McDonald Chen. | 
