"Moonlight on the Snow.
Moon lighting my old plum tree.
Moonlight in the Snow."

My grandfather wrote this haiku the morning before he ended his life.
It sent a shock wave through the family.

My grandfather was a very influential person in my life and many others.
He was one of the most eccentric people I've ever met.
But also one of the most kind and selfless.

A great source of guidance for anyone who needed it.
Family or not.

An amazing painter and poet, especially of haiku.
He gave me a painting before moving to Washington 2 years ago.
It's been hanging on my wall since he gave it to me.
Now, I cherish it even more.

Thank you Papa, for everything.
You taught me endless patience and shown me endless kindness.
You taught me to value knowledge instead of trivial things.
I'll miss you greatly and sorry I didn't say I love you more often.

My own father wrote a haiku in honor of his father.
"Body old and cold.
Dancing with moonlit Plum Trees.
Heart of Purest Gold."