Dear He Liliang,

    I send my heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family on behalf of all of the members of my family. I so wish I could be there personally to express my love and my deep admiration for you and for Huang Hua. You both have been such precious friends. We have been like family for so many years. Indeed, I feel privileged and honored to have known Haung Hua.

    I know it was his time to be at peace, but it is a great loss for you and your family and a great loss for China of one of their most important statesmen and leaders of modern times. No one else has served his country so honorably for so long and made such an incredible impact on history as Huang Hua. I am sure that individuals and leaders in countries throughout the world will mourn his loss but feel his influence for generations. Huang Hua was a diplomat and Ambassador who served his country well for decades and was respected by all.

    I know Helen and Edgar Snow also had the greatest admiration and respect for Huang Hua, beginning back in the 1930's when all of them witnessed and participated together in the birth of new China from Bao'an and Yen'an to Beijing. Together they recorded and changed history in China and US- China relations. Huang Hua helped to build strong bridges of friendship and understanding between our countries, which led to the historic meeting between Mao Zedong and President Nixon and then the re-establishment of diplomatic relations in 1979 when Huang Hua was there along with Deng Xiaoping and President Carter, providing continued assistance. Huang Hua has helped to lay the foundation for understanding and progress with so many countries.

    It was greatly appreciated when you and Huang Hua made the long journey from Beijing to Madison CT in America for the memorial service and funeral for Helen Snow after she passed away. It was such a powerful and meaningful statement of friendship and respect. I am very sorry I am unable to attend the service for Huang Hua to represent my own family but also in a small way to represent Helen Snow as well. Fortunately our son Eric will be there to represent us. He loved and admired Huang Hua, as well as Helen Snow, and he will be there as the link between all of us.

    I send my love and sincere sympathy to you at this time.

    Sincerely, Sharon Crain, Xue Lian