December 5, 2011 till December 9, 2011 was a very difficult week for me. I got a call from Mary and I thought Ging gave my name as a reference for a job "down south". Little did I knew that Ging was rushed to the hospital on a week-end when Filipinos in Iqaluit was preparing for a Christmas party. When I learned that she was offered the position as Senior Finance Analyst in my department (Health and Social Services, Government of Nunavut, I called her to suggest what personal stuff to bring when she will be relocated. Anyone who comes up to work in Nunavut usually take advantage of the allowed cargo weight and volume. Ging instead preferred to bring with her only the basic necessity no more than that. Shortly after she got settled in her apartment, she bragged of the stuff she brought with her but most especially a painting, a creation of a dear friend. She loves to cook Filipino home-cooked meals and share it with every one at her place. One neighbour commented she must know almost everyone on the floor and must have given them food too. Everytime she comes back from the Philippines, she brings "pasalubong". The one that we will always appreciate is the "virgin coconut" oil. Lately, I asked her to bring anothe bottle for me and some Nescafe sticks. In February 2011, she was on "Internal Transfer" to Dept of Justice to train an Inuit Land Claim Beneficiary to be a Deputy Public Trustee. She was entertaining getting a job in the "south" so she it will be easy for her to go home to the Philippines. You see for us, it costs a minimum of $670 one way ticket from Iqaluit to Ottawa. She showed me a picture of Agatha and her children and asked me "di ba dapat nga uuwi na ako"? Her apos are all the world to he but at the same time, she still loves to work as she believes she has more to give gained from her experience. Ging is very patient as a worker. She takes pride in what she does. She was just starting to put a system in place to make my unit go smoothly. When she gets frustrated over the system, I would tell her "kaya nga we hired you because we need help". She always remind me to watch my back: back-up, back-up and back-up. We accountants know what that means. She worked hard doing 2 year-ends of HSS reports. Lately, I was preparing to hire her again had she not gone home. Late nights when we work, we talk of future retirements, how much do we need to sustain a modest life style and other interesting topics in life. She loves to order Chinese food and she won't even get $hare from me. On evening I returned the favour and brought her to a nice restaurant with a good ambiance so we can enjoy the evening. I felt good remembering that evening. She comes to work with me(after her other day assignment)but calls first to ask if I need food. She eventually learned that cheese bread is my favourite. Gings finger prints all over my files, my computer, my own log-in which crazily looks for Gings files (I was not able to fix it yet after we're done with our year-end). Ging's name will be a household in my unit. Our supervisor will be sad to know when he comes back that "jing" passed on. My team: Judy, John, Joe, Jude so "jing" comes handy. I usually consult with Ging over files and in fact I called her just before she left. Now, I am on my own. My trouble shooter is gone but left behind a wealth of knowledge. I will surely miss her.........