For the following three and a half years I was incredibly busy. I studied Mandarin and Chinese cuisine with master chefs, and also translated three cookbooks from the original Chinese into English. When the second book, Chinese Snacks, was published, I decided to resurrect my correspondence with Julia. The postal rates from Taiwan to the U.S. being ridiculously expensive, to save my limited funds I wrote my letter directly in one of the books.

It was Julia who taught me how to believe in myself as an accomplished professional woman, especially in the most challenging of times of male domination in the industry. She showed me that my talent as an authority on Chinese cuisine was not only unique, but exceptional—a belief that served me well in all my future endeavors. Julia rarely gave endorsements because she knew the selling power of her name. Instead, she would constantly send brief messages of support on her personal post cards.

Before I put my head down I said to Mary: “You should have an Irish wake for Julia. And soon.” When I woke, Mary announced: “So, we’re having an Irish wake tonight. I’ve called everyone I could think of. We should plan on about 30.” As it turned out, the number was much more.