[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 121 (Friday, September 5, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E1702-E1703] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] RECOGNIZING CHULA MORI ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Thursday, September 4, 2003 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is, with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay [[Page E1703]] tribute to Chula Mori, who died at St. Helena Hospital in Angwin, California, March 28, 2003. Chula, a treasured member of Napa County, California, died at the age of 55 after a courageous battle with cancer. Chula was diagnosed with breast cancer 21 years ago, and then in June 2002, with brain, liver and lung cancer. As Head Teacher in the Napa County Office of Education's Napa Child Development Center, Chula dedicated her life to educating young children. An extraordinary teacher and a kind-hearted, loving person, Chula was also someone her students could trust and depend on. One of her great joys was when former students, grown with children of their own, would rush up to give her hugs when they would run in to her out in the community. Many of the students enrolled in the Napa Child Development Center come from broken homes and disadvantaged circumstances. Though just preschoolers, Chula's students often carried the weight of neglect and discouragement on their small shoulders. Often, Chula's class served as a port in the storm. She made her students feel safe, loved and appreciated. For over 27 years Chula educated the kids in our community. Yet, ironically, I believe the greatest lessons she taught may have been outside the classroom. Lying in a hospital bed at St. Helena Hospital in Angwin, California, Chula was an incredible example to her friends and loved ones of how to live and how to die with dignity. Mr. Speaker, Chula's influence is easily seen throughout our community. Whether on the faces of her own two children and three grandchildren or in the hearts of countless former students, Chula's impact can never be erased nor will it fade. Those of us who knew her well are better because we knew her well. For these reasons and countless others it is appropriate at this time that we recognize and honor Chula Mori, who lived her life as a blessing to others. ____________________