Leiali'i Simone David was born on July 22, 2010 at only 24 weeks and weighed in at 1 lb 8 oz. Leiali'i, which is Hawaiian for "royal lei," is the daughter of Michael and Sarah Bessie David, sister of Keaolani Grace, and grand- daughter of George & Caridad Domingo and Oscar & Nilda David. She was born at Kaiser Vallejo and transferred to the NICU at Kaiser Walnut Creek, where she remained until her passing on August 17th.
Leiali'i is considered a miracle baby in many ways; after Bessie was diagnose and treated for Ovarian Cancer late last year, Mike and Bessie did not know if they could have any more children. One week after learning Bessie was cancer-free, they also learned they were pregnant.
Leiali'i is a confirmation of God's goodness and power. Her life displayed God's provision and her death displays His mercy and grace.
No parent should ever have to bury their child but we are reminded that God, Himself, gave His only Son to die on the cross. While Bessie was there at Leiali'i's side as she passed, Christ was abandoned and alone at the cross. However thru Christ's death, we have assurance and hope that we will see Leiali'i again. She is with our Savior and creator Christ Jesus. She no longer experiences pain or sickness, but most importantly, she will never have to experience the bitterness of this world. Though our sorrow is great, God's comfort is greater.
We praise God for blessing us with her, we praise God for giving us 3 1/2 weeks to enjoy her; to be able to hold her, and to be able to say good bye to her.
We would like to thank the staff at Kaiser Walnut Creek NICU, our family and friends, but most importantly the faithful saints that continuously brought our family before the throne of God in prayer. Your encouragements and reminders of God's Word thru emails, phone calls, and facebook lifted us, especially now as we deal with our temporary separation with our Leiali'i.
