Dedicated to my Aunty Aida

"Consider the work of God; For who can make straight what He has made crooked?  In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider:  Surely God has appointed the one as well as the other, so that man can find out nothing that will come after him." Ecc 7:13,14

The above versed was first shared with me when my youngest daughter went to be with the Lord, and though 3 years has passed from that painful day, I am again reminded that life is but a vapor.  My dear, sweet Aunty Aida, who had battled with breast cancer for awhile now finally went home to the Lord this past Friday.

One recent memory floods my heart and mind; it was mid-September and my heart began to feel a sense of urgency and burden to see my aunty - who was recently given only 2 months to live.  I attempted to contact her many times with no response.  So my family and I flew back to CA for the weekend, in hopes to see her.

I remember driving to church that Sunday morning and expressing the sense of needing to see her with my husband.  My parents, my friends at church had not seen her for a couple of weeks and there was no indication that she would even be at church that morning.  I was resolved in my heart to drive to her home after morning worship just to see her.

As we were lead to our seats for the service, Mike leaned over to me and whispered, "She's here!"  I looked towards the back of the sanctuary, and there she was - as beautiful as can be, with a colorful scarf around her head.  God had answered my prayers!  I then noticed an empty seat next to her - divinely reserved for me!

Mike kindly nodded for me to go sit next to her.  I sat down and she looked at me and with tears in her eyes said, "I thought I would never see you again."  Oh how my heart sank with both sadness and thankfulness.  For the next 45 mins, I had the privilege to hear her worship and sing with all her heart to a Lord that she would soon see face to face.  Oh how sweet her singing was; ceasing my own singing just to hear her sweet praise!  The hour and half long service seemed only but a few mins.  How fitting to that the sermon was on fixing our eyes on things above and remembering that this life is but a temporal one.

After service, one of the families at church opened up their homes for us to have lunch and to fellowship.  I sat with my aunt on the couch for 2 hours fellowshipping and listening to her testimony of how she has used her cancer as a mission field.  I remember gazing in her eyes, wanting to never forget that particular moment.  She was so real with her emotions - her expectations and plea to God to grant certain things before she departed this world.   It was the first time in all my visit to CA, that I didn't want to return to Hawaii.

She was such a blessing and encouragement to me - even before her own battle with cancer.  She was there along side with me as I dealt with my oldest daughter's health issue; she was there when I battle with my own cancer; she was there when my youngest passed away; she was there.  I will forever cherish that day, cherish that sweet fellowship and intimate conversation we had.  I thank my Lord for granting that special day for my anticipation of heaven has only grown so much more.  

It is a strange and difficult thing to explain how joy and sorrow can occupy one's heart at the same time, unless it is in the realm of the Most High. How the severe pain of losing a loved one can be overwhelmed by joy and peace that only Christ can bring. I am left with only one thought - God is still good!

This was taken in our second visit with her; we weren't able to talk much but still thankful we were able to see her again.  She had a special closeness with my daughter as you can tell in the picture.

And Then She was 6

Seems like Kaykay is taking after her parents when it comes to having month-long birthday celebrations.

First celebration took place a week before her actual birthday in California; she and her dad took a trip back to the mainland during their semester break.  Initially they were to only stay for a couple of days, however my sister asked if she and my mom could throw Kaykay a birthday party with her mainland friends.  Knowing how important it was to both my sister and mom, and with the agreement of Mike to stay longer, Kaykay celebrated with her family and friends in the mainland.

There was much food fit for a princess

And a huge princess cake

Then on her actual birthday, we make reservations at the new Disney resort here on the islands called Aulani.  They have a character breakfast buffet where guests can dine with Mickey, Minnie, etc.  We kept it a surprise and told Kaykay that we would be going to Denny's for breakfast.

Driving to "Denny's"  Kaykay was able to invite one of her friends to celebrate with her. 

Before breakfast, Kaykay and Zoe was able to meet Mickey and take pictures with him.

Inside, Minnie greeted Kaykay with a big smile

We were able to join in the fun.

Specially made to suit her allergies, the chef met with me to make sure her birthday was a special one.

One thing I commend Disney for is that they are so accommodating to children's food allergies.  The chef personally met with me and walked me thru each food item to let me know what she could and could not eat.  He went as far as created special waffles for her in the shape of Mickey's face.  She's not a pancake or waffle eater but these waffles she loved and has been asking for me to make them.

Another specially made treat for Kaykay - even the "Happy Birthday" sign was edible. 

Under the sea aquarium at Aulani

After breakfast and a little nap, we went to watch Wreck It Ralph.

Marking where to pierce

I'd like to pause here and give a little bit of a back story to her ears being pierced.  Zoey, her BFF (Best Funny Friend) had her ears pierced on her 6th birthday.  And during this time, Kaykay was going to do the same, but with much reluctance, she promised that on her 6th birthday party, she would get her ears pierced too.  And with Kaykay, she is faithful to keep her promise despite her fear.   One thing I appreciated with this place was that they pierced both her ears at the same time.

And here she is with her pink flowery earrings. 

Another year has gone by and the more I realize how blessed I am with such a daughter as she.  I am thankful to God for her compassion, kind, and obedient spirit.  Happy Birthday to our little Princess!