Memories. . .

Yesterday we all got called to the hospital, my mom (in law - never felt like an in law, just like a mother. . .) has been fighting pancriatic cancer since 2007. They have turned their attention from fighting the cancer to "comfort care" she will go home today under hospice for the duration of her time here on earth. . . . I gathered with the rest of the family members and we sang and prayed, and I felt a little guilty because I didn't cry. Instead I thought about how my life has been since I met her. . . .

and so my story begins:

Enoka and I met at a new years eve party Dec. 31, 1999. . . first official date was on February 16, 2000. . . . just a few days later Rosie Ika (cousin) and I were cruising to Waimanalo to look for a Tongan church when his van pulled along side us. He told me to follow him home. . . .He was bringing him mom home from church. We pulled up on the street in front of his home, and he came to the car, grabbed my hand and marched me right up to his mom. She didn't want to meet me. She walked straight to the back of the house and started to change her clothes. . .Enoka wouldn't have it. . .he grabbed her hand, turned her around, and forced her to meet me.

This was not the way I envisioned ever meeting a parent of a date but there you have it. . .one shy Laie girl, shaking hands with an older Samoan woman who was yelling something in Samoan and looking upset with me, the situation and everyone around her. One of the most awkward moments of my life.

A few days later Enoka called me and asked that I come pick him up. He had gotten drunk and his brother Seu and sister Tina were kicking him out of the house. . . .at this point I thought. . .what the heck did I get myself into. . .this is going to end tonight. . .

I pulled up to the house and his mom was outside crying this time. When I came, she embraced me. She asked me to be kind to her son. . .it was the first time I heard my favorite story she would ever tell. . .

Enoka is a special child, a miracle. . .she and her husband were working in the family plantation on March 8, 1969 and she went into labor and gave birth to him with no one around. He was so tiny that she knew he wouldn't make it. So tiny Lepelea his father would not hold him. . . she said he fit in the palm of her hand and was small like a mouse. They took him to the hospital and three months later they heard on the radio to come and pick him up. . .he was ready to go home!

Now he's mine.

I'm still learning. . .

So I am constantly being humbled with reminders that the Lord really knows me. . . Who else can sense my pain and bring comfort so quickly? Who else can provide when I didn't even know I was in need? Who else can whisper to my heart, surround me with the spirit, and fill my being with love? Yes Heavenly Father Lives, and I am so blessed to be His daughter!