A True Gem

Christmas 2009 in Utah.  Auntie Jewel is at the far left.

If anyone follows me on Facebook, you all probably know that Malu's (well, our) Auntie Jewel (pictured here to the far left) passed away early Wednesday morning and it's been a sad time for our entire family.

When Malu was a teenager, his father sent him to Utah to help his grandparents out, which is pretty common for Samoan families.  At one time, both his Auntie Jewel and Uncle Mike (his dad's siblings) lived at his grandparents' house.  Since both grandparents were working at the time, Malu said that he was often in Auntie Jewel's care, so he credits her a lot for raising him.  When Malu and I were dating, he'd always spoken so reverently of her and when I met her for the first time (back in 2006) I understood why.  I will always remember how beautiful, intelligent and poised she was.  She was soft-spoken, but exuded so much confidence.  She was a credit to society--a dedicated and hard worker at the sheriff's department.  She was a great mother and role model to her two beautiful children (also pictured here; named Sala and Daniel) and before we had Sina, Malu always told me that he wanted to be as a great a parent as she was. 

Malu's R&R in Utah (May 2009): from L to R: Auntie Jewel, Malu, Me, Lulu (my SIL) and Daniel

For the past five years, Auntie Jewel battled carcinoid cancer.  She fought it with everything she had.  Half the time, we could never tell that it was affecting her; for when we would call, she sounded as healthy as a horse.  She would never let on that she was in pain, although the cancer tore her apart.  I wish I had even an ounce of the strength she did. 

We were told that as she took her final breath, you could see the pain leaving her body.  I know that it was God telling her that she didn't have to fight anymore and that He was bringing her to a place where she would be at peace with Him...and looking over all of us.  So although this is a devastating loss to all of us, we find solace in knowing that she is in good hands.  And I have to add that I am so glad that Sina was able to meet Jewel.  She won't remember it years from now, but we (especially Malu) will be so excited to tell her about her lovely Auntie Jewel--really everything her name encompasses--a true gem.

Malu's Visit to Utah (May 2008): Jewel & Malu with Daniel & Sala

I pray for Malu's entire family--his grandparents and brother, Uncle Mike, who fought alongside her every step of the way, as did her husband, Uncle Bill.  I pray for all the family that will be flying in from all over the world to pay their respects to include Malu's dad, who will be flying in from American Samoa this week.  I pray even more for the children she left behind.  I can't even fathom the depth of their grief at losing their mom at such young ages (I believe, 10 and 7 years).  Even Jewel was young--I believe in her mid-40s.  I pray, and pray, and pray that God's peace be with them.

Tragedies like this always remind you just how fragile life can be.  Therefore, we must embrace life and live it to the fullest.  I charge all of you to do the same.

Malu and Sina will be leaving for the States tomorrow morning as the funeral will be held next week.  I really want to go, but duty calls, as always.  We also thought it would be best for Sina to be with her daddy (and meet her Grandpa Vila for the first time) instead of leaving her at daycare with strangers for an entire week and a half while I worked all day.  Although it will be a difficult time, I believe they will have some fun too.  I pray for their safety in the skies and that time passes quickly so that they can be in my arms again.

Thanks to our family and friends for their words of encouragment, love and support during this difficult time.

And thanks for listening!  Have a great weekend everyone!