ohana

"Ohana means family; family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten"
-Lilo and Stitch

The month of December was a very hard time for me and my family. Meet my grandma (Mimi) [on the right] and her sister, Aunt Ruthie (Eethie) [on the left].

Mimi is 89 and Aunt Ruthie, 84. These two ladies are the strongest women I've ever met and I'm not only saying that because they are my own, I really mean that. I have been blessed with countless memories and countless years with both of these women and I am so thankful that God put them in my life, for they have taught me many lessons about life, love, family and everything in between. Throughout the fall, Aunt Ruthie was in and out of the hospital with several lung infections. During her 2nd to last stay, the ER doctor revealed that her Abdominal Aortic Aneurism had grown to 9cm. This was the first time that the majority of our family learned of Aunt Ruthie's aneurism that she had been hiding for over 6 years. This inoperable aneurism would be what would take Eethie's life, in the end, but she lived such a large chunk of time, living her life and loving on those around her- myself included. On Christmas Eve, Aunt Ruthie began her last stay in the hospital with what seemed like her 100th lung infection. During this time we also brought Mimi home from the hospital after a lung infection hospitalized her. In Mimi's case, renal failure and congestive heart failure lead her doctors to suggest hospice care at her house, because this is where she truly wished to be. This would be the last time that my Mimi and Eethie would spend together-

The next morning Eethie would head to the hospital for her last 5 days of fighting. The two would continue on with as much normalcy as possible, as family members were constantly bustling about between Mimi's house and the hospital where Eethie was staying.

No matter how much time you're given with your loved ones, when you know that the end is possible, that the end is coming, it's never enough. I spent every day with my Eethie, sitting on her bed, laughing with her, making (little did I know at the time) the last memories that she and I would ever have together. I am so very thankful for the extra time, because it made me appreciate this woman more than I previously had, but, mark my words- I have never taken this woman for granted. This woman, through the hard times, showed me the most unconditional form of love that I could have ever hoped for, and over the years, taught me more about myself than I could have learned on my own. So- this is for you, Eethie. This is for having the most kick-ass guardian angel, guiding me, loving me, and giving me strength. The days since you've left have been mostly beautiful, warm for this time of year with at least a little peek of sunshine almost everyday. And every day that I wake up to a beautiful day with the sun shining down on me, all I could think about was you, working your magic with the big guy upstairs to send us your love in a visible form. Thank you- for everything. All of the hugs, kisses and laughter, even the tears, for they have helped to shape me into the woman that I am today. I will always miss you, but I will keep your memory close to me, fondly recalling the times we spent together. I hope you're not giving the big guy upstairs too much trouble and that you're quickly becoming re-acquainted with those that we've lost, watching over those of us who are left behind to muddle through life without all of you. I already know that you're watching over Mimi, giving her the strength to get through, day to day, helping her to make the small amounts of progress that she makes on a daily basis. I also know that you miss your sister, your best friend and your confidant- but I ask that you have a little patience and that you help her to get through this time without your presence, because you will be together again.

I'm drawn to Disney quotes to express losing you, I know you wouldn't mind- though they were not your favorite, I know you had a soft spot for a cute and cuddly Disney movie. As Rafiki says in the Lion King "No, look harder. You see- he lives within you", you will forever live on inside the lives of those you touched, forever in the hearts of those whom you loved and whom loved you most. This is where you will always be, in my heart, a place so very precious where the space is small and limited to those of most importance.

I can't believe it's been two weeks since we said "See you later" to you, Eethie. Hopefully the coming weeks will bring peace towards your absence and strength for Mimi. Words cannot express how much we miss you, but they cannot express how much you mean to us, either. God gained an ornery one on December 29th, that's for sure- but we gained the best guardian angel that any one could ask for. Thank you, for everything Auntie Ruthie, I can never tell you how thankful we are for you and how much we truly love you. Give us strength, fill our hearts with love and guide us through these uncertain times. Rest in peace Eethie, you're finally free from pain and free from worry, watching over those you love most, and we couldn't be happier to know that you are finally at peace. We love you, so much Eethie.

And to my Mimi, stay strong. You show so much progress every single day, even on days where I don't get to see you, I can hear it in your voice. We love you, Mimi, and are also so very thankful for you and for everything that you've given to us- the most important being love and a loving family. Stay strong Mim, we love you, so much.

Be blessed, be strong, and be loved, ladies!

mojo