RAMONA'S UPDATE: Having fun on Maui....

Aloha Family,

Life can be difficult. We will be overwhelmed at times. In seasons of our lives, there can be much to overcome. But with God's grace and love, we get to rely on His strength, and not ours, and He will prevail!

The Hawaii ohana are more than surprised with how Mom is doing. She seems so happy to be with us, in this warmer climate, spending time with her grandchildren, and participating in the activities that exist with at both the Chin's and Chiarella's homes.

To summarize for you all, she saw her primary doctor on Maui this week, and we are working on getting her into therapy 3x times a week, starting soon, after she has been assessed by the therapists here. She will continue to undergo Physical, Speech and Occupational Therapy. Her appetite continues to be hearty; blood pressure remains stable, and her endurance seems to increase as she does more and more each day! We are so grateful and so happy that we get to have her here with us. God is great!

Sometimes fear can cripple us and hold us back from doing the things that are best for us! We gave Mom fair warning that the goals of yesterday afternoon after I (Reta) was done working would be to: 1. pick up Alex's tuxedo for prom tonight, 2. get in the swimming pool for the first time for one lap swim, width- wise. Mom absolutely tried every way to get out of it, but I was not giving in...I was so appreciative that she verbally expressed that it was the fear of getting dizzy that was holding her back. I hadn't realized it was her fear of being dizzy. For me, I find that when I simply speak out my fears or worries, it diminishes, and it can't hold me back. Well, we took one step at a time, and as you can see below, Mom overcame her fear, and while she was unable - yet - to actually swim the one width side of the pool, she stayed in for about 15 minutes and used her arms and legs to enjoy the heated pool! It was yet another huge step of success! All is well here on Maui.

We are making a point of having her keep her cell phone with her and charged so if anyone would like to connect with her, feel free to call her at 774.275.0759.

Love and appreciation to all of our family and friends around the world!

O Lord, be gracious to us; we have hoped in You.

Be our strength every morning,

Our salvation in times of distress. Isaiah 33:2.

Sunday, April 1, 2012 Big Family Reunion Feast, California

Auntie Yvonne, Auntie Wendy, Mom and Auntie Diana

Mom and our wonderful, Auntie Shirley!

Auntie Wendy and Mom for Japanese lunch

Auntie Wendy had us all walking around her complex

Mom and Reta reconnecting with Reta's Cousin Arlene

Auntie Jean and Mom at Lunch!

Uncle King and Auntie Jean drove from Hungtington Beach to take us all out for a delicious meal with Auntie Wendy, Auntie Diane and the ageless Uncle Ron!