Miss You Grandpa...

Seven years ago today, I lost my grandpa. I miss him terribly, just as much as the day we lost him...even more. My grandma, the matriarch of our family has remained such a strong role model for us girls & I can only hope to be as amazing as she!

We love you, gramps, always & forever. I know you're watching out for us, but keep a special eye out for Mel when I can't be there with her. XOXOXOX

Happy Holidays! 2010

Such an exciting & relaxing day today. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to all of our family & friends! We hope you're enjoying today with the ones you love & those most important to you. Here are some memories of how we spent this month.

Have a safe & Happy New Year! And happy birthday to our friend, Lizzie!

We love you, Melia & Kamy

Because of YOU...

...my heart is full, full of emotion. Words will never be enough.

A year ago today, is a day that I will never forget. Today is the 1st anniversary of the surgery that altered my life as I knew it. Months leading up to it was life-changing, as well, however I had no clue what was in store for me. But instead of drudging up the painful, exhausting memories, I’d like to take this time to honor the positive moments & the amazing people (YOU) that will forever remain dear to me no matter where life takes us.

Because of you, my days are brighter. Because of you, my days are happier. Because of you, I enjoy a hard day at work. Because of you, it’s a little easier to prioritize “life.” Because of you, I will always cherish you & take for granted NO ONE. Because of you, I cherish ME. Because of you, I can see the good in people more easily than the bad. Because of you, I love more intensely & get hurt more easily. Because of you, my happy tears make more appearances (as they flow right now). Because of you, I strive to give more than I’ve received. Because of you, my idea of true love & happiness is much clearer. Because of you, my daughter’s mommy is more whole. Because of you, I rely. Because of you, I trust. Because of you, I FEEL. Because of you, I am humbled. Because of you, my eyes are wide open. Because of you, my heart is full!

To my family, friends, colleagues, medical staff & acquaintances--past, present & future. Whether I've met you once or am lucky enough to spend time with you, you have affected our lives in such an amazing way. Melia & I thank you over & over, again & again! Without you, I could not have made it through that surgery. Even now, a year later, you continue to give to us. The planets have definitely aligned. We are so blessed!

I LOVE YOU!

~ K

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ILAN!

We love you & wish you a great birthday, Ilan!

Stuff We've Been Up To...

It has been quite a while since our last entry & a few things have happened in that time. Several birthdays (Happy Birthday!), bought a new car, endured my 1st Brazilian wax, happy times, sad times, futsal & soccer, spent LOTS of time with friends, bunco circuit, Kabuki Opening, enlightening realizations, bbqs, surf camp, Melia started 2nd grade, my other baby started college, HHs but most importantly, back at work full-time. The dr has allowed me to come back with modifications. I am doing well; however, 10hrs is a long day. I still have to move slowly or I will have dizzy eyeballs. My energy level is not quite all there yet, but close. And my thirst problem, well....I think that will be with me for the rest of my life. With the assistance of medication, I can manage it pretty decently. But think about it, it was a year ago last month that these shenanagans began! My has time flown!

Hope you're all doing well, staying healthy & happy! Here are some captured memories of our happiness & fun! We love you!

Mahalo Nui Loa...from the bottom of my heart!

If you haven't heard, I am now back to work part-time. Today begins the 3rd week of my return & I'm so happy to be back! My co-peeps are the best! They have welcomed me back with 'open arms' and continue to support me while respecting my space down on Level 2. But get this! My colleagues have donated HUNDREDS upon HUNDREDS of hours of their personal vacation time allowing me to continue my recovery without having to worry about whether or not I'd receive a paycheck. And even as I write this now, I can't help but get ridiculously emotional. It's just so unbelievable...I love you all. I told you I had the best co-peeps! I thank each one of you from the bottom of my heart for your selfless generosity & support.

As for my current status, I am doing well. The only thing that continues to bother me are my eyes and my thirst. Looking at a monitor for about 20 min at a time is just about all I can take right now. I get dizzy if I get too crazy on the computer so I make sure to keep it to a minimum. That would be why you haven't seen too many entries here. Also, I haven't had any migraines since the 2nd surgery (Yay!) Just a couple minor headaches. The thirst problem, I've been told by my endo, could possibly remain for the rest of my life. A pain in the butt, but a small price to pay for what I've been through. I've learned to actually listen to my body these days and rest like I should & I thank God every day.

It's been quite a journey thus far. And if there's anything that I've learned in the past 6 months, it's true love, true friendship and serious appreciation. There are so many people that have given so much to my family, Melia & I...school friends, sport friends, new friends, old friends, family. There is not a day that goes by that I wonder, "how can I possibly thank each and everyone of you for all you have done for us?" Thank you, thank you, thank you! BIG hugs & kisses!

~ Kamy & Melia

Our Condolences...

My Uncle Richard & my dad in Hawai'i

Last month, my uncle went to be with the Lord. His services were yesterday & today in Mililani. I am so grateful that my dad got to spend time with him last year...also with my cousins & Aunty Crystal. Family is everything. Aren't they so handsome? We love you, uncle, and know that you are at peace.

My good friends father also took his journey to be with the Lord last week & we are relieved that he is now pain-free. Our condolences to the Maeda/Miyatake families.

We pray for peace & love for these families and hope that you know that we are here for you always. We love you!

~ Kamy & Melia

New Surgery Date FINALLY Scheduled

Hey all. The time has finally come...the long-awaited date of my next surgery. It will be on Mon, Jan 11. Yes, the Mon in 2 days. Yikes!!! Yes, of course, I do have some reservations, but mostly positive vibes going into this 2nd one. This past week was very exhausting for me. Several Dr appt's , CAT scan, pre-ops & getting stuck with several needles. Everyone, including myself, is hopeful it will go much smoother this time around. We somewhat know what we're dealing with now & it should go well. This surgery, my neurosurgeon has invited a nose specialist to partake in the festivities. Basically, he will be the one going thru the nose, breaking thru the septums & sinuses up to the tumor & that's when the neurosurgeon will take over from there, removing the tumor. Both of my brothers will be there this time & to me, THAT makes all the difference in the world. Ryan flies in tonite & Jeri & Chuck are driving in from AZ as we speak (or as I type). I know that my family & friends are again 100% behind me & with me every step of the way. That's what got me thru this last time & that's what's gonna get me thru it this time.

Last night, my Uncle Jimmy & Aunty Debbie stopped by to visit me & surprise me! My uncle is an artist & I've been giving him a hard time for years as to why everyone else possesses some form of his art, but I don't. Well, he surprised me with 2 beautiful watercolor paintings. One of me doing the hula & my cousin's wedding. And the other of a gorgeous tropical flower. I am so touched. They are so beautiful & I am so thankful. Especially since they spent 1/2 knocking on various doors to find me. Thank you uncle & aunty. I love you! And tonight, my family's gathering at my grandma's house & I'm so excited to spend time with everyone before the big day. It's gonna be a great weekend!

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

Hugs & kisses go out to my nephew, Kyle Kauanoe, who turns 18 today! Ugghhhhh! Can THAT be right? OMG! That's ridiculous! That's him in the middle. This was taken towards the end of our trip to Hawai'i back in July '09. Gary decided to take the kids on a banana boat ride (as you can see). They had a blast! Especially the little ones!

Here's Kyle & I at Big Bear back when he was 3 yrs old. Ain't he a cutie?! Love you baby! Hope you have a GREAT day today!

~ Me Ke Aloha, Melia & Aunty Kamy

Mele Kalikimaka to our Family & Friends! Happy Birthday to our Friend, Lizzie!

Christmas 2009 is coming to an end. Melia & I spent last Saturday night with the Okabe family at Papa & Nana's house. Of course, it was great fun with lots of making fun! Games, good food & family...what more can you ask for? Thank you, Nana & Papa, for welcoming us as part of the family...we love you ridiculously! Today, we had a wonderful day with my mom & Anna. My dad came by for a visit, too. We opened gifts, had a great breakfast, went to the movies, enjoyed prime rib & watched the victorious Chargers. No, not a fan, but happy for my family & friends who are. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

I am still awaiting a phone call from the neurosurgeon to schedule the next surgery. It's nerve-wrecking, really. I'm anxious to get it over with & at the same time, dreading having to go thru the same process. Ugghhhhh! I'm actually hoping for the week after the New Yr. Melia being occupied in school for most of her days would be the ideal situation. We shall see & I will keep you updated.

Our dear friend, Lizzie, is celebrating a birthday today & we want to wish her a FABULOUS day! She is pregnant with her first child (boy) & is looking as beautiful as ever! Happy Birthday, Liz! We love you!

Gettin' Some Rest

Well, it's almost 11 p.m. & I'm about to call it a night before my big procedure. I've experienced so many emotions since I found out my surgery date...it's pretty overwhelming. Last night, I had one of the worst migraines I've had since this whole thing started & unfortunately, I was unable to take Melia out trick-or-treating. That was horrible for me, but her Aunty Jeri didn't disappoint & she took her out. Knowing she had a great time eased the heartache a bit. Here's a cute pic of them before they headed out.

I want you all to know how much I appreciate & love each & every one of you. Sometimes you really don't know how much you're loved until something like this happens. I've always been uncomfortable with the "center of attention" thing, but I have no choice in this matter. I'm quickly learning. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all your positive vibes, wonderful thoughts, and your unending love & support. Words can't describe how much it means to me...I love you!

Surgery Scheduled

Well, I finally received the call from my dr yesterday & the surgery is on Monday, Nov 2. Yep, in 3 days. I had my pre-op visit this morning. It was pretty routine...paperwork, EKG & bloodwork. Everything looks good so he gave the thumbs up. I will get to the hospital before 930a.m. on Monday & should be in the operating room by 11a.m. It's about a 4 hr procedure & I should remain in the hospital til the end of the week.

I'm really gonna miss my baby girl....

Happy Birthday, ILAN!

Melia & I hope you have a FANTASTIC day today, buddy! I'm so proud of the little man you have become. You deserve all the great things in the world...enjoy! We love you, Ilan! XOXOXOXXOX

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

We miss you so much, Grandpa! There's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. Melia is growing into such a beautiful, smart & fiesty girl...you would just love her. She & grandma have a wonderful relationship & just wish she had the opportunity to grow up with you, but I know you are looking over us & looking after us. On this day, we want to wish you Happy Birthday, Grandpa! WE LOVE YOU!!! XOXOXOXOXX

Happy Birthday, Kaleo!!!

We would like to wish my nephew/Melia's cousin a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TODAY! We hope you have an awesome one, buddy!

Love my brothers!

We had such a great time in Hawai'i! I miss my baby brothers terribly! Love you guys, always! XOXOXOX

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TUTU!

We had a great day today! I decided last minute last night that I would take Melia to Sea World & she was so surprised! We first stopped off at my mom's work to visit & then we ended up going out to her birthday lunch w/her co-workers. That was fun! After that, we headed over to Sea World & spent the rest of the day/night there. We just got home about an hr ago...Phew!!! Mama's ready for bed! Excuse the foggy photos, they're from my cell...except the very top one.

First entry of Hawai'i photos...

I had some impatient people (I won't mention any names) that couldn't wait for me to combine my mom & brother's photos with mine so here are just a couple of mine from one of my cameras. Enjoy! More to come...

Happy 4th!

We hope you all had a great 4th; wherever you decided to spend it. We spent the weekend at our favorite getaway...the Brady's. Thank you so much for having us...we love you all!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Melia & her daddy attended the Annual Father Daughter Dance here in Brea at the Community Center. This is their 3rd year. It was western-themed & she had such a good time. Here are a few shots of her before the evening...she's so beautiful!