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

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

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!

Great start, Seattle!!!

Lisa & I drove down to San Diego yesterday to support my Seahawks! It was a great day...lots of traffic, beautiful weather & great conversation. We got to my mom's & headed down to Qualcomm Stadium & had a great dinner! Teri chicken, rice & potato salad...Mmmmm so ono!

I love Qualcomm SD because they show so much love to the military & you can't help but be overwhelmed by the mass love & appreciation. Thanks guys, for all you do! And although the game wasn't all it was cracked up to be, it was still a win in my book! Enough to get the football juices flowin'! Keep it up guys!

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!

Congratulations Cody!

Last Thursday, my friend's son graduated from Tesoro HS. A lot of the family were there to support Cody & share in this proud event...well, WE were proud & Cody? He was more or less MORTIFIED!!! Too bad, baby, this only happens once in a lifetime! We congratulate you & wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

Aloha Oe, Bonnie...

...until we meet again. I just got home from Emmit's mommy's memorial service & it was absolutely beautiful, inspiring & personal. I decided to take Melia with me for two reasons:  one, he's a very special classmate of hers & two, I think it's meaningful for her to know the importance of supporting her friends & family during a time like this. She was ever so attentive during the entire 1 1/2 hrs. I felt honored to be in attendance  & although I didn't know Bonnie all that well, I knew how strong, brave & special she was - for herself & for her boys. Like Melia said, we're so glad that you're "home" safe & pain-free.  Peace be with you, sweet Bonnie.

Images from Melia's Birthday Party

Much love & thanks to all of you who came, enjoyed & lended a helping hand to make Melia's party a success! I couldn't have done it without you! She had such a great time with all of her friends & we hope you did, too. Special thanks to my Papa, Tutu, Granny, Lizzie & Nancy.

WAAAYYYYYY Back In The Day!

You guys will get a laugh or two with these! I was going thru some photos for a friend of mine & ran across these pics of our good 'ol LBC Crew from back in the day. Wow! do we look like babies. Those were some good times! Enjoy! Please pass along as I don't have everyone's email address.

Congratulations to the Salamone's!

Last night I had the honor of attending my girlfriend Susan's wedding. It took place on a yacht in Newport Beach & it was absolutely beautiful & perfect. Here they are sharing their first kiss. (Not bad for a cell phone.) Her new husband, Oscar, is such a great guy...we are so happy for them both. She is a long-time friend from about 16 yrs ago & is very dear to my family & I. She finally found the man of her dreams & he is the luckiest guy to have her by his side. Below is our first look at Mr. & Mrs. Salamone. They should be leaving for their honeymoon in Costa Rica on Monday. They were supposed to leave tonite, but the hurricane caused the postponement. We hope they have a safe & awesome time! Enjoy! We love you guys!