My baby brother, Malakai

This past weekend I attended my brother, Malakai's Mission farewell. Quite possibly the most UPLIFTING and EDIFYING farewell I have had the priviledge of attending. And it's not just because he's my brother.
To understand this you'd have to know Kai.

By the time Kai was one year old we began to wonder why he showed little interest in walking, let alone crawling. Up until that time all he'd ever do was CRY. He literally cried ALL the time. Luckily, he was the baby of the family so there were MANY willing hands to comfort and care for him.

When he turned one the crying stopped. But when he refused to walk and crawl we began to worry. My parents took him to a neurosurgeon in our ward who after observing his movements told them that Kai had a mild case of Cerebal Palsy that affected the entire right side of his body. We were all devastated. However our sadness was short lived as we accepted the diagnosis and found ways to help Kai adapt. Kai learned to crawl by scooting with his 'good' arm and dragging the rest of his body. He then walked, then ran. Limping most of the way.



As his body grew his left side was always taller, bigger and stronger than the right. He underwent several surgical procedures to correct and loosen the muscle tension. All the while he kept a positive and excited attitude on the improvements these surgeries would render. We were so excited. We LOVED and ADORED this baby brother of ours. And boy did he have the capacity to PURELY LOVE us with every bit of LOVE in him. We ALL felt it.




During his childhood we observed him. We watched him go through elementary eager to learn and excited to participate in sporting events and activities. We often would worry when he showed excitement in joining a sport. We wanted him to participate, but in our protective nature didn't want him to feel the disappointment of seldom, if at all, getting to play. Often times I would hear that he was taunted and teased for his disabilities. That was the hardest. I wanted to pull out my Jiu Jitzu skills with a quickness and lay it out on the perps. That's just the sister-UGLY in me I guess. Luckily Kai had older brothers that would do that for him. lol. (ALL the monkey's pictured on TOP + 2)



Kai grew older. He attended High School. His freshman year he joined in the Special Olympics. He loved the experience and through that we saw his confidence GROW. Soon after that experience he felt prepared to try out for the football team. We worried again but supported him in his decision. He worked HARD. He attended ALL his practices and camps and showed up at EVERY game geared and ready to go. He never missed anything. And yet at the end of every game he came home with a spotlessly clean uniform.

During his Sacrament program his Mom, Lani related a story to us:

"In his senior year Kai was put on the varsity roster. He was SO proud. He practiced and practiced. He attended football camp. He made every effort to show he was READY to play.

In the LAST quarter of the LAST game of the season Orem High was winning by a land slide. They were way ahead of the opposing team. And seeing the opportunity several people on the stand chanted:

"LET KAI PLAY! LET KAI PLAY! LET KAI PLAY!".

I wish I could say that Kai played.

He didn't.

But as the clock counted down to "zero" Kai JUMPED for JOY and RALLIED with his team on the field. Kai was SO HAPPY for their victory but we were upset. We wanted to beat up the coaches for being SO unfair.

Why couldn't they have put him in for just ONE play? Just ONE!?

We were angry.

But something changed as we watched Kai jump up and down with his team.



At that moment we realized. Kai didn't care that he wasn't able to play in the FOUR years of being on the team. He wasn't caught up with the fact that the coaches lacked courage to let him run on the field. Limping and all.

Kai knew and understood that IF he was called on the field HE WAS READY.

It didn't matter that he DIDN'T get to play. It only mattered to Kai that HE WAS READY to play."

As his mom related this story tears just rolled down my cheeks. I thought of ALL the struggles he had as a child and all the fears that I had for Kai as he declared his decision to serve our Heavenly Father on a Mission. I was honestly scared for him.

But at that moment I realized.

Kai IS ready for this calling.

HE has been PREPARING all his life for the OPPORTUNITY to serve or to "PLAY".



Thoughts began to flood my mind in that Chapel on Sunday. I began to ponder on the lessons my baby brother has taught me ALL his life. I am humbled. Somehow the Lord will provide the way for Kai. He has been called to serve in the Fort Worth, Texas mission. Not at a visitor's center, like I had quietly thought. He will be declaring the truthfullness of this Gospel and despite his physical handicap HE IS READY.

There is a purpose for this young man. I don't know what exactly the Lord has in store for him. I know the Lord will compensate for Kai's physical inadequacies. I must have FAITH in that.

And so I pray.

I pray that his companions will care for him with the compassion and love of our Savior.

I pray that his companions won't mind tying his shoes. Because he never really got that one down tight.

I pray that they'll help him straighten his tie, so he doesn't look goofy.

I pray that they will help him up if he trips while walking or falls off his bike.

I pray that investigators will look past his physical disabilities and HEAR and FEEL the testimony he has been sharing ALL his life.

Boy, will I be PRAYING for him.

Like I've NEVER prayed for a missionary in my life.

I pray for THESE things, because I KNOW that Kai DOESN'T lack in FAITH and WILL.

I was reading in Alma (26) the other night and a scripture stood out. I thought and pondered on what Ammon must have felt as he gloried in the Father. It reminded me of Kai's faith and trust and obedience.

"... Yea I know that I am nothing; as to my strength I am weak; therefore I will not boast of myself, but I will boast of my God, for in HIS strength I can do ALL things; yea, behold, many mighty miracles..."

So I am UPLIFTED and EDIFIED. I know that God lives and He WILL provide. I know that Jesus is the Christ and that His work will move forth.

This I know.

'Ofa Lahi Atu,

~Maele

cont... Kai's Farewell

The SISTERS with Dad. Tima, our Fijian sister, joined us. During the brief moment that my Dad lived in Vallejo Tima's family took Nee and Trish under their wing. Been a minute since I saw her last, but it's just like we've never been separated. She's a crack up. LOVE her to pieces.



Will Jr. and his lovely wife Whitney



Nua si'i sharing his 'scooby' snacks with Jah Jah.





The BROTHERS prepping Kai to step out and serve. Fixing the tie, dusting the jacket.



Kai's BROTHERS messin' around.



During our time in Tonga we were able to bring 8 babies to the U.S. to be adopted. The beautiful girl on the end was the first miracle that came. I think she was 3 days old when she touched down on US soil. She was adopted and sealed to Lani's brother and his wife. She's BEAUTIFUL both in an out and it is always amazing to see her and KNOW the life she left behind. And would you believe that the tall blonde man is 1/4 Tongan? Well he is and he's my cousin on my mom's side.



Dad and his youngest brother, Joe.



Joe and his beautiful fam.

You know your from Utah Valley* if...

you frequented the Malt Shoppe (formerly Stevenettes, Heavenly Hamburger) with your friends and pumped out TONS of Fry Sauce to go with your ONE order of frys.



you've EVER written a check for gas, or better yet at a YARD SALE!!! (com' on, I know you have!)



you've ever considered a hike up the "Y" the perfect prelude to a GROUP-DATE!



you were really lucky and got to ride in Dad's fancy-only-on-special-occassions cruiser to get an ice cream cone at REAMS or for refreshments on FHE.



You got ALL decked out in school colors to support your football team. GO T-BIRDS!!! (lol, I was the worst fan... but it was so fun watching everyone else painted in orange and blue).



You've ever had a dozen bags of KISSES spread across your front lawn with a note attached to your door reading: "I KISS the ground you walk on... will you go to the __________ dance with me?". That must've been the easiest, creative way for the guys to ask. I swear every girl got that one.



you ran up your parents tab at "THE RIDGE" (Athletic Club off of Foothill drive) buying the original Grannie B's PINK SUGAR COOKIE , only to burn all those calories getting wrinkled in the pool... ALL SUMMER LONG!!!



You've ever claimed to personally know the Osmonds. And their kids. and their grandkids. Or even had a crush on one of them!(lol! no for reals. don't laugh.)





You're chapel sat back to back with the Stake center of ANOTHER stake. And you WALKED to the chapel on Sunday's with your entire family. Everyone holding hands. (this is actually a back shot of my cousin Kalani and his sweet family.)



you watched "Saturday's Warrior's" religiously and could recite it WORD-FOR-WORD on the elementary playground with all your best class mates. Oh! and maybe had a crush on the oldest "rebelious" brother/twin.



You've ever pointed out the Lehi Roller Mills as the spot where they filmed the dancing sequence or slap-in-the-face scene on "Foot Loose". Or had a relative or friend that was an extra.





This view didn't even phase you. Because EVERYWHERE in Utah Valley looks this beautiful. (I wish I could transplant some of this awesomeness here in the desert).

I Heart Utah Valley. With all its quirks and funny facts it'll always be HOME to me.

* (more specifically PROVO, Ut)

Gratitude and a Prayer...

This request was emailed earlier in the day. I've read how another blogger Angie often request prayers on behalf of infants that are critically ill (read her blog if you get a chance). It's always serious when a YOUNG infant is ill. And so I am making this request on behalf of my sweet little niece who is ONLY 3 months old.

Family and Friends,

This morning we received a phone call from Guam. Grandma called to let us know that they've been at the hospital with baby Kaylena all evening/ morning. After running a high temperature and not showing signs of ear or other common infections the doctor ran additional testing on our sweet baby. She is suffering from a UTI and low white blood cell count, very uncommon for female infants. She ONLY three months old. The doctors fear it may be caused by a more serious complication of the kidneys. There are no external signs of the infection. They will be running additional testing and ultrasounds through out the next few days. We are so sad that Kaylena, in her YOUNG life, is struggling with this. She's been in pain and fevering for some time (even before they left). And if you've ever had an ill baby, consoling them in their pain seems hopeless.

We ask for those who didn't receive the phone call, if you might join us in a fast THIS Sunday the 10th. We all can't fly out and comfort Kaylena or her parents but if we can pray for the health and strength of this little one, perhaps the Lord might provide a miracle.

We THANK YOU and are so grateful to you all for your prayers and faith on her behalf !!

Miss Ray...

Here's a shot at my first 'shoot'. If you can call it that. It was mostly FUN for me, trying to experiment with different light and textures. And isn't she just the most ADORABLE sweetness you've ever seen!!! She played the part so well, flirting with the camera. Thanks Miss Ray for being such a great model!

For the most part these are "SOOC" shots (with the help of a few enhancers here and there). The props/ background were Miss Ray's mom's additions and a couple photographer tricks. So COOL, I feel like a pro. (lol!).

I'm thinking of starting a photo blog journal thinger-ma-bob. So I'll just give you all a little teaser look at a few of these, and I'm sure her mom will post a few more on her blog. THANKS to Miss Ray for letting me capture your sweet image!

School's in session...

The kids have started their ’08-’09 school year. HOORAY! Although we had a fun-filled summer they were ready to get back to school, friends and learning. I can’t believe Jocelyn is already in 3rd grade. Jared is a BIG boy now. He joined the rest of the 1st graders enjoying a full day of instruction.





And while big sis, Trish Emeli, busily played 'princess' upstairs Moe begged for his turn to be a big boy and got ready- back pack and all! He wanted so badly to follow his big brother to school, but finally settled to run errands with me. Sorry Moe, you still have another three years to go.

A morning with my little monkey!

Along with planting a million "Good Morning!" kisses, destroying the family room, teasing big sis and trailing the morning's breakfast through out the house, Moe has found it part of his morning ritual to plunk out and sing his favorite primary hymns on the piano. It can be quite irritating at times, trying to hear over him belting out his favorite tunes. (This months favs are I Am a Child of God and Follow the Prophet).









He's just SO full of energy and when I want to get mad and scold him, he gives me one of these...







and I just completely melt and want to squeeze and cuddle with my sweet, energetic baby boy.

So I'll enjoy this time of chaos and relish in the fact that he's my baby and I may not get the opportunity to enjoy this kind of 'CRAZY' again.

"Go ahead baby, make all the noise you want!"