New Chapter...

Yesterday was my dad's last day at work. He is officially retired. We went out to dinner tonight to celebrate. We ate at Buzz's Steak House. They have the best salad bar and their seafood and steak combo was delicious. There was so much food between the salad bar and the main meal that we decided to skip dessert. On our way home we stopped by a friend's home to visit her and her elderly father... "Pops." It was a good visit. We talked story, sang some songs, and had some real good laughs. We left with a good spirit and made our way home.

I am so excited for my dad. Now he can do what he wants when he wants how he wants. I am sure the impact of it all has yet to hit him. :) He has always been very conscientious about his job and now he doesn't have to worry about that any more. He has had such an overwhelming week; first he finds out his mother has passed away, he is now fully retired, and he still has to deal with traveling to and participating in grandma's upcoming funeral.

After this upcoming week, my dad will be well on his way in writing a new chapter in his book of life. Life is so full of exciting and interesting things to participate in. I know he will have a wonderful time exploring different things in life that he might have always thought about trying but never had the time to do. I am so thankful to my dad for all that he has done for me and for our family as a whole.

Trying Out New Things...

I am so excited about trying out Ebay, actually selling things :) I like browsing through ebay and I have actually purchased some books and fun things there and I thought it would be great to try my hand at selling. The thought of selling and possibly making a little profit is exciting. I look forward with much anticipation to seeing how the products I choose to sell fare in the ebay market. What sells and what doesn't. It is a challenge that I definitely look forward to.

25 Aug 2008, My Grandma Keke Passed Away

My Grandma Keke is my father's mother. She passed away this past Monday morning. I am thankful to her because through her I was born upon this earth. I am thankful to her for my father. I am thankful to my Heavenly Father that my grandmother's time came and she was able to leave this earth in peace. I sit and wonder who of our family was there to meet her when she crossed over into the spirit world. I wonder if my brother Saimasina was there, or maybe even my grandfather who died about 22 years before her. I know Grandma Keke had a daughter who died young, Aunty Suzy, maybe she was there too and Uncle Etuale.

I was never close to my grandmother. I was mostly raised with my mother's family. I never really got to know who my Grandma Keke really was as a person. I did know things about her. She was a staunch Catholic. I know that when she was able, she loved to go to the maketi in Fagatogo and play bingo. She really loved that! :) I dare say she was a professional bingo player :) She always kept her home and yard spotless and the landscape around the house was always filled with all kinds of beautiful plants. She was a superstitious woman. I remember one evening when it was dark and I started to sweep out the living room; she immediately stopped me, took the salu away, and told me that I was sweeping away all the riches in my life and that I would be poor. Hmmmmmmmm... No comment there :) I knew things about her, but never ever had a heart to heart talk with her about the things she thought about and why. I am sad about that.

Although my Grandma Keke and I were not close, I am thankful that my family and I had a chance to visit with grandma this past July 2008. I am thankful we had the chance to say our goodbyes, especially for my father. I know it meant a lot for him. I saw it in his face and the way he interacted with her. It was a good warm visit and the best moments we had were serenading her with beautiful Samoan music. I know she enjoyed that.

This coming week is her funeral. I am sad that I will not be able to go. It is just too expensive to fly back again and I cannot afford to miss any more work. I am though extremely grateful to my Heavenly Father that my last moments with her were while she was alive and I am thankful to know that she is now at peace.

My First Blog

Woohoo! I'm a blogger! :) I feel excited and yet hesitant to put myself out there and share. Technology is such a wonderful blessing. We have access to all kinds of information and services right at our fingertips. I love it! Any time I need information I am so thankful for the internet. We also have access to one another. We have numerous opportunities to meet and share with others and that in itself is super exciting. I've created this blog to reach out and connect with others. Hopefully I will be able to find and make lasting friendships despite geographical barriers. :) I look forward to meeting others willing and open to new bonds of friendship.