Grandma Uyeda, Aunty Edna left us in a place of "Aloha" where people ,staff, administrators, other residents contributed to an environment of regard for others. A rarity in institutions.
Although, she spent less than a month there after a life threatening ordeal from the last facility, her fear of being left in yet another strange place was quickly diminished. Straub emergency and the special care she received literally helped her to stay yet a little longer with us.
She still had unfulfilled kuleana in teaching us her children what really is ultimately important in living "aloha" in an authentic way. The aloha of our extended 'ohana was what kept us going.
I think she received the most visitors and surprised people at her memories of them. In the end,she was "not shame" to hint profusely at her desire for butterfish, ice cream and other favorites from the many places we enjoyed together.
She even remembered our Tanzanian 'ohana Sister Bitrina Kirway who visited after almost 2 years. Mom knew that she came from New York and parts unknown to serve as one of 4 leaders of the Maryknoll Sisters Community.
THe only mindblower at Sister B's last visit was when she asked her and Sister Yu su-"Are you going to kill me?" THis is from watching sci-fi movies. But with the response of "Of course not! We love you." She moved on to her request of how "ono" she was for ice cream.
On Feb.23rd, I believe she came to wake me up via our shared dog Peke. At about 6am Peke awoke barking . I looked outside and no one was there. I looked at the time and realized my phone was charging in the other room. I saw I had a message.
I almost instantly knew that it was about my mom. I was informed that starting 4am, mom started having seizures. When I called, the nurse said, it was continuing and recommended my brother and I come in.
I took Peke since I could not calm her down. I just believed that mom had communicated with her. We went over the Pali. I simply prayed that God would allow her a peaceful ,painless transition knowing how love surrounded her and FINALLY! she could stop worrying.
Except for about an hour of seizure like movement, it seemed she knew my brother and I were there. She required almost no medication. The Hospice St.Francis nurse joined us and she prayed with us. We all said the Lord's Prayer. THat was mom's ritual prayer at night...shorter version.
As her breath left her and a visible pulse continued for a while, I told my brother(with a laugh), "you know mom-I almost expect her to sit up and tell us -Eh, I hungry! This place don't feed me anything." I said nothing would surprise me about our mom. She lived life with authenticity and vigor.
She was lady of Aloha but enjoyed her "diva" "bad" girl side. I know God and all of the 'ohana are laughing often and is happy that mom is back in the kitchen.
To all who prayed, visited, wrote thoughts in beautiful written messages...May God bless you with the comfort, joy and aloha your generously shared with my mom and our 'ohana.
PS---Hospice nurse got permission so Peke able to give mom a final aloha kiss.
She has taken over the diva and bad girl role. Auwe!
PLEASE JOIN US IN A CELEBRATION ON APRIL 25 AT 10AM AT MAKIKI CHRISTIAN CHURCH ON PENSACOLA. CAN PARK AT MCKINLEY HIGH SCHOOL.
MUST STAY FOR LUNCH FOR FOOD, FELLOWSHIP, MUSIC, FUN. WE LOVE OUR MOM BUT DON'T WANT VISITS FROM HER BECAUSE SHE WAS UPSET AT HAVING A JUNK PARTY-ESPECIALLY NOT ENOUGH FOOD. BRING YOUR APPETITE.
Aloha--Norman and Fay Uyeda
