Hope through Tragedy

When I was a young child, we would often go to Maywood to go visit my grandmother.  She was always so much fun and I loved her with all my little girl heart.  My cousins also lived with her and so many times when we came to visit we would often play with our cousins.  I was slightly envious of everyone else though.  It seemed that everyone but me had someone their same age so I would often tag along with my sister two years older than me who was always with our cousin Falena but we called her Fa.  

Playing in the backyard

That's me tucked behind my sister on the swing while playing with our cousin Fa.

This summer my cousin's sister died in a tragic car accident while she was pregnant.  Miraculously the baby was delivered and is being cared for by her sister and family.  Just this past week, tragedy hit again in my cousin's family when her 6 year old son drowned in a pool.  When I heard the news, my heart broke for her.  I never had the privilege to get to know her son since I haven't seen my cousin since we were young, but family is family and I felt a portion of her loss.  

Here is a short interview just after her son's death. I am beyond touched by her faith.

 

Here is another interview with FOX13 that I saw today that touched my heart. I felt like my cousin, her husband and son's story needed to be told.

I felt like the Kalapa family's story must be shared.  Although it is tragic and horrible, the family's example of faith in the midst of such a terrible loss is both inspiring and humbling.  I agree with Fa when she speaks of her faith.  I know that it is through our Savior, Jesus Christ that we too can be reunited with our loved ones.  As I finished watching the last interview of Fa and her husband, a song kept running through my head.  It was written by Jeff Goodrich from his album "I Heard Him Come." The song is called "I Am the Resurrection and the Life."  I haven't heard that song in over 20 years, but the words came to my mind today.  I can't seem to find the lyrics anywhere on the internet so I'll just share what I remember.  It says, "I am the resurrection and the life, ye that believeth in me, ye that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live and never die."  This is actually a scripture that comes from the New Testament found in John 11:25.  Those words kept repeating itself over and over in my mind as I thought of today, the day my cousin would bury her sweet boy.

I, too, like my cousin and her husband, have faith in Jesus Christ that one day we will all be reunited with our loved ones that have passed away.  Although it doesn't make the separation from them today any less intense, it gives me hope for the future.  In the end, it is all because of Christ.  Without His love for us and ultimate sacrifice and triumph over death this life would end and there would be no hope for a reunion of family and friends.  I am so grateful that he did come and he did love us enough to offer up his perfect life for my imperfect one.  He gave us such a precious gift, yet we often forgot his sacrifice and blessing to us.  We can get caught up in the busyness of life and lose our focus.  It is in times of trials and struggles that we are reminded and brought to our knees in humble awe of His love and sacrifice.  How grateful I am to lean on the Savior not only in times of trials, but everyday of my life.

I came across this video when I was searching for the above song.  This happens to be Fa's brother, Daniel, singing a song by this same artist called "His Hands."  I wanted to share with you in hopes that you might feel of our Savior's love no matter what trials you may be facing today, yesterday or what trials will come.  Always remember "His Hands" were given to you because of His love for you. 

Life is such a precious gift.  May we reach out to each other in love and kindness knowing that someone loved them that much even with all of their flaws and sins to atone for them.  May we see them through God's eyes and extend that same love to others.  We never know when our time here on earth will be finished or when we too will return to our heavenly home.

I know that we are here on earth for a unique purpose.  My little cousin fulfilled his earth life mission and is now with our Father in Heaven, Jesus Christ and the rest of our loved ones.  What will we do with the rest of the life that God has given to us?

A beautiful "see you on the other side" hula by Jordan's loving mother, Fa.  In a world of increasing sadness, destruction and hatred, it is inspiring and uplifting to see such love come from a mother's heart in time of tragedy.  What faith to all of us as we seek to find peace and happiness among the world winds that surround us.

Finally, if your heart inspires you to help, I know the Kalapa family would be so grateful.  A family member has set up a Memorial Expenses fund.  Follow the link here