I haven't blogged in weeks because I've been so busy. Not so much with the holidays as Iglesia Ni Cristo members we don't celebrate Christmas. I've been busy with my businesses. Sales, getting my orders in, and keeping up with the New Year things that are fast approaching. In the midst of it all both sides of my family suffered deaths.
My husband and I were in two separate parts of the world handling funeral duties at the same time. My toddler was with my Mom in Hawaii while my middle daughter and I handled the loss of my grandfather (my dads dad). Romel was in the Philippines tackling the loss of his Uncle (his moms brother) while his parents, older brother, and niece was stuck in Japan awaiting a MAC flight to get to the PI. That caused them to miss the funeral and left Romel to handle representation of his family. No one likes funerals and for him, this was the first funeral of a close loved one he's had to attend and talk about getting railroaded. He had to speak on behalf of his mom which released a slew of emotions.
I have not had any time to really coupon, find deals, or even share any finds online with my Instagram followers or on facebook. Instead, I've been sharing my trip events to help keep my family and friends updated. With Romel being in the PI, internet is very limited and the best way for us to reach each other is via facebook posts. It's not the most discreet but is the most efficient.
As the year comes to close here in Hawaii, I want to thank every single one of you who keep up with me on my website, Instagram, Vine, Facebook, and wherever else you find me online.
This last trip to California for Grampa's funeral was very emotional for me. Not just because we lost him, but because after 22 years, I finally made it a point to visit my Dad's memorial out in Perris. My dad was a risk taker and loved challenges. On his bucket list, to jump out of a plane and skydive. He's mentioned this to me many times while I was growing up and I always thought he was crazy. His desire led to his tragic demise.
You can google Perris Skydiving Accident and find all the details if you wish. That accident took the lives of 16 people on board. There were survivors. One of which now runs the Perris Skydiving Facility today.
My husband and I were in two separate parts of the world handling funeral duties at the same time. My toddler was with my Mom in Hawaii while my middle daughter and I handled the loss of my grandfather (my dads dad). Romel was in the Philippines tackling the loss of his Uncle (his moms brother) while his parents, older brother, and niece was stuck in Japan awaiting a MAC flight to get to the PI. That caused them to miss the funeral and left Romel to handle representation of his family. No one likes funerals and for him, this was the first funeral of a close loved one he's had to attend and talk about getting railroaded. He had to speak on behalf of his mom which released a slew of emotions.
I have not had any time to really coupon, find deals, or even share any finds online with my Instagram followers or on facebook. Instead, I've been sharing my trip events to help keep my family and friends updated. With Romel being in the PI, internet is very limited and the best way for us to reach each other is via facebook posts. It's not the most discreet but is the most efficient.
As the year comes to close here in Hawaii, I want to thank every single one of you who keep up with me on my website, Instagram, Vine, Facebook, and wherever else you find me online.
This last trip to California for Grampa's funeral was very emotional for me. Not just because we lost him, but because after 22 years, I finally made it a point to visit my Dad's memorial out in Perris. My dad was a risk taker and loved challenges. On his bucket list, to jump out of a plane and skydive. He's mentioned this to me many times while I was growing up and I always thought he was crazy. His desire led to his tragic demise.
You can google Perris Skydiving Accident and find all the details if you wish. That accident took the lives of 16 people on board. There were survivors. One of which now runs the Perris Skydiving Facility today.
Finally visiting the Perris Memorial knowing this is the TRUE final resting place of my Dads remains was very overwhelming. Every year, I visit his grave at Forest Lawn and cry as the wound in my heart reopens everytime I go there. This time, walking onto the grassy field surrounded by trees and plaques, my heart felt like it was being torn from my chest.
I had to put aside the morbid thoughts of what was left of my Dad's physical being and remember his smile, his laugh, and his love. In the windy cold air, I sobbed as I walked into the small park and looked for his tree. It was surreal being there versus just seeing the pictures of each plaque and memorial. I wished I had brought a kukui nut lei to put on his tree.
I spent a few minutes just standing there. I looked out towards the runway wondering what the entire morning must have looked like to those who were there that fateful day. This crash was one of the biggest in skydiving history. It was this crash that changed the rules in skydiving today. Seat Belts are now mandatory for those going up in the air. If you google and research the accident, you can read more about it. No one knew who he was in the skydiving community. He was just a guy who wanted to jump out of a plane and check off an item on his bucket list. He was on a plane with very seasoned jumpers. His death along with my cousin Tina's (another very tragic one and she was only 24), is what motivates me to live with the Carpe Diem mind set. YOLO is not just a term in my vocabulary, its reality for me. You Only Live Once. If you want to do something, just do it! :)
Happy New Year!
I had to put aside the morbid thoughts of what was left of my Dad's physical being and remember his smile, his laugh, and his love. In the windy cold air, I sobbed as I walked into the small park and looked for his tree. It was surreal being there versus just seeing the pictures of each plaque and memorial. I wished I had brought a kukui nut lei to put on his tree.
I spent a few minutes just standing there. I looked out towards the runway wondering what the entire morning must have looked like to those who were there that fateful day. This crash was one of the biggest in skydiving history. It was this crash that changed the rules in skydiving today. Seat Belts are now mandatory for those going up in the air. If you google and research the accident, you can read more about it. No one knew who he was in the skydiving community. He was just a guy who wanted to jump out of a plane and check off an item on his bucket list. He was on a plane with very seasoned jumpers. His death along with my cousin Tina's (another very tragic one and she was only 24), is what motivates me to live with the Carpe Diem mind set. YOLO is not just a term in my vocabulary, its reality for me. You Only Live Once. If you want to do something, just do it! :)
Happy New Year!