In January, we met Kealani and Bunny and Baby Leila for lunch in Charlottesville, VA. We had a wonderful time catching up with Bunny. We talked about our son Joey, about the poor prognosis for her cancer, and shared together about the deep comfort of eternal life in Christ. It was a really precious time. Afterwards we headed back to her mom's house, where she had been living for the past couple of years. We met her warm and godly mom, Gloria and Gloria's dear husband, Poppy Pete. Of course, this being the South, we had more food. We sat around the table and ate some yummy lemon raspberry cake dessert and chatted over tea--a guaranteed good time.
Bunny passed into the presence of the Lord three days ago. Tomorrow we go back to Charlottesville for her memorial service. I believe she was met in Heaven with a standing ovation. She shined the beauty of Christ as long as I knew her.
These red tulips are growing in my daughter's neighborhood. I consider them a tribute to Bunny. She was so like them--beautiful, upright, worshipful, poised and elegant.
We will miss you Bunny. We extend our love and comfort to your beloved children, Kealani and Lucas. We will keep an eye on them for you.
Aloha Oe, till we meet again.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith. Now is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Tim 4:7,8
2 comments:
Hi Karen and Joe!!
I'm sitting here at the end of my day...the kids are already drooling, Spencer snoring, and as I often do, I settle in to check my emails and read your blog.
Karen...I am moved by your blend of words that bring simplicity to depth. I often am quieted, thoughtful, and reverenced by your written thoughts and think to respond, yet can rarely gather any human words for the stirrings of my mom's heart. The picture of Joey's slippers have stirred me to respond...as before, I don't feel like I really have the words... I think of slippers and instantly think of my own kids... I often chuckle when I look at their feet and they have "slipper tans" on their feet...feet that once kicked in my uterus, visually distorting my stomach, tiny feet that have left their mark on documents signed before we took each of them home from the hospital, feet that have walked/boarded/skiid/skated/waveboarded them into laughter and adventure, feet that have adorned slippers as soon as they could walk....slippers... so many wordless thoughts/connections/memories/smiles... I remember going to college in Utah and wearing my slippers in the middle of snow covered winter...it just didn't seem right not to wear them...it's kinda like...once you put on the love of Jesus, you just can't not love Him.
Your blog helps me to see my momhood in a more grace filled way...to love my kids with a love that uplifts, fills, and grows their hearts. As you weave God's word into life it ministers and points readers to truth.
You are loved and prayed for...
ulu shiraishi
Bunny has always been so kind and good to me when she was on Maui. I will always remember her radiant smile. Will continue to pray for Kealani and Lucas, and all her family.
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