Plumeria memorial at Kalihiwai Beach for Dale
Aloha from Dale on Kauai.jpg)
Monday, September 15, 2008
6 month's later
I didn't realize people were still visiting Dale's blog. It was nice to read the comments. Mahalo Uncle Kenny for making and for posting Dale's tribute on U-tube. 6 months have passed and if feels like an eternity. We think about Dale every moment of the day. It warms my heart to see Dale's memory so alive still. (i.e basketball tournament booklets, watching the Pacer's play and hearing them shout "Dale!" in their huddle, the beautiful tribute at the Keali'i O Nalani 2008 hoike, seeing Dale's name and number on the back of the Harvey Kitani basketball camp t-shirts,seeing friends and family still wearing Dale wrist bands and so much more....) This past August, our family along with the Morinishi and Hamada families, Auntie Millie Uncle Eric, Nicole ,Auntie Kekoa and Erin, went back to Kauai to pay tribute and re-live the wonderful memories we have of Dale there. The boys paddled out on surf boards at Kalihiwai Beach (Dale's favorite beach) far past the waves and scattered plumeria flowers into the ocean in memory of Dale. The moms and girls who didn't want to get wet threw in flowers from the rocks on the side of the beach. Many tears were shed but as Auntie Shari put it " they were cleansing tears". Dale thanked us with a beautiful rainbow from end to end toward the end of our trip with one end of the rainbow ending right at our condo. We knew it was him and it brought a smile to all of our faces. We are trying to go on as Dale would have wanted us to. Thank you for your continued support. Grace and Peace to you all.....
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
A poem "For Dale"
I wanted to share a song that was written for Dale by a dear friend . I asked if I could post it on the blog and with her blessing she writes..... I wrote this song about my little hula brother, but I really think it was Dale who wrote this.... through me....
FOR DALE (By Kiele)
Mama, don't you cry for me
Cuz' I'm standin' beside you, it's just you can't see me
But I'm holding you close, and I'll never leave
'cause I love you......
And daddy, don't you worry 'bout me
Cuz' I'm runnin' and jumpin' and I'm finally free
No more sounds and bright lights, to keep me wake at night
Now I can finally sleep....
So just close your eyes, and come with me
Back to a time that we shared happily
I would dance for you and you would smile at me
Can you do that please?
In your memories,
For me....
You know, God told me he was so proud of me
He knew it was hard to leave my family
And friends that I hold oh so close to me
Then he said softly.....
He said, Dale I've one more thing I need you to do
Would you watch over all those you held dear to you?
Be that shining light that they see every night
And I promise you then.....
You will see them again.....
So just close your eyes, and come with me
Back to a time that we shared happily
I would dance for you, now you can dance for me
Can you do that please?
Keep your memories,
Of me.....
I keep this song on my desk and where I can read it everyday. Derek shared a story about his school trip on a bus to a Casimir Cub band event at Fullerton College. He said he became sad and teary because this bus they rode in was very similar to the bus we took with the boy scout troop 719 to Yosemite. It reminded him of Dale and the good time we had. Then, one of his "cheerful and loud friends" told him " Don't be sad, I know it's hard but you have to build a bridge gradually and cross it when you're ready. Crossing the bridge will be your life and once you cross it, you will be reunited with your bro" It's amazing how children comfort each other. I am grateful for this boy's wisdom and compassion. We miss Dale dearly and we are doing our best to continue on to build our bridge..... Grace and peace to you all.......
Friday, April 18, 2008
Monday, April 14, 2008
A letter from Derek
Dale's celebration of life service was held on March 25,2008 at Faith United Methodist Church starting at 6:30 pm. There were approximately 1200 people in attendance. The church filled up by 5:30 pm so chairs and a projection screen was set up outside in the parking lot. The evening was chilly but from what I was told, nobody left. They stayed to watch the tribute planned for Dale. We were so touched by the outpouring of love and support for Dale and our family. Songs were sang , words were spoken to praise, thank and bring glory to God for Dale's life. Over 40 floral sprays decorated the church and beautiful leis brought in from Hawaii by Auntie Millie, Auntie Tish and hand made by Auntie Kekoa and Uncle Brian adorned Dale's picture and filled the room with its sweet fragrances. Dale loved to wear leis and smell their wonderful fragrance. Thanks to the help of many people, Dale's Celebration of Life Service was wonderful. Dale's life was captured and shown in an awesome slide show made by Uncle Kenny. This brought tears and joy to all who watched because it really showed how much Dale loved life and how full he lived it.
Thank you all for your hard work and help in making this evening very special for us. Burial services were held the next morning at Green Hills. Life is different without Dale. There is a void and emptiness in our house. We are trying our best to continue on as Dale would of wanted us to. Derek continues to write letters to Dale in heaven. This is something he does to ease his grieving. I would like to share some parts of his letters....
Dear Dale,
I missed you at Easter. Playing games is only half the fun and half the thrill because you are not here with me to play Wii or XBOX 360. It's not the same without you and you know it's hard for us right? I missed you especially on Tuesday and Wednesday. The service and burial were nicely programmed. There were so many people. I've had enough hugs and handshakes for at least a month. No, I'm just joking around. Although you had a short life, that's how many people you touched. Maybe about 1,400 people went to your funeral. That's amazing for a 9 year old to draw that much attention. I'm proud of you Dale! Good job! Thanks for helping Danny and Tune Squad to be champs and bringing him home safely. We miss you, love you and will never forget you. Love, Derek.
Grace and peace to you all..........
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
