Jessie (Jec) & me
...with Joanna, then...
...and now!
...with mom Anderson.
"Life's Challenges"
by Esther
My first encounter of separation from a loved one came at an early age when I was 2 years old with my younger sister. Not too long ago, this time with a dearest loved one, my mother...when diagnosed with stomach cancer--my last month shift with her was so precious we shared tears 0f joy & happiness...while everyone were asleep we laughed & smiled, I asked her why I was named Esther--she loved the Bible story about Esther "...and if I perish, I perish." We reminisced our childhood dreams & memories ... and one of these was my sister, Ruth.
Baby sister Ruth and me..
According to mom, my sister & I had measles and unfortunately my sister had complications God allowed her to rest in peace. At that young age, I did not know much about death...my sister was sleeping in a special bed surrounded with beautiful flowers, I told my mom when Ruth wakes up, I will ask some of her flowers.
Here I am today, sharing my time and experiences to someone or anyone who listens & may be encouraged with my past experiences. After our difficult & challenging journey with my husband, Ben, I have learned & accepted that they (people) are from the Lord when they come to my life to hear about my journey. What a great opportunity to be there personally & be with them for encouragement & of course give me encouragement too!
Our recent short vacation is one of them to be added to our treasured memories. A friend told me "can't believe all that you crammed into one week." Yes, from one State to the other, from one Country to the other--it must be having a good spirit and in good health--smile.
It is always so good to see my dad, especially when he made a comment that it makes him very happy seeing his children enjoying being together with joyous banter & laughter. Saturday afternoon was the NLA anniversary (Ben's Elementary & High School) where we surprisingly saw Ben's clan, I knew it made him very happy to see his cousins, aunts and uncles briefly, whom he haven't seen in many years.
The following day Sunday we were able to attend a part of The Gospel Life Community (click to view) worship & inspiring sermon by Atty John (kuya Nonong) Tulio. What a day to be with friends especially with Jessie (Jec) Alcaraz-Tulio. The Alcarazes were the first family whom I met and received a very warm welcome to their family circle when I first landed in the United States of America, the land that I love. I owe them so much for who and what I am now.
Due to my parent's excitement exactly 43 years ago, my dad sent a little note to his US friends--"Esther's arriving" not to mention when, what time, & flight number, etc. The one who came to meet me returned to the airport several times to check my arrival. The flight to the US was a tough one...I got so sick from Hawaii. As always God answers prayers. A sweet gentleman wearing a white attire didn't leave me until I was in good hands--he was headed to another destination. He even gave me a 10 cent coin and taught me how to use the telephone.
Although I thanked the man, I still wanted to send him a note & when I asked for his name, he told me, "just call me a friend." Up to now, I remember him vividly (an Angel?), sitting at the airport with his legs crossed, watching me, until a tall beautiful lady passed by. I looked at this lady and able to catch her attention when I asked if she was Lola (grandma) June. She immediately said, "Are you Esther?' I answered, "Opo (yes, with respect). That was the beginning of my early relationship with the Alcaraz family. Lola June was Jec's mom.
It was a very challenging life coming to a foreign country at a young age with a student visa. It was hard work, plus missing my own family but with the help of God and the new found Alcaraz family, I made it through. There were many good as well as discouraging experiences in my early life but now I am very thankful for them. It prepared me for my most difficult journey...like my husband's near death situation, another one I will be sharing someday.
Before seeing Jec again after many many years, I knew she had also personally experienced miracles in her life." I am so happy she shared with me her journey with cancer. What great faith she has! It was also a real joy to see Joanna, the little girl I baby-sat many years ago when Jec entrusted her to me.
Jec wrote after our trip & after reading our book, Choosing to Live:
"... I have gone through continuing miracles myself! My surgeries were uneventful, unlike Ben's! But, you see, God knows what one can take and go through! I consider myself blessed and highly favored! Yes, our Lord Jesus has carried all our illnesses and diseases! Jesus Himself told me: "Daughter your faith has made you whole!" And that's what I am banking on: His WORD! Great is His love for us! How can we doubt Him!"
She had surgeries but did not undergo chemotherapy treatments--now appearing strong & healthy!
After spending a day with my sisters and brothers--a flight to Sacramento. A very special friend wanted so much to be with her cousin in Texas who had breast cancer surgery. To make her trip more comfortable, I volunteered to sit her 86 year old mom who recently had a pacemaker implanted. Though total stranger to Ben and I briefly met her once before, our time together was a very precious and memorable one. My friend left written chores for mom to do--and we sure enjoyed helping taking care of the garden and Deb's babies and friends, the many CATS inside & outside her house! Yes, we made sure Deb comes back home with the live cats and cared for garden. Our friendship started after the passing away of my mom when she offered her comfort by sharing her own experience when she lost her Dad to cancer. We surely have common life experiences & mom-sitting is one way I could express my gratitude to her.
Saying goodbyes are always the hardest. I can remember Jec's facial expression when we left and as I entered the car I heard her say, "I thought she will stay even at least a half day with us." Mom (Deb's) also, was in tears when we were about to drive out her driveway. I had to go back to give mom another big hug letting her know God willing we will see each other again.
We came back to Marion & after a day of rest, drove to Canada to meet with Glori and Frank(click to view) for a few days together. Our meeting with Glori and Frank ended with a mixture of joy & sadness. One of Frank's friends had a motorcycle accident. Glori's Aunt had a stroke. We arrived home to find & hear friends (8 people close to our hearts) very sick with cancer & just lost one last week. We will remember Melchor for his genuine smile & compassion.
A very emotional two weeks, indeed, makes me think of "What a Day that will be, when we see Jesus and be home at last in Heaven..there will be no sorrow, no more burdens to bear, no more sickness, no more pain, no more parting over there!"
by Esther
My first encounter of separation from a loved one came at an early age when I was 2 years old with my younger sister. Not too long ago, this time with a dearest loved one, my mother...when diagnosed with stomach cancer--my last month shift with her was so precious we shared tears 0f joy & happiness...while everyone were asleep we laughed & smiled, I asked her why I was named Esther--she loved the Bible story about Esther "...and if I perish, I perish." We reminisced our childhood dreams & memories ... and one of these was my sister, Ruth.
Baby sister Ruth and me..
According to mom, my sister & I had measles and unfortunately my sister had complications God allowed her to rest in peace. At that young age, I did not know much about death...my sister was sleeping in a special bed surrounded with beautiful flowers, I told my mom when Ruth wakes up, I will ask some of her flowers.
Here I am today, sharing my time and experiences to someone or anyone who listens & may be encouraged with my past experiences. After our difficult & challenging journey with my husband, Ben, I have learned & accepted that they (people) are from the Lord when they come to my life to hear about my journey. What a great opportunity to be there personally & be with them for encouragement & of course give me encouragement too!
Our recent short vacation is one of them to be added to our treasured memories. A friend told me "can't believe all that you crammed into one week." Yes, from one State to the other, from one Country to the other--it must be having a good spirit and in good health--smile.
It is always so good to see my dad, especially when he made a comment that it makes him very happy seeing his children enjoying being together with joyous banter & laughter. Saturday afternoon was the NLA anniversary (Ben's Elementary & High School) where we surprisingly saw Ben's clan, I knew it made him very happy to see his cousins, aunts and uncles briefly, whom he haven't seen in many years.
The following day Sunday we were able to attend a part of The Gospel Life Community (click to view) worship & inspiring sermon by Atty John (kuya Nonong) Tulio. What a day to be with friends especially with Jessie (Jec) Alcaraz-Tulio. The Alcarazes were the first family whom I met and received a very warm welcome to their family circle when I first landed in the United States of America, the land that I love. I owe them so much for who and what I am now.
Due to my parent's excitement exactly 43 years ago, my dad sent a little note to his US friends--"Esther's arriving" not to mention when, what time, & flight number, etc. The one who came to meet me returned to the airport several times to check my arrival. The flight to the US was a tough one...I got so sick from Hawaii. As always God answers prayers. A sweet gentleman wearing a white attire didn't leave me until I was in good hands--he was headed to another destination. He even gave me a 10 cent coin and taught me how to use the telephone.
Although I thanked the man, I still wanted to send him a note & when I asked for his name, he told me, "just call me a friend." Up to now, I remember him vividly (an Angel?), sitting at the airport with his legs crossed, watching me, until a tall beautiful lady passed by. I looked at this lady and able to catch her attention when I asked if she was Lola (grandma) June. She immediately said, "Are you Esther?' I answered, "Opo (yes, with respect). That was the beginning of my early relationship with the Alcaraz family. Lola June was Jec's mom.
It was a very challenging life coming to a foreign country at a young age with a student visa. It was hard work, plus missing my own family but with the help of God and the new found Alcaraz family, I made it through. There were many good as well as discouraging experiences in my early life but now I am very thankful for them. It prepared me for my most difficult journey...like my husband's near death situation, another one I will be sharing someday.
Before seeing Jec again after many many years, I knew she had also personally experienced miracles in her life." I am so happy she shared with me her journey with cancer. What great faith she has! It was also a real joy to see Joanna, the little girl I baby-sat many years ago when Jec entrusted her to me.
Jec wrote after our trip & after reading our book, Choosing to Live:
"... I have gone through continuing miracles myself! My surgeries were uneventful, unlike Ben's! But, you see, God knows what one can take and go through! I consider myself blessed and highly favored! Yes, our Lord Jesus has carried all our illnesses and diseases! Jesus Himself told me: "Daughter your faith has made you whole!" And that's what I am banking on: His WORD! Great is His love for us! How can we doubt Him!"
She had surgeries but did not undergo chemotherapy treatments--now appearing strong & healthy!
After spending a day with my sisters and brothers--a flight to Sacramento. A very special friend wanted so much to be with her cousin in Texas who had breast cancer surgery. To make her trip more comfortable, I volunteered to sit her 86 year old mom who recently had a pacemaker implanted. Though total stranger to Ben and I briefly met her once before, our time together was a very precious and memorable one. My friend left written chores for mom to do--and we sure enjoyed helping taking care of the garden and Deb's babies and friends, the many CATS inside & outside her house! Yes, we made sure Deb comes back home with the live cats and cared for garden. Our friendship started after the passing away of my mom when she offered her comfort by sharing her own experience when she lost her Dad to cancer. We surely have common life experiences & mom-sitting is one way I could express my gratitude to her.
Saying goodbyes are always the hardest. I can remember Jec's facial expression when we left and as I entered the car I heard her say, "I thought she will stay even at least a half day with us." Mom (Deb's) also, was in tears when we were about to drive out her driveway. I had to go back to give mom another big hug letting her know God willing we will see each other again.
We came back to Marion & after a day of rest, drove to Canada to meet with Glori and Frank(click to view) for a few days together. Our meeting with Glori and Frank ended with a mixture of joy & sadness. One of Frank's friends had a motorcycle accident. Glori's Aunt had a stroke. We arrived home to find & hear friends (8 people close to our hearts) very sick with cancer & just lost one last week. We will remember Melchor for his genuine smile & compassion.
A very emotional two weeks, indeed, makes me think of "What a Day that will be, when we see Jesus and be home at last in Heaven..there will be no sorrow, no more burdens to bear, no more sickness, no more pain, no more parting over there!" Aside from taking care of my precious husband my time is also spent with other cancer patients helping to care for them when the need comes. Yes, being able to share time and compassion is a special blessing--it further strengthens my faith in God.
