Dear relatives & friends,

Growing up with both parents who believe in the power of PRAYER is so amazing and touching to human hearts. Our family is indeed, so very very truly blessed!

Ben and I together with our first grand daughter Deanna are here in California with my own side of the family... for the first time to be together with all my brothers and sisters without our dear parents who passed away not too long ago. We are here to finish a family recording of a CD that will go with our book, "Choosing to Live." While practicing the song, "What A Day That Will Be....when no more sickness nor death and parting...," Ben's phone rang! Irene in Canada calling and mentioning about my mother-in-law's condition.

More than two weeks ago, we visited Ma in Canada and although we had a brief time together, we had a great time of hugging and bonding. While I was putting my plate on the kitchen sink, she followed me and with a smile and a tight hug said, "Anak (daughter), thank you for taking such good care of my 'baby,'" meaning, her Ben Arthur. Before leaving Paz' home, once again she said, "Thank you, please take good care of him!."

A very precious moment with my mother-in-law that will always be treasured & remembered---she looked at me with her sweetest smile and with a loud & booming RODA voice, she said after I asked her if she still remembers me, "... of course I remember you, you are my "TOKAYA!" meaning, we have the same name "Esther."

We all love our dear MOM and she will be dearly missed.

We thank all of you for your love, thoughts and prayers for our family on sad and lonely times like this, time of sadness & painful but temporary parting.

Love,

Esther

P.S. Picture above, our family praying for Ben's mom after hearing she was admitted in the hospital in serious condition. Prayer led by Inherla, my sister.