16 May - Father's Sunday (In Tonga)

With the Tongan community the tradition is 3 special family Sundays in a row starting with the Childrens Sunday (White or May Sunday), Mothers Day and today, Fathers Sunday. We in Tonga get Fathers day twice when you count the 'official' Father's day (or everyday if we are to believe the moms).  Again its the tradtional Sunday lunch and there's another roast pig on the table as well as the 'umu' or food baked underground.  Today we are celebrating here with fathers - Paila (Sina's father), Sifa (Sina's brother), Pila (my older brother) and myself as well as Joe Enoka - Rosa's Father in Samoa and Mark Hobson who should now be back with Heather and the boys.  To all you Dad's around the world -  a wonderful and blessed day!

I've often been asked about how we cope with Tae's situation. Again - I think the answer lies in the prayers of so many and Tae's positive attitude through all this - it helps me as a father and it would not be possible without a mom as energetic as Sina. The last couple of weeks have been particular difficult with the extra care Tae requires now that she cannot move her lower body. My role has changed somewhat from being the cheer leader /encourager,  to now doing the essential  heavy lifting,  moving Tae and just helping where i can. Her perky attitude definitely makes it easier for us and we can only be thankful that she is still here and wanting to make the most of the hours when she feels better.  We are often reminded how many parents, including some we know, have lost a young child early. We are grateful that we still have this kind of time with her even though it gets tough thinking of what she has to put up with and we are thankful that she takes it so well.

Mia (9yrs) and cyclone Joy (4) help keep things in perspective,  reminding me that though this is likely the last Fathers day of any sort with Tae, there will be many more to come.  To every Dad out there - make the most of your time with your children - especially while they are living at home and treasure the time you have together. Every day of the journey is a special one and we don't need cancer to tell us that...

Being a father to Tae is a humbling experience.  Just watching her tonight as she sleeps reminds me how

helpless I have been in this journey and how often I have hoped for a "quick" solution whether medical or a miracle and it has not worked out the way I expected. We have had sought the best possible advice from concerned medical specialists, reached out to so many of you for help to cover the costs and found that even our best efforts have led to the worst case scenarios almost happening each time. Yet in the midst of it all, Tae has remained faithful to her belief that God has a plan for her through this journey. Tae has taught me some real lessons of faith and that  life is short whether we get 15 or 70 years... and that ultimately death itself is not an issue, just a new beginning.  I've also been reminded that fatherhood is a combination of head, heart and faith and the latter so much more.

I'm blessed to have my 3 girls,  and there is no better feeling then being reminded by each of them that somewhere in my seeming ineptness at playing "father" that they still think we've done a wonderful job.... even if its just today - I take it, savour it and thank God for the privilege of being their Dad.

Thank you all for your prayers and for walking with us on this journey...

Comments

[Mark & Erin]

Sina & Taholo, as parenthood becomes more of a reality for us (just 3 months to go), we are more and more in awe of the parents we know, especially those who we are inspired by.

We're still surprised that we've been trusted with this responsibility, and only hope we have learned from parents like you.

Love, Mark & Erin

[Debbie from US]

A belated Happy Father's Day to you. May God continue to watch over your little family and give you the strength to take each day as it comes.

['Una]

Dear Tae,

father's day have passed and we do hope you had the most blessed day with your fatehr in which will be treasured.... just to send you our love and we still pray that God will bless you with peace always..Sina and Taholo we pray for Gods strength to be upon you for all the duties of being a parent to the girls and especially this time for our dear sister Tae..'ofa atu to you Tae and also to Mia and Joy...

love always with prayers,
Pola, Malia, Nane, Suli, Noa, Kipola, Felix, Mone, Kelisimi, 'Una
Laucala

[Lani]

Belated Happy Fathers Day Uncle Taholo and I am so happy you've all been able to celebrate it together, its been lovely to read through all your inspirational posts and catch up on everything thats happening as I haven't had a chance to, Tae, you're amazing, you really are, I'm so glad your my cousin! Missing you all and praying for you,

'ofa lahi atu,

Lani xx

Lani

[ann chin]

Dear Tae,

Your cousin Sione told me about you today. I am his teacher. I am very sorry that you have such a painful journey to travel.

I sympathise with your Mum Sina. I too was a mum with a very sick child. You came to bring love to so many people.

God bless, and you and your family are in my prayers.

Ann