4 May Update - Weekend Roundup

After 2-3 relatively bad days, by noon on Saturday, Tae was up and insisted on sitting outside on the recliner (The lazyboy has been quite useful and gives her an alternative to lying in bed). She had a stream of visitors including several family members (the Penitanis, Holika Puniani & Family plus others)  but especially happy to see Ema Foliaki Vea - another special friend who has been battling cancer. Aunty Lynda has helped reschedule Tae's medicines and this has been quite useful in stabilizing control of the pain. Aunty Lynda leaves  Monday lunchtime for Papua New Guinea but great to have her here at this time.

Sunday - is the special Sunday School day for kids in Tonga where they all present an item or memory verse at church as well as get new clothes and a special lunch.  Sina's friend provided new dresses for Tae, Mia and Joy and Joy was over the moon running around in her new white dress. Tae was up early and into the wheelchair. The family got together for lunch before the girls lined up for pictures in their dresses. We wheeled Tae to the church in her wheelchair and they allowed her to perform her song "walk on walk strong" and say a few words. Joy and Mia also shared a few memorized verses. Tae mentioned it was likely her last  time to attend the event and wished everyone well. Its becoming more obvious the will to sing remains but her ability to play and sing through the song is diminishing.

She asked this evening be taken for a walk in the wheel chair and by the time we exited on to the road, we had attracted a whole lot of various cousins! We took a stroll through the center of town, sat under the Kasia tree  outside the Bank of Tonga before returning via the Kings Palace,  the Kolomotu'a foreshore and home again. Night had fallen by the time we returned and through the inconsistent street lighting,  the clear night skies provided a star flecked canopy over our wondering group... Tae shared tonight reminding us how special these moments are  and acknowledging the role the pain management, prayers and support in allowing her to enjoy these times and cope with the loss of her legs. She's glad  we made it back to Tonga - the split level house in Fiji would have made it difficult for her to move around.

Appreciate all your prayers and support!
'ofa atu from us all.

Comments

[Mona]

Sounds like you had a nice time tonight Tae. Hope this nice weather continues.
I ran into some guys from Tautahi who were so proud that they sang your song. Everybody loved it and the coolest thing is that they won.

Love you lots,

Mona

[Gibson]

Hi Tae & family

So good to hear that today was enjoyable. It's so wonderful to see what a profound effect that Tae continues to have on everyone around her, as she did here in Suva.

I managed to remix Tae's song, so please play it for her and let me know what she thinks. Here's the link to download http://www.mediafire.com/?ui9yi9tnv3c I also sent a link to Taholo's gmail add earlier, but pls disregard - this is final version.

Love from Suva
Gibson, Helen, Gareth & Hayden

['Una]

Wow... so Fakame was blessed hearing your song "walk on, Walk strong" and sharing your presence with them eh? Just dropped by checking out and sent you Tae and your family our love and still we will always remember you all in our prayers... hope that your days will continuosly be blessed with peace and joy

with all our loves and prayers
Pola, Noa, Nane, Suli, Malia, Mone, Felix Kipola, Kelisimi, 'Una

[Lusitania]

So glad that you get to be a part of the Fakame Tae and sure that everyone enjoyed your song as much as I do all the time...We continue to be with not only you Tae but Taholo, Sina, Joy & Mia through this time...'Ofa lahi atu with our prayers...Noke, Lusi and Henry

[litia]

Sounds like a very special fakame day!

'Ofalahi atu 'aupito mo e lotu ai pe.

Tia, Trevor, Chris and Emma

[Lata]

Dear Tae,

It is so good to read all the updates daily and so inspirational. I havent done any photos for a few days but will get back into again tomorrow. I should have my laptop back pretty soon and can work on these at home. Sleep well little angel and ofa atu to you all..
Lata

[Lute Havea]

Hi Tae & family,
Sounds like you had a very special fakame day. Just thinking of you and always an inspiration to read the updates as you continue to "walk on, walk strong" despite the pain etc.

God bless you Tae - hope you a good nite tonight.

'Ofa lahi atu
Lute & family

[Kava Tulua]

Love YOu Little Tae,

'Ofa Atu kia koe mo e ongo ua iiki..and everyone there of course!!
Auntie Kava ;)))