As much as I wanted my little brother to be cured of this awful disease, there always was the thought that he may not make it. With that thought, I thought to myself, if ever this little brother of mine passes away, I hope that I can do something in return for Primary Children's Hospital, Make-A-Wish Foundation or the American Cancer Society in his memory.
Last year I donated to a friends' Relay For Life Team on his behalf - it was great to see his picture posted at their RFL campsite. This year, kind of last minute, our EMZ Crew put together a team. As of this moment we are $70 of making our $1000 goal. I am short $205 - making my goal of raising $500.
As emails have been going back and forth for this event, I received a kind post from a friend that brought me to tears:
Just want you to know that I love Daniel too. There was a great group boys all the same age as Brian and Daniel; my brother, Sii, being one of them. They were so fun to dance with at the youth dances and they were the cutest boys. Daniel's death was memorable for me because of the impact it had on me at that time in my life...I just couldn't comprehend the shortage of his life. Little did I know, that that certain experience would only prepare me for the passing away of my cousin Mafileo then my gpa Teiko months later. I remember journaling that it was the most saddest year ever. Please know I will be relaying for him too. I love you, Nai.
Along with this sweet message, I was brought to tears by those who donated under my name and the amounts that were donated. I am truly appreciative of the love and support shown. Thank you so much wonderful friends & family!
I am about 10 years older than my twin brothers. I got married when they were around 10 years old. I wasn't around them during their youth years. So to hear someone who is about their age share this memory about him, it made me emotional.
One thing I will always remember is the youth conference he participated in. The youth and the youth leaders were so good to him. They made sure he was comfortable and they catered to his every need. The highlight of it all -- they ran into President Faust. Here's the picture they took with him:
Anyhow, back to my original thought - I actually feel I am getting close to that goal I had many years ago - to do something in his memory. And hopefully in the years to come, I can continue to help with events like this for the wonderful organizations who do so much to find a cure, help families and so much more. I am excited to participate tomorrow.
On that note, here's one of Daniel's favorite songs:
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1 comment:
Daniel was indeed special...This past weekend we had our family reunion (moms sis') and everytime I ran into lil' Daniel I thought of your brother...I remember that youth conference very well...shortly after that pic we hiked up to ensign peek were we all wrote our testimonies, put them into helium balloons & let them go into the sky, in hopes someone that needed to hear them might find them...I will never forget that moment as we all were about to release our balloons... Daniel's balloon was let go (and we all let them go together)...and we all witnessed as his went higher than everyone else', and drifted in a different direction.....we were all silent for moment and then someone said..."Daniel, your testimony sure stands out, i'm sure your testimony is finding it's rightful person right now"....Your brother was such a special guy, I see that in his twin everytime I see him. Luv you Sinai, you never cease to amaze me with all that you do!
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