Closure

Our friends from the medical community, not in so many words, were trying to tell us that Elijah's chances of survival were slim or if he'll survive he may have some disabilities. But of course we were still hoping that he'll make it especially when we hear stories of "my neighbor had her baby at the same gestation age as Elijah and now he's just fine." And as you all know, in the end it was decided for us that Elijah will be just fine as an angel.

My godson and nephew Ryan, Josie's son, told his 6 month old son "Hey EJ, now you have a cousin who's an angel who'll be watching over you!" Here's EJ below in Eph's arms.


Rachel's friend wrote to Rach and Eph, "..they say that the reason babies smile and coo while looking at nothing is that they can still see angels. I'm not one to believe such things, but I know when I see Holden look up and smile, I will imagine he is seeing his angel friend Eli."

These, along with everyone's words of comfort are helping us weather out this crisis that we've been going through within the last several days.

A very solemn and intimate service was held yesterday afternoon at the small chapel of Forest Lawn in Cypress, attended by immediate family only and most of Eph and Rach's closest friends. It was presided by Pastor Oh, the same gentleman who married Eph and Rachel and he stressed his point that Elijah is now with God.

During the service Eph and his mother-in-law, Rose read a letter they each wrote to Elijah. See blog post "A Father's Heartbreak" for text on Eph's letter.

Below is what I read to everyone:

Have you heard of the expression, God does things His way? Or 'Things happen for a reason'?

I haven't played the guitar in a long while but today I learned how to play a new song.

Doctors are now ready to treat whatever is not right with Rachel's system none of which is known before Elijah's birth.

These are just some of the good things that he became instrumental in his short lived existence. He brought us closer together in love and in faith. You should have seen us last night. Rachel and her friends (Ann, Janet, Carlene) were all so busy fixing and arranging the beautiful flowers you see here. My wife Donna and Rose (the proud grandmas) were sewing the programs you now hold in your hands while the guys were standing around criticizing on how crooked their sewing job was! But seriously, I felt a spirit of celebration.

We take life for granted sometimes: driving too fast on the freeway and taking chances by making unsafe lane changes. Elijah has reminded us how precious life is. It doesn't matter whether it's lived for 100 years or 58 hours like he did.

Let's now raise our imaginary champagne glasses and altogether, "Here's to LIFE! Here's to ELIJAH!"



I played the guitar and sang In His Time (Genessee sang with me) and Be Not Afraid (Carlene and Janet sang back up with me). I hope I didn't put you girls on the spot too much..! But I appreciate you coming up front with me. I wouldn't have been able to do it without you. Sorry, for the YouTube links. I haven't uploaded any of my videos.


Eph carried Elijah's small casket to the grave site and his father-in-law Jun said a little something as a final goodbye.



I was totally fine throughout the service and I thought I was all cried out but when people started to walk back to their cars after the grave site service was over and Eph was still hanging around, I just realized I won't be able to teach Elijah how to play the guitar. I gave him a hug and that's when I lost it and I broke down in tears.

After the service, we all headed to Long Beach and had an early dinner at Rach and Eph's house. There was a lot of food and there were so many flowers that my allergies started acting up.


Things are starting to get a little better. Today Donna and I went and helped out Eph and Rach go to an outfit in Monterey Park specializing in grave markers. But before going there, we dropped by Forest Lawn to offer flowers for Elijah.