In the Meantime..

Sunday, Jan 11 we went to Chinatown in downtown LA to get some stuff for Daniel. They sell some nice T-shirts for really cheap and of course since we're over there, we had lunch in one of the Chinese restaurants in the area.


Since Nido had a lot of work done in their house including the yard, their outside retaining wall was just begging to be painted. He had a five gallon container full of paint leftover from their recent renovation so Donna took it upon herself to wear her painter's hat the day after and painted the wall white. I can feel taggers salivating just biding their time to spray paint their gang affiliations on it. We thought of watching a movie that night but we didn't have transportation. Gian started school and had a night class.

Tuesday Jan 13, Stacy had a business trip to Palm Springs from her work in Tucson. As soon as she landed, she picked up her car rental and drove two hours to treat us for dinner. We went to CPK at the Cerritos Mall. Dan met us at the restaurant.


Since everyone felt full after dinner, we only ordered one chocolate thingy for dessert. When it came, we all thought it was too small for us all and so of course, it got decimated!


After dinner, when we got back home, Stacy had a chance to say hello to her Uncle Nido before he went to work that night.


And of course, Wednesday, the day after is when our angel, Elijah was born.

Thursday, Jan 15, Mary came from the Philippines and we picked her up from LAX. We drove straight to the hospital and Romar picked her up from there. Here's a picture at the lobby of Hoag Memorial.


By the way, we just heard that Robert's brother Kuya Al is not doing well. Please say a little prayer for him.

Sunday night Jan 17, to give ourselves a break, Donna and I went to the Edwards Theaters at the Long Beach Town Center to watch Defiance with Daniel Craig. We had dinner at nearby Zen Restaurant when the movie was over and then we went back and watched Revolutionary Road with Kate Winslet. Suffice it to say that I liked the former better than the latter. Sorry folks, it's a guy thing.


This morning, we received cards from my cousin Josie and my old gang at Goodrich, offering prayers and words of comfort. (Pls. see previous blog 'Condolences').
Thank you all so much.

We all missed Reggie. It's too bad he didn't make it to the funeral. His passport was expired and he was so sick he couldn't go back to the US Embassy in Tokyo to take care of it.

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.

Condolences

A lot of people say things happen for a reason. We're starting to realize now that Elijah was born to make way for his future younger sibling's smoother birth. They wouldn't have known about Rachel's incompetent cervix without Elijah. And he could have saved Rachel's life with the growth in her ovary that was taken out when he was born. Today, we made arrangements for his interment and it will tentatively be on Thursday at 2:30 pm.

Things are getting better and your comments below (strictly via the Internet and cards) help tremendously. These do not include the numerous condolences we received through phone calls, voice mail, etc.

On behalf of the Quizon-Maniago family, our heartfelt gratitude.




So sorry to hear the bad, sad news. Rest assured he will be in our prayers.
Robby and CKS staff

Dear Ephraim and Rachel,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Before we had Stacy, we lost our twins who were about three months old. Gloria was in the Philippines then, and I was in the US. Yet we can't tell how you feel about this event.
With Love,
Nestor and Gloria

Accept our condolence and prayers. Elijah is now in heaven.
Sr. Lita

My deepest condolences to your family. I know how you feel to lose someone special, but the Lord like it this way and got baby EliJah. He is an angel and the Lord is with him. But the Lord is good he will give another chance for the couple and for you as grandpa and grandma to enjoy in having another grandson. Don't be sad. Its God's will so that Baby Elijah will not suffer.
With sincere sympathy,
Mergine and family, and Ate Mila


Deepest condolences, Ephraim/Rachel, Rey/Donna.
Lita Manalastas-Watanabe


uncle, please send my love to kuya eph and rachel. i'm so saddened by the loss of their little angel. my love to you and the rest of the family, too.
Lesley Custodio

I'm sorry to hear the news. Let's put it this way. I suppose there is a vacancy for an angel that's open up THERE. The job for the vacancy couldn't wait and Elijah got called. Wouldn't you say he's lucky on being picked from the millions of toddlers here on earth? I think it is. And God did it the way He did so as not to cause a lot of pain to all of you.
Accept our condolences and talk to you later.
Ras

payabut mi ing pamikarame keng mewala yung apu at asahan mung kayabe kayu keng pangadi mi kayabe da reng pengari ning apu!
Mike E

I heard the news from pops. All the best to Rai-rai's family.
Arman Maniago

Dearest Ephraim and Rachel,
We share your grief and sorrow during this difficult time and offer prayers for Elijah's eternal rest.
Ninong Robert/Ninang Mary

Dear Ray and Dons,
Mary informed me yesterday before she left for Spain but I was unable to send an e-mail right away because I can't leave kuya alone in his room. Offered prayers last night and will mention special intentions for them in today's mass.
Robert

Dear Eph and Rachel, Don & Rey,
Sorry to hear about the loss of your little angel. I wish I can give you all tight hugs!
Alice

Uncle,
Makalungkut naman, first baby at apu ya pa naman. I did send an eMail keng pinsan ku.
My love to you, Auntie Donna, Rai-Rai and Rachel.
Lani

Dear Rey and Don,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are deeply saddened about Elijah. We could just imagine him beaming and smiling at you and his parents, Ephraim and Rachel, knowing he was loved and cared for during the short time he was with you. He is in Heaven now.
You have to be strong for eph and rachel.
Much love from us,
neneng and allan


We just read today the sad news. Our prayers and sympathy are with your whole family.
Pareng Vir and Mareng Myrna

Uncle and Auntie,
Our condolences to you and your family. You and your family are in our prayers!
Jon, Jeng, Joshua and Jessica

Pare and Mare,
We are deeply saddened by the news that Elijah did not hang on. Everything happens for a reason. God must be in need of another special little angel in heaven. Your faith in the Lord will all pull you through. Please extend our most sincere condolences to Eph & Rachel. Love & Prayers, James and Celia

condolence po,
Jack

Hi Ninong Rey,
Thanks for the email. I heard about the sad news from my parents yesterday and sent my condolences to Eph/Rachel's email. I hope you and Ninang Donna are doing alright. Your family is always in my thoughts and prayers...
Love,
Stacy

I'm so sorry for your loss. Looks like God has other plans. My love, hugs, prayers, and condolences.
Lots of love,
Cin

BAP,
CONDOLENCE PU!
Len-Len

Hi Pare ,

Im so Shocked with the bad news you sent me ! I know this was a most awaited moment for both parties . . . ! ! ! Sometimes God allows things to happen with a purpose , & question in mind that we really can't understand. Just to let you know How we felt of the bad news ! Our prayers, to all of you especially to our inaanak n Rachel . . May God's peace, comfort, love,&provisions be upon you , as the little Elijah have rest & already with the Lord , no more pains ,&suffering will take place . . Our Deepest Condolences to the Family , with love & prayers,

Pareng Nasty, M. Hedy

& Children

musta po uncle?
heard what happen,
my sympathy po to all
God has His reason.. we may not know it.. in time po,
tc po.
God bless,
Ems

Sad to hear the news. Your family will be in our prayers.
Angel

Rey, Donna and Family,
Hi, how are you all? I just read my e-mail and I am sorry to hear about your apo Elijah. He was in my prayers and Elijah will still be in our prayers, Elijah will be our guardian angel.
Zeny

You have my deepest sympathies,
As a parent I cannot imagine such a terrible loss.
Please know you are in my thoughts.
Your friend,
Steve Roy

Ninong Rey and Ninang Donna, our sincere condolences to your family. Please extend our deepest sympathies to Eph and Rachel as well. Elijah and your whole family will be in our prayers.
Hans

Rey and Donna,
Vicky and I are sorry to hear about the passing away of Elijah. Our sympathies and prayers are with you during this difficult period.
Rene Cerdena

Uncle,
Let us know if there's anything you need.. we're praying for you guys in this hard time, please also send our regards to Rach and Eph.
Theresa Custodio

..will offer mass on Sunday for the whole family.
Mama Lits

Rey,
I just read your blog this morning and was very shocked with what happened. My very deepest condolence to you and your family.
Kevin and the entire PC group are sending prayers to all of you.

Kumusta na kayu? Y Kumare at ding anak? Pangadi mi midinan kayu sapat a sikanan at tiwala king Apung Guinu na alampasan yu ining matinding pagsubok a dinatang kekayu. At maragul ing paniwala mi na mikabyus kayu king saup ning Mayupaya.
Mareng Myrna & Pareng Vir

Uncle Rey and Auntie Donna, our deepest condolences. Abalitan ku pu kang Tatang last time we had our phone conversation. Elijah is now our little angel, always watching over all of us.
Prayers and sympathy from Alex, Mai, and Zack Maniago-Dela Pena

Rey and Donna,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family in this time of need.
Meleah

Rey and Donna,
May the good Lord comfort you and your family with the loss of your grandson. My prayers are with you all.
Sylvia

Rey and Donna,
My prayers will be with you always.
Mindy

Dear Rey and Donna,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.
Judy

Rey and Donna,
Sorry you are going through this pain. My prayers are with you and your family.
Norma

Rey and Donna,
I can't imagine your pain from this loss. My condolences to both of you. Please let Ephraim and Rachel know that they too are in my thoughts and prayers.
Kent

Rey, Donna and family,
We are praying for you and your family. Our deepest sympathy and we will be thinking of you.
Kevin and Olga

Dear Donna and Rey,
My heart is with you. Sorry to hear about your loss. Hope with time, it will get better. We are here for you.
David Uribe

Dear Rey and Donna,
Words cannot heal the pain of losing someone so dear. May God give you the strength to overcome the pain. Our prayers to you, Eph and Rachel.
Rudy and Sharon

Dear Donna and Rey,
My deepest condolences to you, Eph and Rachel. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Eunice

Rey and Donna,
May God continue to give you strength through this difficult time. Our prayers are with you and your family.
Enna Corona

Rey and family,
Condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Sol and family

Dear Rey & Donna, Eph & Rach,
We might not be calling or eMailing you everyday but all of you are always in our thoughts and prayers. I pray to our Dear Lord every night to give you serenity, peace, acceptance and hope. I know more blessings will be coming and another angel for Eph and Rach but of course Elijah will always be with us and he'll always be the #1 Angel and baby for all of us.
We share your pain and we'll always be here for you.
Angeles family