Category: 2009

The long week-end of waiting for the next hospital visit is almost over.

Mum and Ella are keeping busy by taking many trips to the park – and a few shopping excursions.

The big excitement during today’s park trip was the appearance of a flurry of snowflakes – seriously exciting stuff for our little island-born menehune.

Back on Oahu, Lucy and Olivia are keeping Papa on his toes.

Click on the image to the left to see images from January 2009.

Sometimes it is hard to understand why everyone gets so concerned when I go to the hospital. After all, I am almost five years old.

I am a big girl and I can take good care of myself.  Just look at me.  I have my scarf and boots and warm clothes – Bear Grylls could learn a thing or two from me.

I am the epitome of the modern young-woman in the big city.

Nevertheless, thank you for your concern and many prayers.

And please don’t forget to leave me a message on the “Comments” page.

Ella came through today’s surgical procedure to remove the “stent” from her airway with flying colors.

Mum was prepared for every contingency and did a great job at every turn.  In fact, Lisa’s attention to detail was so keen that she quickly realized the doctor’s had mistakenly replaced Ella’s 36mm trach tube with an over-sized one that was 44mm in length.

Cool and calm under serious pressure, Mum, prevented further injury to Ella’s airway by replacing the over-sized trach with a 36mm trach tube which she had in her emergency medical kit.

Shortly thereafter, Ella’s doctor admitted their mistake and praised all aspects of Lisa’s actions.

Well done Mum.  Way to Fly the Mission!

Ella has discovered how to walk on the tips of her toes.

While this may seem a small feat to some, for those of us who remember what a “flopsy bunny” she was 4 years ago – It is truly amazing.

We are so grateful to Ella’s first Physical Therapist, Lilly, and to all the others who have helped along the way.

Mahalo from the top of our head to the tips of Ella’s toes!

After Sunday brunch at the J.W. Marriott Ihilani at Ko Olina, Ella and Auntie Wendy found this lovely fish pond full of Koi just off the lobby.

Ella is wearing the new top that Auntie Wendy bought for her in the hotel gift shop.  Thanks for the “blingy” top and the great brunch!

Gran and Grandpa arrived on Friday the 16th and were just getting settled in for well deserved vacation when word arrived from Wales that Great Grannie Violet needed their help after taking a fall.

Although we don’t think Great Grannie “Vi” suffered any serious injuries, at 96 years of age – recovering from even a small fall requires a little extra TLC.

Gran and Grandpa are now back in Halifax and preparing to travel to Aberdare, Wales this weekend.

Please keep Great Grannie Violet and her rescuers in your prayers.

We love and miss you all.

Gran, Grandpa, and crew visited the Byodo-In Temple yesterday.

The temple is a replica of a 900-year-old Buddhist place of worship in Japan. It is one of our favorite places to take our guests, as it is both unique and serene.

The majestic Ko’olau Mountain Range stands guard behind the temple.

Four years ago today, the doctors performed a tracheostomy on Ella.  They told us she would probably only need it for 6 to 8 weeks.  They were wrong.

Despite the challenges, discomfort, and serious pain that she routinely endures – Ella excels.

Her zest for life and love of others is truly remarkable.  She inspires both young and old to do more and complain less.

Ella is the best person I know.
We love you and ask God to keep you safe.