A few months back, I posted a thread sharing with you the story of my friend Dada. I am very sad to report that Dada passed away last week when she lost her long battle with cancer. She fought until the very last day of her life and her amazing spirit never faded. Her body gave in, but her will never broke.

We celebrated her life at her services yesterday and I'm still pretty shaken up. I had the honor of eulogizing this incredible woman and being a pall bearer for her as well. Tears were shed, but I'm very happy to say that in as much as possible the huge crowd that showed up treated the occassion as a celebration of life instead of a mouring of death.

I want to thank all of you who responded to my earlier thread about Dada (My friend Dada ). Your public and private support is very much appreciated.

I also want to encourage each of you to take a moment sometime today to tell your friends and loved ones how much you care about them. Life can be short, and it's important that we don't leave things unsaid, IMO.

With your collective permission, I'll post more about my friend and her life later. Right now, I'm still a little too emotional.

I wish you all health and happiness,

Christian Asis (Da Hapa)

 

Christian, cancer is a very nasty disease.

My wife has recovered from breast cancer about twelve years ago. She lost a breast, but we didn't lose her. Three of my neighbors all died from cancer and my wife was the sole survivor of the four. One was only 13 and had an inoperable brain tumor.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss.
Bob Oyler

 

Da Hapa-

My deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family and friends.

The Raptor
A cancer survivor

 

My deepest sympathies, my thoughts are with you.

 

My condolence goes out to you and your family.

My friend's girlfriend lost her life to leukemia. I can sympathize

 

Christian,

I just attended a funeral a few weekends ago, so I know how you feel. I'm sorry to hear about your loss.

 

I'm sorry to hear about your friend, Dada. Her spirit lives on in the lives she has touched. my condolences and prayers go out to both your families. God Bless...

 

Thank you all again for your good wishes and your prayers.

The internet can be a very impersonal place, but I have found that in some instances (such as this) it can also be very personal. I've found that talking about these things (even online) is somewhat therapeutic.

I'll be 30 years old this May. That's just too damn young to have seen so many good people lose their lives to cancer. To date, I've lost both grandfathers, a great uncle, and now my friend Dada. My grandmother had a lung cancer scare. My best friend's mom had a breast cancer scare. My step grandmother is now battling leukemia. The list goes on.

I hope and pray that none of you has to go through this. Those of you that have, my heart goes out to you. Cancer is an evil, evil disease that we must somehow find a way to beat.

Aloha,

 

I'm touched by your love for your friend. Maybe you will feel lead to work for other cancer victims and share her spirit with them!

I wish you peace.