I also truly think about you and Owen too. I go to your blog and stare helplessly at the “What happened to Owen?” topic. And I feel a gigantic lump in my throat each time

And you’re right to say too that “dark days will continue to come”, they have and I just somehow trick my brain into thinking Mariel is just somewhere near. As I know she is because she still guides me all the time.

I know that our lives have been changed forever and but I know too that somewhere there will be a happy ending OR beginning. Take care my dear friend, remember that we are praying for you always.

Warmest regards,

Bong& Sam

It has been a while since I wrote, but you are never far from my heart, from my mind. I think of you and Sam often, and I know that your sweet Mariel is with the two of you always.

We are indeed, better, stronger, more human for our grieving – we would not have wished this to be the case, but it is. The dark days will continue to come, the dark moments visit us daily, yet we wake to the new sun with the hope of finding more hope. With Sam as your guide, I know you greet each day with gladness. She is a precious reminder that you are not ordinary, and that the love you and Mariel share is everlasting. Lucky you, my dear friend, Bong.

Sending you the biggest, most heart-felt hugs,
Linda

Spirits up too. Please remember that our prayers and good wishes are with you always.

Take care dear friend.

Time falls desperately hard sometimes, but another year is real progress behind you all the same. Spirits up, and best wishes from London.

I wish you all the best and pray for God’s blessings for you and the family always.

Warmest regards,

Bong

There is nothing ordinary about you. You have coped with the impossible, dealt with the pain and difficulties that followed, coped with the loss of your beloved wife whilst at the same time being an exceptional and wonderful dad. During all this time you have also kept the memory of Mariel alive and unfalteringly declared your love. You are NOT ordinary ~ you are wonderful. Mariel must be so proud of you, and Sam. Neve doubt yourself. I am quite sure that Mariel sensed these qualities in you right from the start ~ and she was right too.

How grown up Sam is looking too. Quite the beautiful young lady. Give her my love and best wishes ~ she must miss her mom a lot.

I love the video memories ~ the wedding day pics are really special.

A brief poem for today:

“Those we love remain with us
In the whisper of the wind
In a soft rain that falls from Heaven
In each sunrise
In every single star that lights the night sky
and
In every single memory we hold with our hearts”

By Mary Chandler Huff

very best wishes and namaste,

Love Jan xx

I still think of Mariel every single day and Sam is just about coming to terms with it all. Nevertheless, I’d be first to admit we’re still some ways to go towards “moving on”.

We will have a simple get-together for Mariel this Sunday (the 20th), I know you will be with us too even in spirit because nothing will please her more than to have her favorite cousin, best friend and soul mate be part of the remembrance of her beautiful life.

You knew how special she was and that nothing else can fill the gaping hole in my life that was left with her passing. Having Sam however, and seeing her grow up to be so much like her mommy had made things a little bearable until the time I can be with Mariel again.

I promise to see you with our “Sammy” when on our next trip to your part of the world. In the meantime, know that you and your family will always be part of OUR world because we had once shared the truly beautiful person that was Mariel. I love her so much and will forever keep trying to prove myself worthy of her boundless love.

Blessing to you all,

Bong

My heart is starting to have that feeling again of wishful thinking (and you know what it would be wishing for, that everything would be the same as before)… but I stop myself because I know that Mariel would not want me to hide behind wishful thoughts.

Although, I am glad to tell you that the mood is lighter, much better than last year. I know I’m getting better… which means Mariel will be happier because she knows that we’re all moving on with life… and love.

But there is no denying, she will forever be in our hearts…

Be strong… never doubt she’s watching over you and Sam.

With all our love and prayers,
Annie & Zave & kids

PS. Please let us know your itinerary when you come visit. Hope you can come to Reno again. But if you can’t squeeze Reno in your schedule, we will adjust our schedules so we can meet you somewhere/anywhere within the West Coast.

Wishing you, Ate Nim, Jima and Xavier all the best always.

Best regards,
Sonny