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| Aloha, a blessing and a birthday Prayer.
I have to be one of the most blessed people that I know. Sounds funny to say that about myself but I am. Many of you who read my gibberish blog (when I get around to blogging), came to celebrate the turning of my birth clock to 60 (mentally 40). What a joyful day for me to see our friends and my friends from the past 60 years. Everyone is very unique and inspirational in my life.
My mom, who was the only one in this group who was present at my birth (thank goodness). And why is it mom's always like to tell birthing stories no matter their age (mom is almost 79)? Can I just say AWKWARD..... to hear my mother telling people at my age how I came into the world butt first, naturally (that explains a lot).
Then we had Rich's friends from High School and the CDM water polo team, one of which is our family Dentist , Rich was the best man or groomsman for the other two. Forty-two years of friendship. They are the old school friends.
Having my church friends come celebrate. Truly, with all three of the Pastors stopping by for some prayer, tacos and socializing, I felt like a Lutheran celebrity. So many other church friends being there made the day outstanding! Within that church family new relationships have grown and continue to grow with my Haiti family team. Two of my closest friends are in my life thanks to Haiti! They are so supportive and I think one of them made me a mystery cake for my birthday.
Pastor Tom always makes me laugh.... He is probably saying "no worries we will pray for you. It takes a group in your case, Jackie". Below PT and his wonderful better half Jane.
 
Great People... They can ROCK a Lei....
Twins of different ages. Mike and Chad. Honestly these two could be brothers. Below some of my Haitian Team sisters.
Delightful neighbors, from the Eastmont/Shooting Star days and my Limewood neighbor friends (where does the time go? we have lived on Limewood for 12 years already). Lifetime friends, Kathi, the Lawrence's. Having my grand-babies, sons, daughter in law and her family. The other Hyland's who travelled from the central coast (Laura, I just include you as a Hyland). A few of my Adhesive Sista's (scrapbooking), Monday Mom's, Bunco Baby's, friends of friends.... the list goes on.
Hunter, we talked him into putting the Hawaiian shirt on so he could be like Papa Rich. It may have been on for 3 minutes. Thus, the reason he looks uncertain in the picture. Below, niece Kelly with Jarred, my mom and great niece LeeAnn. Kelly's face painting at the party was a HUGE and FUNNY hit.
  
Central Coast Family Kevin and Laura
Aloha, this party was not even so much about celebrating my birthday but more importantly it was for me to be thankful for all the gifts I have in my life by the presents of all these amazing people. I could humor everyone for hours with stories about everyone who was there. To often celebrations are held and people come together when someone has passed. One thing Rich taught everyone is NOW. Now is the time to celebrate life, love and blessings. For those friends, who could not come because of miles or prior commitments, you were all there in spirit.
 
It would not have been a party without the help of Barbara, Yvonne, Summer, Nancy, Danielle, Dale and Diane. Dale was climbing ladders and hanging tissue balls (I love his Martha side) and Nancy climbing the waterfall rocks in the yard to hang decorations. The Eaton's and Albers for being the libation managers...! Francheska, for the one of a kind birthday cake (you are so talented not only can you make cakes but you rock making a web site too). Mike, for cleaning scrubbing and trimming the Island. Special SPECIAL did I say Special thank you to Josh and Erica Render (kids too), for providing JJ as entertainment (if anyone ever needs some nice entertainment for an event call me we will get you in touch with JJ). Thanks JJ, Amber and girls!
   
More Pictures to Enjoy....
    
Toby, makes me want to sing "Red Solo Cup"
              Below Barbara, dessert Master.  
Don't we all take pictures in our remodeled bathroom with friends.
Nothing says party like Bathroom.
 
Franceska's Cake
 Mystery Cake?????? Amazing - if anyone knows anything about this cake... I need more clues. I still think it was somehow related to the amazing SUMMER!  
CHEERS and thanks again to everyone who made my day special. The flowers from my Prayer Partner and Tony and Family in Texas, Deslattes and Boyles for my fabulous Hawaiian Halo, direct from Oahu. A cute bottle of Tequila (yes, Tequila can be cute ), the champagne, angels and assorted other gifts and cards. Very much appreciated.
Follow up and follow through. Several of you graciously donated to our Good Samaritan - Esther Fund. (This is where I start tearing up while typing). In lieu of people buying cards and gifts (at this age I don't need or know where to put stuff - exception tequila and champagne (I know where it belongs at the right time). I was thinking if (no obligation), we collected $200.00 for the Haiti fund next year that would be GREAT..... Another blessing from my gracious friends, we have checks and cash totaling almost $1500.00. Absolutely blown away by the generosity of so many for my passion. WOW WOW WOW. Trust me the Haiti team will use this next year to glorify the kingdom, directly hands on in some passionate way next January. Some of you may recall reading the blog with my story of Esther this past January. She changed the lives of several team members. Fabienne, our/my Haitian, friend and sister has continued to keep me updated these past two months on Esther. I received the following messages from Fabienne on March 27th.
My Dearest Jackie.
I found out that Esther passed away peacefully this week. Her two children are being cared for by family who have been very thankful for all you and the team have done in help and concerns. Please continue to pray for them. I love you. Fabi.
FabI
Thank you... I sent a reply to your email. Hope you are enjoying your weekend. Take a look when you have a moment,.. Hugs... Love you, Jackie
Fabi then sent the following message:
I read it and did some research. It took the pastor a week to get up to where Esthers family lives up in the hills and a good 4 days to get back down. I am understanding that she passed in the early part of march but it took some time for the mssage to get to me. I pray for you, that March be a time of light hearted- ness and not heaviness. I used to feel like that for june. Not anymore.
Your generosity is intense and beautiful. I can't wait to see you at home. A few more weeks.
Fab
although this was sad news it was not unexpected. Hard to explain what and how the spirit can move you at times. Esther, was a gift for a few short hours in my life. She is helping me daily keep things in perspective here in California. Thank you, all so much for the birthday gifts that will help other people like Esther and her family in the future..... HONESTLY, this is one of the best gifts I have ever received to be able to do more. We can't do everything, we can't necessarily fix the problem but we can do something. That is powerful (reaching for that tissue again).
Again to anyone reading this, I just want to say to all my party going, lei, coconut, grass skirt , Hawaiian shirt wearing friends. You all have a place in my heart. You are gifts. Would you all not agree I am blessed?
Don't cry because it's over. Smile Because it Happened. Dr. Seuss
(one of Rich's favorite sayings)
My Dr. Seuss quote:
SOMETIMES YOU WILL NEVER KNOW THE VALUE OF A MOMENT UNTIL IT BECOMES A MEMORY.
LOVE, HUGS, ALOHA, BLESSINGS .... GOD BLESS.
Jackie
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Monday, March 30, 2015
Birthday Bashes, Living Life, Follow up and Follow Through....
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Life
Hard to believe it's been three years today.
If I could send Rich a letter in heaven I would let him know we are all fine. I would say: Rich I know we were always your greatest concern, you were provider, defender, security, dad, husband and so much more to so many people and us. Don't worry, rest your head and heart we are living LIFE. I would let you know we have a fabulous daughter in law, yep you missed the wedding in person by about 8 weeks, we all know you had to go, time was no longer on our side. You were definently there in spirit and so missed. Mostly I would write a novel to you about how Life continues to be rewarding with the addition of your two adorable grand babies Hunter and River. Hunter, is so black and white his little idiosyncrasies, really remind me of you and he is only 2 (March 17th). Yep, he is going to make his parents crazy and I think he will be a consertive (giggle giggle). River, at two weeks is good at eating and burping. He is a Hyland and we will see how his personality develops.
Rich, life is very full and sweet, you are so missed. Crazy, I am doing those remodels on the house we always talked about and I adopted a dog. You would like him. Honestly, once Jeff and family moved out and they took Chubby, I just couldn't take waking up alone any longer. It was like the room was screaming your ALONE every morning. Martin, is here when I wake up something is in the room to breath and say hello. It helps.
You would be happy that we continue your legacies and traditions, trips, vacations, Mia Tia's, sunsets and a good balance of hard work. Mike, is good and still lives here. I know so much for temporary housing, I think it is coming up on 5 years. Says he is going to move soon, but life is really comfortable here at the Island and I just don't see that happening for awhile.
You would be pleased knowing that along with Good Shepherd plans are underway for the 3rd annual Rich Hyland Golf Classic over at Oak Creek the tentative date is July 31, this year and if you could again put in a good word about the weather? It is such a great way to celebrate your spirit with friends and fellowship watching so many people we know enjoy the game you loved so much.
I do my best to stay busy and do the right things. I am blessed to have Kathi, as my friend and companion for travel and a impromptu dinners out on a Monday night (yes Monday's actually any night we choose). At Fathers day she always says something like "who knew we were going to be both Mom and Dad at this stage of our life". Interesting Life journey. I hope you and Bob are spending lots of time on heavens golf course. All our friends and neighbors are good. It is such a joy to see them transitioning into this new stages of their life. Don't they call that the Golden Years. My Golden Years are just going to look a little different and I know if you could have changed that and be here on earth you would. We continue to have fabulous friends.
Thank you Rich for the Life of sweet memories and moments that will always be part of me and our history! I praise God everyday for the life we had and lived!
Aloha my sweet love....
Jackie
Friends and Family here is the Facebook link to Jeff's video. I love this thing, it shows so many of our friends and family, celebrating LIFE.
Friends, raise your glasses today, enjoy a sunset, drive by the beach, hug and kiss the one you love! and live LIFE.
Interesting Life Note about the month of March
Once upon a time the month of March, was my birthday month the month my life began. It is still my birthday month but seems every other day is someone to remember or something to celebrate.
March 9, the memorable Kristens birthday
March 11, Rich's day
March 17, Hunters birthday
March 19, cousin Danni's birthday
March 20, my Birthday
March 27, Bob's day...
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