Deb Silva
It's hard to lose a close family member, especially when it's the generation above. It's a hard reveal that life is much more fragile than I ever realized. I'm not in Hawaii atm so it's surreal for me that she's gone. When I go home in November to visit I won't be able to see her like I did last year. It's a very sad situation, losing her because she was so close to my mom, them being sisters, they were lucky to have each other. I never had that lucky sister bond but I did get to see it through them and it was one of the most special relationships I've ever got to witness. I lived with aunty Marie when I was 6-7 (went to St. Anthony's, they lived near). She took care of me as if I was hers and to this day I'll never forget that. We used to swim in the apartment pool, which to me was the most fun thing at the time. She even tried to teach me how to swim but I didn't get it ;). Gee, I was a kid. Anyways, Aunty Marie thought me that kind can also be strong and that casual can also be beautiful because that was her.To my cousins Ronald, Brian, Wyatt, Brenda, Desiree, Chad, Charlene grandchildren, in-laws, and precious animals, I feel for your tremendous loss. I knew how she was deep down and she was an original for sure.Wish I was there but hoping this will do for now. ((lotsa hugs to all of you)). I love you all - Debbie Silva