Sharon
First, thank you God for immensely blessing me with the gift of 59 years with my mom Midori Tanaka. Mom was the first to show me what Gods love is like....Mom loved us unconditionally, cared for and comforted us, was a moral beacon, forgave us when we messed up, put us ahead of herself, and was always there when we needed her. When I think of mom.... what comes to mind is how she gave selflessly of herself and how she truly loved all of us and would never purposely hurt anyone. Of her soft spot for animals; especially how she loved her dogs: Smokey maile pogie and patches. Haha and of course her cardboard boxes and assorted reusable collection... Mom and dad provided a safe and loving home for us....and fun like going to the drive-in theater whenever a new Disney movie came out - complete with mosquito net if we went to Royal Drive-in theater in Waipahu and camping at Mokuleia, readily comes to mind. Mom worked full time and shimboed - helping all three of us purchase our first homes - achieving a much desired goal of hers. When I moved far away, she never once made me feel guilty. Always putting me first. Mom subscribed to an unlimited long distance phone plan, so whenever I wanted to talk to her, Id ring the phone once and hang up.... then shed call me back.... we sure got her moneys worth. Mom was an exquisite gem; beautiful inside and out.I will treasure my trove of memories of Mom - I remember the day we went shopping and found my wedding dress, our time together on the big island when Zach was born - I even woke up to a nice hot breakfast every morning - she knew just what I needed, and all the times i spent hanging out in her room with her while she sat at her desk and me on the bed, her calm strength when faced with surgery and cancer treatments, how she enjoyed having all of her grandchildren over and watching them play and dance around - keeping notes of the funny things they would say, having meals together at the kitchen table - especially those with chasuke, how she and dad made my dream of going to Japan a reality - by taking us there with them - the cherry blossoms where as beautiful as she, how inseparable she and dad were, and how she lovingly took care of dad when he no longer could properly care for himself. I could go on and on... Thank you Mom for being my bestuestest friend, confidante and mother, and for being a truest-bluest wife to dad. I have mixed emotions about our choice to not have dad here today, but I know his love for you is endless and his heart is always with yours. It gives me comfort when I envision you healthily happily reunited with loved ones and with ready access to a stash of every perfect sized box and container that your heart desires and lots and lots of chocolate! I would like to read a poem from a Mothers Day card, She saved, that I gave her 40 years ago in 1980. Read poem in card....I love you Mom, and will dearly miss you. I will be carrying you in my heart every single day of my life.Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for loving us so much that you gave your one and only son, Jesus Christ, so that whomever believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life - one without pain or sorrow or evil. And I pray that when my time comes, I will be joyfully worshiping You with my mom, Midori Tanaka, right by my side. In your heavenly name, I thank You and pray. Amen Missing you a lot Mom.. trying my best to be strong like you.