We're at home relaxing until we head over to my parents' house for the day. Last night, Indy and I went to the symphony chorus Thanksgiving eve concert...we wore our antlers as directed by Lynn Cook and met up with a dozen or so Peg's Legs, all donning antlers. We were sitting right in the front and when Lolo took the stage with the chorus we stood and cheered. We're not sure if she was surprised to see us or embarrassed by our reindeer antics...maybe a little of both!
The music was beautiful and Indy loved her first concert experience. I confess that Indy, Kelly, and I left at intermission to get some dinner...but I heard from Lynn that the rest of the concert was amazing and that Lolo was indeed happy that we all made it.
Me, Karen, Kelly, Julie, and Lynn made some progress on sorting more of Peggy's stuff. We're starting to put things aside for a yard sale. We plan to get things put aside and then let the family and Peg's Legs go through it all first to see if there is anything that they would like to have before we sell it. We are working on clearing the back corner (where the couch used to be) so that we can make that the "stuff for yard sale" area. We just have to keep telling ourselves to take things a day a time, one step at a time...or else it just gets too overwhelming.
Elroy is quite antsy to see some progress in the house...I think he's having a hard time believing that we are going to take care of it (soon enough). I know how he feels - when you're in the house you just feel like you should be doing something about all the stuff, and yet it is so overwhelming and still emotionally charged. I feel this constant internal tug-of-war between urgency and lethargy, not just at the house, but at my home too.
Yesterday we talked to Marvel on the phone. She's doing well, just processing everything like the rest of us and hopefully getting some well-deserved rest. She's planning to come to the house on Monday to help us sort more crap - oops, I mean, treasures. Karen and I have decided to take Thursday and Friday and enjoy the long Thanksgiving weekend. Then we'll be back in the office on Monday and we'll tackle more of the house with anyone who wants to join us!
This weekend is also Eric and my wedding anniversary on Sunday, the 30th! It is our 6th anniversary and what a significant six it is. Wow. Imagine all that has transpired since we said "I do" in 2002. And what I will say to Eric on Sunday is the same thing that I said to Peggy the night before she passed away...seven simple words that capture all my love and gratitude (and perhaps mild masochism): "I would do it all over again".
As the days go by, I feel less anxious about what the future will bring and more willing to embrace the change. While we were in it the middle of it all, it was impossible to envision what life would be like without Peggy. We were all so intertwined and focused. We're finally able to take a step back from it all and see what was Peggy and what was us. I think my relief comes from realizing that the friendships and the bonding in the group still function even without Peggy. The energy, the community, and the culture that built up around her was because of her, but not dependent on her.
I am so comforted so much by this realization...this is what makes me feel that I can take a few days off without worrying that the energy that surrounded Peggy will disappear. I don't need to fan the fire so desperately to keep it from extinguishing...because on this Thanksgiving Day, the thing I am most thankful for is that the Peggy Chun flame is eternal.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Tuesday
It is a quieter day around here...just me, Karen, and Kelly (Pepper too!) doing work in the office. Ann Weers is also here sorting through linens in Peggy's closets. We're going through Peggy's medical supplies and finding people that can use them. We're working with both Healthcare Alternatives and MDA on finding homes for things. It feels so good to "pay it forward" this way.
I used the quiet morning to finally catch up on all my email...what a huge relief. We've had such a wonderful outpouring of support and sympathy, so many phone calls, emails, letters, cards...it is such an amazing experience to hear how Peggy touched people's lives. There are so many stories, so many memories.
We're looking forward to a small Thanksgiving celebration this year...me, Eric, and the kids are going to my mom and dad's house for Thanksgiving. Elroy and the Seglers too. And while the HUGE Peggy-style Thanksgivings have been fun, I'm looking forward to a smaller, more mellow day of Thanks this year. It will also be nice to relax a little before next weekend's memorial services and luau.
By the way, we wanted to make sure that everyone got the invite for Peggy's Celebration of Life Luau following the memorial. We are selling tickets for this private luau to Peggy Chun friends and family and you must RSVP by December 1! Please email me if you didn't get the invitation.
I used the quiet morning to finally catch up on all my email...what a huge relief. We've had such a wonderful outpouring of support and sympathy, so many phone calls, emails, letters, cards...it is such an amazing experience to hear how Peggy touched people's lives. There are so many stories, so many memories.
We're looking forward to a small Thanksgiving celebration this year...me, Eric, and the kids are going to my mom and dad's house for Thanksgiving. Elroy and the Seglers too. And while the HUGE Peggy-style Thanksgivings have been fun, I'm looking forward to a smaller, more mellow day of Thanks this year. It will also be nice to relax a little before next weekend's memorial services and luau.
By the way, we wanted to make sure that everyone got the invite for Peggy's Celebration of Life Luau following the memorial. We are selling tickets for this private luau to Peggy Chun friends and family and you must RSVP by December 1! Please email me if you didn't get the invitation.
Monday, November 24, 2008
A Beautiful Blessing...
We had a wonderful potluck lunch and beautiful blessing in Peggy's room today. It was so nice to sit around with everyone and talk, laugh, cry, eat, talk, and laugh some more. Marita brought some white sage that we burned in the room to "cleanse the space" (a Native American tradition). Then Clarence led us in a beautiful blessing.
Clarence had a calabash of water that we passed around the room. We each put our "mana" in the water by touching it with our hands as we spoke about what we were grateful for and what Peggy meant to us. Then he blessed us all and the room with the water. It was so beautiful to hear everyone's reflections on Peggy and what each person was thankful for. It was a very powerful and beautiful experience. We also spent a lot of time getting caught up on the memorial plans from our awesome Memorial Committee to whom we are eternally grateful!
As the Nuuanu wind blew strongly through the house today and we bustled around meeting and talking, eating and working, Eric and I were so comforted...so relieved and so happy that the story doesn't end here.
I think that is what many of us fear, that we are not only mourning the loss of Peggy, but also the loss of the culture and community that has built up around her. As I talk to each of you, I feel like we are all feeling this similar sentiment...we will miss Peggy, yes, but we will also miss the purpose that she gave us to be together.
I think that we need to remember that so much of the legacy that Peggy leaves behind is this amazing Peggy Chun Ohana...the friendships that were forged at her bedside...and while we no longer have the purpose of caring for Peggy, we can have the new purpose of carrying on this legacy of friendship and love...isn't that, after all, what Peggy would want..for the party not to end?!
Clarence had a calabash of water that we passed around the room. We each put our "mana" in the water by touching it with our hands as we spoke about what we were grateful for and what Peggy meant to us. Then he blessed us all and the room with the water. It was so beautiful to hear everyone's reflections on Peggy and what each person was thankful for. It was a very powerful and beautiful experience. We also spent a lot of time getting caught up on the memorial plans from our awesome Memorial Committee to whom we are eternally grateful!
As the Nuuanu wind blew strongly through the house today and we bustled around meeting and talking, eating and working, Eric and I were so comforted...so relieved and so happy that the story doesn't end here.
I think that is what many of us fear, that we are not only mourning the loss of Peggy, but also the loss of the culture and community that has built up around her. As I talk to each of you, I feel like we are all feeling this similar sentiment...we will miss Peggy, yes, but we will also miss the purpose that she gave us to be together.
I think that we need to remember that so much of the legacy that Peggy leaves behind is this amazing Peggy Chun Ohana...the friendships that were forged at her bedside...and while we no longer have the purpose of caring for Peggy, we can have the new purpose of carrying on this legacy of friendship and love...isn't that, after all, what Peggy would want..for the party not to end?!
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Cocooning
We're "cocooning" at home today. I'm writing this from my laptop in bed with the kids as we watch "Mary Poppins". It is storming outside...we can hear the wind and the gushing of Kalihi Stream outside.
Last night we had the Seglers, Camille, Silas, and some friends over to our house in Kalihi for dinner. Everyone ended up sleeping over after much beer, wine, and late night poker. The kids had a blast running around, playing dress up, and watching movies.
Elroy stopped in for a bit. He stayed longer than he ever has at our house. He was so happy and relaxed. Usually every time he comes over he is anxious to get home to make sure everything is OK..he rushes out worried about whether the caregivers and Peggy are OK on their own. But last night he was so relaxed. He even had a beer! He stayed and played with the kids for a while. It was so wonderful to see him like that. He deserves it.
I know how he feels. Today was the first time that I woke up and wasn't worried about what was going on at Peggy's house...I'm always thinking on the weekends about Peggy and the caregivers...and I always have this feeling like I need to cram everything in to my weekend because there is so much to do and so much to manage at Peggy's during the week. I'm so used to carrying around anxiety in the back of head about whether we have Peggy's shifts covered. Today was the first day that I actually turned my phone off. I haven't turned my phone off in 6 years. I've basically been "on call" since 2002.
I'm enjoying being unavailable, but also can't wait to be with people at Peggy's again on Monday. I have this strange mix of wanting to be alone, but feeling lonely. I miss Peggy and the weather is making me feel nostalgic and tired. I also am coming down with a case of the "shoulds" - you know, I should call people back, I should return emails, I should do some work, I should clean the house, I should do this or that...but I don't really feel like doing anything.
I know this is normal and that I should just be easy on myself...I can hear Peggy telling me to play the "grieving card" for as long as I can! She always told me to "use every card in the deck". She'd spell that saying out and we'd have a good laugh when we played the "ALS card" with telemarketers...we'd tell them she was totally paralyzed and that she would NEVER be available to come to the phone and they would just hang up! Peggy got a kick out of that.
So we're laying low today and then celebrating Silas's birthday tomorrow at the Children's Discovery Center...please join us there at 1pm if you're free. Then Monday we'll start another work week at Peggy's. Hope you can all join us for potluck lunch and our hospice meeting/room blessing at 11am. We'll be working this week on more cleaning and clearing and also getting organized for Peggy's services on December 5th.
We had fun watching the news bit last night. We saw it on the 10 o'clock news. We will make copies of that one and Eric will tape the ones from the other night too. The news stations grabbed photos from our Shutterfly page...we got a good laugh when we watched the KGMB piece since one of the photos they selected was of Karen in a penguin suit pretending to put Southern Comfort in Peggy's g-tube! Ha!
Speaking of photos, I've put up some photos from our last day with Peggy and a couple from the morning after. I especially like the ones of Indy and Jade at her bedside...I think they capture the simple grief of children that I spoke about in my previous post...they are sad and then they are not. You can see the photos here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
And here are a couple of photos of what we've done so far with Peggy's room. We've turned it into sort of a Peggy living room and shrine. It is so nice to just sit in there. It is cozy and familiar, but different enough to ease the loss. We hung Peggy's spellboards on the wall along with the "Pool Rules" sign that Shelly brought over for Peggy's pool bath day.
Hope everyone is enjoying this snuggley day and having a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. Hugs to all of you.
Last night we had the Seglers, Camille, Silas, and some friends over to our house in Kalihi for dinner. Everyone ended up sleeping over after much beer, wine, and late night poker. The kids had a blast running around, playing dress up, and watching movies.
Elroy stopped in for a bit. He stayed longer than he ever has at our house. He was so happy and relaxed. Usually every time he comes over he is anxious to get home to make sure everything is OK..he rushes out worried about whether the caregivers and Peggy are OK on their own. But last night he was so relaxed. He even had a beer! He stayed and played with the kids for a while. It was so wonderful to see him like that. He deserves it.
I know how he feels. Today was the first time that I woke up and wasn't worried about what was going on at Peggy's house...I'm always thinking on the weekends about Peggy and the caregivers...and I always have this feeling like I need to cram everything in to my weekend because there is so much to do and so much to manage at Peggy's during the week. I'm so used to carrying around anxiety in the back of head about whether we have Peggy's shifts covered. Today was the first day that I actually turned my phone off. I haven't turned my phone off in 6 years. I've basically been "on call" since 2002.
I'm enjoying being unavailable, but also can't wait to be with people at Peggy's again on Monday. I have this strange mix of wanting to be alone, but feeling lonely. I miss Peggy and the weather is making me feel nostalgic and tired. I also am coming down with a case of the "shoulds" - you know, I should call people back, I should return emails, I should do some work, I should clean the house, I should do this or that...but I don't really feel like doing anything.
I know this is normal and that I should just be easy on myself...I can hear Peggy telling me to play the "grieving card" for as long as I can! She always told me to "use every card in the deck". She'd spell that saying out and we'd have a good laugh when we played the "ALS card" with telemarketers...we'd tell them she was totally paralyzed and that she would NEVER be available to come to the phone and they would just hang up! Peggy got a kick out of that.
So we're laying low today and then celebrating Silas's birthday tomorrow at the Children's Discovery Center...please join us there at 1pm if you're free. Then Monday we'll start another work week at Peggy's. Hope you can all join us for potluck lunch and our hospice meeting/room blessing at 11am. We'll be working this week on more cleaning and clearing and also getting organized for Peggy's services on December 5th.
We had fun watching the news bit last night. We saw it on the 10 o'clock news. We will make copies of that one and Eric will tape the ones from the other night too. The news stations grabbed photos from our Shutterfly page...we got a good laugh when we watched the KGMB piece since one of the photos they selected was of Karen in a penguin suit pretending to put Southern Comfort in Peggy's g-tube! Ha!
Speaking of photos, I've put up some photos from our last day with Peggy and a couple from the morning after. I especially like the ones of Indy and Jade at her bedside...I think they capture the simple grief of children that I spoke about in my previous post...they are sad and then they are not. You can see the photos here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
And here are a couple of photos of what we've done so far with Peggy's room. We've turned it into sort of a Peggy living room and shrine. It is so nice to just sit in there. It is cozy and familiar, but different enough to ease the loss. We hung Peggy's spellboards on the wall along with the "Pool Rules" sign that Shelly brought over for Peggy's pool bath day.
Hope everyone is enjoying this snuggley day and having a relaxing and rejuvenating weekend. Hugs to all of you.
Silas's Birthday
Just a little note to let everyone know that the original plans to celebrate Silas's birthday today at the beach have been canceled due to the weather! The new plan is to hit the Children's Discovery Center tomorrow (Sunday) around 1pm. Maybe some beach time Sunday afternoon if it clears up...Camille and Silas leave tomorrow night.
Lolo's Thanksgiving Eve Concert
ATTENTION ALL PEG’S LEGS, FAMILY, AND FRIENDS
HONOLULU SYMPHONY - THANKSGIVING EVE
CAREGIVER LOLO WILL SING!
This Thanksgiving, Hawai`i’s most radiant voices come together for “Ho'omaika'i – A Celebration!” – a free community concert on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Presented by the Oahu Choral Society (Honolulu Symphony Chorus), the family-friendly concert welcomes music lovers of all ages and features classic holiday choral music in a relaxed setting. Special guests, the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, join the Honolulu Symphony Chorus and Orchestra for this festive evening that celebrates the inspiration of Thanksgiving. Musical highlights include J.S. Bach’s Magnificat, Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and John Rutter’s Gloria. “Ho'omaika'i – A Celebration!” is also an exceptional opportunity for families to introduce the experience of live, choral music to older children.
No tickets or reservations are required.
PEG’S LEGS (decked out for the holidays) ANTLERS STRONGLY SUGGESTED - pick up at Long's or at Peggy's studio, (these have to be returned per Karen).
MEET AT THE FRONT DOOR OF THE BLAISDELL CONCERT HALL
7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26th.
LET’S ALL BE THERE!
HONOLULU SYMPHONY - THANKSGIVING EVE
CAREGIVER LOLO WILL SING!
This Thanksgiving, Hawai`i’s most radiant voices come together for “Ho'omaika'i – A Celebration!” – a free community concert on Wednesday, November 26 at 7:30 p.m. at the Blaisdell Concert Hall. Presented by the Oahu Choral Society (Honolulu Symphony Chorus), the family-friendly concert welcomes music lovers of all ages and features classic holiday choral music in a relaxed setting. Special guests, the Hawaii Youth Opera Chorus, join the Honolulu Symphony Chorus and Orchestra for this festive evening that celebrates the inspiration of Thanksgiving. Musical highlights include J.S. Bach’s Magnificat, Benjamin Britten’s A Ceremony of Carols and John Rutter’s Gloria. “Ho'omaika'i – A Celebration!” is also an exceptional opportunity for families to introduce the experience of live, choral music to older children.
No tickets or reservations are required.
PEG’S LEGS (decked out for the holidays) ANTLERS STRONGLY SUGGESTED - pick up at Long's or at Peggy's studio, (these have to be returned per Karen).
MEET AT THE FRONT DOOR OF THE BLAISDELL CONCERT HALL
7:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 26th.
LET’S ALL BE THERE!
Friday, November 21, 2008
Hospice Meeting, KHNL
A few of us Legs have been working on Peggy's room today. Linda Imai brought by a crockpot of chicken long rice and Jen picked up some sushi. We moved the couch into Peggy's room with her portrait above it. We've been going through all the medical stuff...the bed and vent were picked up today.
Clarence came by today and we set up a support group meeting here at the house for next Monday, November 24th at 11am. Please join us for this Hospice meeting, potluck lunch, and a blessing of Peggy's room...
KHNL came by and interviewed me today. Check it out tonight, Channel 8, 5 and 6pm.
Clarence came by today and we set up a support group meeting here at the house for next Monday, November 24th at 11am. Please join us for this Hospice meeting, potluck lunch, and a blessing of Peggy's room...
KHNL came by and interviewed me today. Check it out tonight, Channel 8, 5 and 6pm.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Birthdays and House Happenings
Today is Silas's birthday! Peggy's sister Camille's son Silas turns 2 today! Happy Birthday Buddy! And yesterday was Andy Yim's birthday - Happy Birthday, Andy!
We're having open house over at Peggy's today...feel free to drop by 10 to 5 today. We're going to try to give Elroy a quiet evening at home for a change, but we'll be around hanging out during the day if you want to stop by.
Tomorrow we are planning to work on Peggy's room. Any Peg's Legs that want to help, please stop by, we'll start at 10am and try to be out of here by 5...
In fact, Karen and I will continue to run the business out of Peggy's home Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm. We welcome any and all Peg's Legs and friends who want to help us with the house to come by during those hours. Elroy is eager to move to a smaller pad and we are currently looking for a gallery/office space (please let us know if you have any leads!) so we will begin sorting and organizing right away.
We think that it will be a fun and healing process. We are planning to get a big dumpster rented next week and we also are thinking of a possible yard sale. Let us know is you have any ideas or would like to help with anything.
We're having open house over at Peggy's today...feel free to drop by 10 to 5 today. We're going to try to give Elroy a quiet evening at home for a change, but we'll be around hanging out during the day if you want to stop by.
Tomorrow we are planning to work on Peggy's room. Any Peg's Legs that want to help, please stop by, we'll start at 10am and try to be out of here by 5...
In fact, Karen and I will continue to run the business out of Peggy's home Monday through Friday, 10am to 5pm. We welcome any and all Peg's Legs and friends who want to help us with the house to come by during those hours. Elroy is eager to move to a smaller pad and we are currently looking for a gallery/office space (please let us know if you have any leads!) so we will begin sorting and organizing right away.
We think that it will be a fun and healing process. We are planning to get a big dumpster rented next week and we also are thinking of a possible yard sale. Let us know is you have any ideas or would like to help with anything.
Lee's Article in The Honolulu Advertiser
I'm sure that all of you have already read Lee Cataluna's beautiful piece on Peggy in this morning's Advertiser. If you haven't, you can check it out at this link:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081120/NEWS01/811200367
We are so touched by Lee's writing. She did such a wonderful job of capturing Peggy, her life, and especially our last precious days with Peg. What a joy and a comfort to wake up and read such a beautiful and accurate description of everything. As Karen said today, you just want to read the article over and over!
Lee is a dear friend of Peggy's. Peggy loved and respected Lee with all her heart. I know that Peggy is smiling down from the Heavens on her friend and thanking her for capturing her life so perfectly...what a gift Lee has given Peggy and our family. Thank you, Lee...we love you!
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081120/NEWS01/811200367
We are so touched by Lee's writing. She did such a wonderful job of capturing Peggy, her life, and especially our last precious days with Peg. What a joy and a comfort to wake up and read such a beautiful and accurate description of everything. As Karen said today, you just want to read the article over and over!
Lee is a dear friend of Peggy's. Peggy loved and respected Lee with all her heart. I know that Peggy is smiling down from the Heavens on her friend and thanking her for capturing her life so perfectly...what a gift Lee has given Peggy and our family. Thank you, Lee...we love you!
Reflections on Our Loss...
I never understood the term "good death" until yesterday. Just as Peggy lived an amazing life, she died and amazing death. Friends, family, and caregivers were in and out of the house all day...We all took turns at her bedside, holding her hand, talking with her, laughing, telling stories. She was very comfortable and very sedated from the morphine and though she couldn't communicate, we could feel her calm presence and sense her peace.
HCA nurses Cory and Cathy were with us all day, managing the morphine and monitoring Peggy. They were so wonderful and comforting. Clarence and Diane from Hospice were also around throughout the day. Also wonderful and comforting. Dr. Davis was also on hand to tend to Peggy and support the family. It was a slow weaning process, just as Peggy had requested. As we neared the evening hours, we could feel Peg beginning to slip away. We gathered around her bed, we sang, we laughed, we cried, we said our goodbyes...and then in true Peggy fashion, she hung on for 2 more hours! That's our Peggy!
Peggy passed away at 9:35pm, surrounded by her loved ones. There was sorrow in the house, but there was just as much laughter and joy...it was just what Peggy would want, just what she taught us. There was also relief...to see Peggy set free from those tubes and paralyzed body...and onto yet another Peggy Chun adventure.
I am siting here writing this from Peggy's room. I came over as soon as I could get up and get the kids over here. I have the kids out of school today so that they could spend some time over here with everyone and process the loss of their Puna. My parents had Indy and Sawyer last night at our home. It was nice to know that they were happy at home eating well and going to bed at a normal time. I told Indy this morning about Peggy. She was sad and then she was OK. The simple grief of a child. So pure and so beautiful.
Eric is doing as well as can be expected. He stayed here last night...there was some late night processing and decompressing (a.k.a. drinking) that went on here after I left. It was Camille, Jason, Leslie, Karen, Shelly, Marvel, Lisa, Recky...not sure if I'm forgetting anyone...I wish I could have stayed and hung out...sounds like I missed out on a lot of fun and bonding! Let's just say that the penguin suits and electric wheelchair saw some action on Alika Avenue. I'm sorry I missed it all, but at least I'm not hungover and recovering from any "Penguin Follies"!
So here I am in Peggy's room. We put a large portrait of her on her bed, surrounded with flowers and lei. It feels the same as always and yet different. The grief comes in waves - the ebb and flow of Peggy's presence - she's here, then she's not, she's here, then she's not...
I am comforted by the sound of the kids in the living room, Elroy going through the trash, Karen puttering around the gallery, the phone ringing...life is still going despite the void that Peggy leaves behind. I used to fear the loss and the change that Peggy's death would bring, but I know I know that though we have lost Peggy, we have not lost ourselves, our identity, or our purpose. We are still a family, still an ohana, still Peg's Legs...we did not die with Peggy, but rather Peggy lives on within us.
HCA nurses Cory and Cathy were with us all day, managing the morphine and monitoring Peggy. They were so wonderful and comforting. Clarence and Diane from Hospice were also around throughout the day. Also wonderful and comforting. Dr. Davis was also on hand to tend to Peggy and support the family. It was a slow weaning process, just as Peggy had requested. As we neared the evening hours, we could feel Peg beginning to slip away. We gathered around her bed, we sang, we laughed, we cried, we said our goodbyes...and then in true Peggy fashion, she hung on for 2 more hours! That's our Peggy!
Peggy passed away at 9:35pm, surrounded by her loved ones. There was sorrow in the house, but there was just as much laughter and joy...it was just what Peggy would want, just what she taught us. There was also relief...to see Peggy set free from those tubes and paralyzed body...and onto yet another Peggy Chun adventure.
I am siting here writing this from Peggy's room. I came over as soon as I could get up and get the kids over here. I have the kids out of school today so that they could spend some time over here with everyone and process the loss of their Puna. My parents had Indy and Sawyer last night at our home. It was nice to know that they were happy at home eating well and going to bed at a normal time. I told Indy this morning about Peggy. She was sad and then she was OK. The simple grief of a child. So pure and so beautiful.
Eric is doing as well as can be expected. He stayed here last night...there was some late night processing and decompressing (a.k.a. drinking) that went on here after I left. It was Camille, Jason, Leslie, Karen, Shelly, Marvel, Lisa, Recky...not sure if I'm forgetting anyone...I wish I could have stayed and hung out...sounds like I missed out on a lot of fun and bonding! Let's just say that the penguin suits and electric wheelchair saw some action on Alika Avenue. I'm sorry I missed it all, but at least I'm not hungover and recovering from any "Penguin Follies"!
So here I am in Peggy's room. We put a large portrait of her on her bed, surrounded with flowers and lei. It feels the same as always and yet different. The grief comes in waves - the ebb and flow of Peggy's presence - she's here, then she's not, she's here, then she's not...
I am comforted by the sound of the kids in the living room, Elroy going through the trash, Karen puttering around the gallery, the phone ringing...life is still going despite the void that Peggy leaves behind. I used to fear the loss and the change that Peggy's death would bring, but I know I know that though we have lost Peggy, we have not lost ourselves, our identity, or our purpose. We are still a family, still an ohana, still Peg's Legs...we did not die with Peggy, but rather Peggy lives on within us.
We love you, Peggy...
Peggy passed away tonight at 9:35pm. This is from the Honolulu Advertiser website...
Beloved Hawaii artist died the way she lived — with courage
Artist Peggy Chun died today surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy of familiar and dear watercolor scenes of the islands and inspiring memories of how she lived her life. She is shown here in her Nu'uanu studio June 25, 2002, shortly after she was diagnosed with a rare familial form of Lou Gehrig's disease.
By Lee Cataluna
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hawai'i's most prolific and beloved watercolor artist, Peggy Chun, succumbed today to ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
She was diagnosed with the disease in 2002.
As the disease took its toll, she did not allow it to stop her creativity. Always seeing the best in life, she said she was "living with, not dying of, ALS." She continued to paint.
In 2003, when she lost the use of her right hand, she painted with her left. In 2004 a weakened left hand sent the brush to her teeth. When she was fully paralyzed, a computer allowed her to paint with her eyes. "After all," she said, "you don't paint with your hands, you paint with your heart."
Born in Lawton, Okla., Peggy moved to Hawai'i in 1968. She taught school and owned a successful Christmas ornament company. When her twin sister and noted artist, Bobbie Segler, died of ALS, Peggy was inspired to paint. Her work is featured in fine art galleries in Hawai'i and in private and corporate collections across the globe.
Her husband, Elroy Chun, son Eric and a large, loving family have supported her through the years of building her career as an artist and the years of continuing her success against all odds. For six years Peggy was encouraged and assisted in her artistic endeavors by a now nationally famous group of friends and volunteers called the Peg's Legs.
Celebrating an early Thanksgiving with hundreds of friends, Peggy's husband Elroy, said, "Peggy, if we have become more tolerant and forgiving, we owe much of that change in ourselves to you. May Akua prepare your heavenly journey with blessings richly deserved upon taking residence in your new abode. We love and will dearly miss you."
Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 5th at Kawaihao Church. Visitation at 1pm and service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to "Friends of Peggy Chun" are greatly appreciated. Donations may be sent to 3115 Alika Avenue Honolulu HI 96817.
Mary Margaret "Peggy" Richard Chun is survived by:
Husband: Elroy Chun;
Son: Eric Keala Chun, daughter-in-law Jessica Kimi Chun, granddaughter Indiana Anuhea, grandson Sawyer Kumula'au;
Daughter: Leslie, son-in-law Stuart Streuli, granddaughter Hanalei of Newport, R.I.;
Step-son: Bruce Akoni Yong, wife Briar, step-granddaughter Makena of Santa Barbara, Calif.;
Nephew: (son of Peggy's twin sister) Jason Segler, wife Jennifer, grandnieces Jade and Cian, Honolulu;
Nephew: Damon Segler, wife Desiree, grand nephew Dillon;
Niece: (daughter of Peggy's twin sister) Tina Segler, grandniece Molly;
Father: Joseph Richard, stepmother Sara of Lawton, Okla.;
Brothers: Joseph Perry "J P" Richard, John Richard, Peter Richard of Oklahoma; Matthew "Matt" Richard of Tacoma, Wash.; Michael Richard of Colorado Springs, Colo.;
Sister: Camille Richard Fox, husband Joseph, son Silas of Lake City, Colo.;
Peggy is also survived by the famed Peg's Legs 'Ohana of caregivers who served for six years as Peggy's arms, legs and best friends.
Reach Lee Cataluna at lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Article Title:
Beloved Hawaii artist died the way she lived รข•‰ with courage
To view the contents on www.honoluluadvertiser.com, go to:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200811190100/BREAKING01/81119087
Beloved Hawaii artist died the way she lived — with courage
Artist Peggy Chun died today surrounded by family. She leaves behind a legacy of familiar and dear watercolor scenes of the islands and inspiring memories of how she lived her life. She is shown here in her Nu'uanu studio June 25, 2002, shortly after she was diagnosed with a rare familial form of Lou Gehrig's disease.
By Lee Cataluna
Advertiser Staff Writer
Hawai'i's most prolific and beloved watercolor artist, Peggy Chun, succumbed today to ALS, known as Lou Gehrig's Disease.
She was diagnosed with the disease in 2002.
As the disease took its toll, she did not allow it to stop her creativity. Always seeing the best in life, she said she was "living with, not dying of, ALS." She continued to paint.
In 2003, when she lost the use of her right hand, she painted with her left. In 2004 a weakened left hand sent the brush to her teeth. When she was fully paralyzed, a computer allowed her to paint with her eyes. "After all," she said, "you don't paint with your hands, you paint with your heart."
Born in Lawton, Okla., Peggy moved to Hawai'i in 1968. She taught school and owned a successful Christmas ornament company. When her twin sister and noted artist, Bobbie Segler, died of ALS, Peggy was inspired to paint. Her work is featured in fine art galleries in Hawai'i and in private and corporate collections across the globe.
Her husband, Elroy Chun, son Eric and a large, loving family have supported her through the years of building her career as an artist and the years of continuing her success against all odds. For six years Peggy was encouraged and assisted in her artistic endeavors by a now nationally famous group of friends and volunteers called the Peg's Legs.
Celebrating an early Thanksgiving with hundreds of friends, Peggy's husband Elroy, said, "Peggy, if we have become more tolerant and forgiving, we owe much of that change in ourselves to you. May Akua prepare your heavenly journey with blessings richly deserved upon taking residence in your new abode. We love and will dearly miss you."
Memorial services will be held on Friday, December 5th at Kawaihao Church. Visitation at 1pm and service at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to "Friends of Peggy Chun" are greatly appreciated. Donations may be sent to 3115 Alika Avenue Honolulu HI 96817.
Mary Margaret "Peggy" Richard Chun is survived by:
Husband: Elroy Chun;
Son: Eric Keala Chun, daughter-in-law Jessica Kimi Chun, granddaughter Indiana Anuhea, grandson Sawyer Kumula'au;
Daughter: Leslie, son-in-law Stuart Streuli, granddaughter Hanalei of Newport, R.I.;
Step-son: Bruce Akoni Yong, wife Briar, step-granddaughter Makena of Santa Barbara, Calif.;
Nephew: (son of Peggy's twin sister) Jason Segler, wife Jennifer, grandnieces Jade and Cian, Honolulu;
Nephew: Damon Segler, wife Desiree, grand nephew Dillon;
Niece: (daughter of Peggy's twin sister) Tina Segler, grandniece Molly;
Father: Joseph Richard, stepmother Sara of Lawton, Okla.;
Brothers: Joseph Perry "J P" Richard, John Richard, Peter Richard of Oklahoma; Matthew "Matt" Richard of Tacoma, Wash.; Michael Richard of Colorado Springs, Colo.;
Sister: Camille Richard Fox, husband Joseph, son Silas of Lake City, Colo.;
Peggy is also survived by the famed Peg's Legs 'Ohana of caregivers who served for six years as Peggy's arms, legs and best friends.
Reach Lee Cataluna at lcataluna@honoluluadvertiser.com.
Article Title:
Beloved Hawaii artist died the way she lived รข•‰ with courage
To view the contents on www.honoluluadvertiser.com, go to:
http://www.honoluluadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/200811190100/BREAKING01/81119087
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
More Photos to Share
Our Early Thanksgiving was fabulous! We had over 200 guests! It was the quintessential Peggy party! Just what she wanted! We had so much wonderful food and the party lasted so long (many of us slept over!) that we hardly had any leftovers (except some turkey bones that Elroy made into "jook" (Chinese-style turkey rice soup).
I will let the photos of the party speak for themselves...but some of the highlights of the day include Richard Hardy's blessing, Elroy's speech, Eric's sweet words of thanks to me, Jim Franklin singing "Coincidence", Melody and Dale's musical entertainment, the evening arrival of Karen's alter-ego "Kalena", penguin suit fun, some late night entertainment from Puamana, and so much more!
We spent most of yesterday cleaning up and recovering after the party. Then in the afternoon Peggy's "bath wish" came true! Peggy hasn't been able to take a real bath since she went on the trach in 2003 so this was on Peggy's "bucket list" that she and Marvel were working on...originally we had planned to do this outside, but it was stormy, so we brought the inflatable pool in the living room!
The guys filled it with a hose they connected to the kitchen sink. We put lots of bubbles and hoyered her into the pool. Marvel managed the hoyer, Sonia (who had just walked into all the craziness right at the right moment!) ambu-bagged Peggy so that we could disconnect her from the electric ventilator, Jason sat in the pool to support Peggy, and Jen got in to help too. Later Shelly jumped in too with all her clothes on!
We could tell that Peggy loved it. As Marvel said, she kept giving everyone those eyes that say, "Thank you. Thank you." We asked Peggy a couple times if she was ready to get out and she kept saying NO!
Check out photos from both the Early Thanksgiving and Peggy's Pool Bath here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
This morning is relatively quiet. I have a few moments to sit in the office and catch up with work. My inbox is overflowing, my office mail box is overflowing, and I'm falling behind in all my office work. I know that this is to be expected, but I'm so uncomfortable being so behind and unorganized.
I do feel good that I was able finally able to pry the kids out of here yesterday afternoon (we had all slept over after the party and I took them out of school yesterday since Indy was exhausted and Sawyer has had a fever). So I got to take them home, feed them a healthy dinner, give them a good bath, got them to brush their teeth extra good, I clipped their nails, and even gave Maka a bath! Then we all went to bed at 7pm! It was such a relief for me to get them taken care of and it was so good to get a good night's sleep.
I dropped Indy off at school this morning, but Sawyer still had a fever last night, so I left him with Eric and Damon (who slept over at our house last night). Eric is at home getting some work done and Damon is hanging out with Sawyer...what a relief for me to be able to get some stuff done here without the kids around.
So, as I was saying...things are quieting down a bit, which is a very good thing. Karen says that today is Peggy's Christmas Eve...so we're all wearing antlers and santa hats and playing Christmas music...we'll continue to keep everyone posted...
I will let the photos of the party speak for themselves...but some of the highlights of the day include Richard Hardy's blessing, Elroy's speech, Eric's sweet words of thanks to me, Jim Franklin singing "Coincidence", Melody and Dale's musical entertainment, the evening arrival of Karen's alter-ego "Kalena", penguin suit fun, some late night entertainment from Puamana, and so much more!
We spent most of yesterday cleaning up and recovering after the party. Then in the afternoon Peggy's "bath wish" came true! Peggy hasn't been able to take a real bath since she went on the trach in 2003 so this was on Peggy's "bucket list" that she and Marvel were working on...originally we had planned to do this outside, but it was stormy, so we brought the inflatable pool in the living room!
The guys filled it with a hose they connected to the kitchen sink. We put lots of bubbles and hoyered her into the pool. Marvel managed the hoyer, Sonia (who had just walked into all the craziness right at the right moment!) ambu-bagged Peggy so that we could disconnect her from the electric ventilator, Jason sat in the pool to support Peggy, and Jen got in to help too. Later Shelly jumped in too with all her clothes on!
We could tell that Peggy loved it. As Marvel said, she kept giving everyone those eyes that say, "Thank you. Thank you." We asked Peggy a couple times if she was ready to get out and she kept saying NO!
Check out photos from both the Early Thanksgiving and Peggy's Pool Bath here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
This morning is relatively quiet. I have a few moments to sit in the office and catch up with work. My inbox is overflowing, my office mail box is overflowing, and I'm falling behind in all my office work. I know that this is to be expected, but I'm so uncomfortable being so behind and unorganized.
I do feel good that I was able finally able to pry the kids out of here yesterday afternoon (we had all slept over after the party and I took them out of school yesterday since Indy was exhausted and Sawyer has had a fever). So I got to take them home, feed them a healthy dinner, give them a good bath, got them to brush their teeth extra good, I clipped their nails, and even gave Maka a bath! Then we all went to bed at 7pm! It was such a relief for me to get them taken care of and it was so good to get a good night's sleep.
I dropped Indy off at school this morning, but Sawyer still had a fever last night, so I left him with Eric and Damon (who slept over at our house last night). Eric is at home getting some work done and Damon is hanging out with Sawyer...what a relief for me to be able to get some stuff done here without the kids around.
So, as I was saying...things are quieting down a bit, which is a very good thing. Karen says that today is Peggy's Christmas Eve...so we're all wearing antlers and santa hats and playing Christmas music...we'll continue to keep everyone posted...
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Another Quiet Moment...
I'm home tonight after a big day at the Hanahauoli Ohana Fun Fest. It was Indy's school's fair and I worked the Pony Rides this morning. Eric and the kids met me there along with Camille and Silas, Matt & Marlene Richard, Jason, the girls, and Damon. Silas, Indy, and Sawyer all rode ponies. The kids all got face painting and spray painted hair. It was a fun way to spend the day. The kids came home for a big nap and I popped over to Peggy's just for a bit and saw a few of today's visitors.
This afternoon Eric went to go pick up Peggy's daughter Leslie and baby Hanalei. He took them over to Peggy's house to meet the family. I got a phone report from Hanna that it was going great. I'm at home tonight recharging. My mom and dad came over to hang out and help me with the kids and our house. I wanted to get the kids bathed and to bed early since they have been having a lot of late nights and tomorrow is a BIG day.
I have uploaded more photos from the past couple of days. We've had so many visitors and so much going on, I think I will let the photos tell most of the story, but I'll briefly describe some of the highlights...
Thursday afternoon the art therapist from Hospice came by and did a hand-cast of Peggy's hand and also of Indy holding Peggy's hand. She left us with the finished sculptures...really cool...
You'll see in the photos that we have more Richards in town...and Damon too (Jason's brother). Thursday night Linda Imai dropped off a delicious lasagna (and salad and bread too) that we all devoured! It was so good! Thanks Linda! That night we also had a visit from Kapono who came and did lomi lomi massage for Peggy.
Yesterday was a BIG day at Peggy's. Lots of visitors, but of course the highlight was the visit from 36 Holy Trinity Students (and a bunch of chaperones). They came by trolley to Alika Avenue and set up their band equiptment in the living room. The band played a few numbers and then all 36 kids piled into Peggy's room and sang to her. They did a bunch of songs like, "You Lift Me Up" and "Time of Your Life". They also read poems to her and letters that they had written. They are such amazing kids...it was so wonderful to view this experience through their young eyes. Thank you to Shelly for setting this up...what a gift for Peggy...and also for the children.
Last night we ordered in Greek food and hung out at Peggy's. The Lewis family arrived yesterday and also JP Richard. The kids all had fun playing with the Polly Pockets that they got from Jett Lewis. We also enjoyed a few precious moments around sunset time playing with the neighbor's 2 ENORMOUS English Mastifs (big dogs).
Looking forward to tomorrow's Early Thanksgiving. I'm glad I'm getting a bit of downtime before all the fun. We have over 130 RSVPs and you know there will be even more than that! That's a Peggy party for ya! She's gonna LOVE it!
See the latest photos here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
This afternoon Eric went to go pick up Peggy's daughter Leslie and baby Hanalei. He took them over to Peggy's house to meet the family. I got a phone report from Hanna that it was going great. I'm at home tonight recharging. My mom and dad came over to hang out and help me with the kids and our house. I wanted to get the kids bathed and to bed early since they have been having a lot of late nights and tomorrow is a BIG day.
I have uploaded more photos from the past couple of days. We've had so many visitors and so much going on, I think I will let the photos tell most of the story, but I'll briefly describe some of the highlights...
Thursday afternoon the art therapist from Hospice came by and did a hand-cast of Peggy's hand and also of Indy holding Peggy's hand. She left us with the finished sculptures...really cool...
You'll see in the photos that we have more Richards in town...and Damon too (Jason's brother). Thursday night Linda Imai dropped off a delicious lasagna (and salad and bread too) that we all devoured! It was so good! Thanks Linda! That night we also had a visit from Kapono who came and did lomi lomi massage for Peggy.
Yesterday was a BIG day at Peggy's. Lots of visitors, but of course the highlight was the visit from 36 Holy Trinity Students (and a bunch of chaperones). They came by trolley to Alika Avenue and set up their band equiptment in the living room. The band played a few numbers and then all 36 kids piled into Peggy's room and sang to her. They did a bunch of songs like, "You Lift Me Up" and "Time of Your Life". They also read poems to her and letters that they had written. They are such amazing kids...it was so wonderful to view this experience through their young eyes. Thank you to Shelly for setting this up...what a gift for Peggy...and also for the children.
Last night we ordered in Greek food and hung out at Peggy's. The Lewis family arrived yesterday and also JP Richard. The kids all had fun playing with the Polly Pockets that they got from Jett Lewis. We also enjoyed a few precious moments around sunset time playing with the neighbor's 2 ENORMOUS English Mastifs (big dogs).
Looking forward to tomorrow's Early Thanksgiving. I'm glad I'm getting a bit of downtime before all the fun. We have over 130 RSVPs and you know there will be even more than that! That's a Peggy party for ya! She's gonna LOVE it!
See the latest photos here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
Thursday, November 13, 2008
A Quiet Moment at Home to Relax and Reflect
I'm home this morning so that I can catch up on laundry and computer work...it is nice to get some alone time. We've been at the house so much lately and I realized that I needed to balance it out with some quiet time at home. Eric took the kids to school for me this morning and then went surfing which was great for both of us. The kids didn't do well with the change of routine, but kids are resilient...they will get over it.
I know myself well enough to know that I need this time away from "Peggy Central", but it is difficult to pull myself away from the house. I have this feeling like I don't want to miss anything! It has been so amazing everyday at Peggy's. We have had so many wonderful visitors, great conversations, lots of laughter, lots of healing tears. It is such a special time...I have been journaling and taking photos furiously because I feel like I don't want to forget a second of it.
Yesterday's meeting at the house was wonderful. Clarence, Dr. Faran, and about a dozen of us met in the living room. The feedback that I have been hearing is that it is "just what people needed".
Peggy's brother John left last night. Today, her sister Camille, brother Matt & his wife Marlene, and her nephew Damon all arrive. Her brother JP arrives tomorrow. We also just got the wonderful news that Peggy's daughter Leslie and her new baby "Hanalei" will be coming on Saturday.
We are getting excited for Sunday's early Thanksgiving. We have at least 100 RSVPs! My mom has been doing an amazing job of managing all the RSVPs and potluck contributions. If you haven't RSVPed yet - you better do it! You don't want to tick off my mom!
Our friend Jeff (and a set up crew my mom arranged) will be setting up the tent and tables outside on Sunday morning. I also asked Jeff to set up a bouncy castle for the kids. Thought they could use some fun! We also ordered a bed from Hawaiian Islands Medical so that Peggy can be in her bed under the tent which is way more comfortable than her wheelchair...we did this for her Enchanted Forest Birthday Women's Party last year and it worked great. The bed was delivered today...we decided to rent it for a week since there have been numerous slumber party requests!
I had the idea that I'd like to create a roster of all the Peg's Legs and make copies for everyone...we may try to collect current numbers, addresses, etc. from people on Sunday. That way everyone can always keep in touch with each other...
It is so hard to capture everything that has been going on. I have been meaning to share that last Friday, Catholic Bishop Larry Silva came and gave Peggy her last rites, also known as anointing of the sick. I know that this was a great comfort to many of her Catholic friends and family members.
I think I'll let our latest photos tell the rest of the story...enjoy them here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
I know myself well enough to know that I need this time away from "Peggy Central", but it is difficult to pull myself away from the house. I have this feeling like I don't want to miss anything! It has been so amazing everyday at Peggy's. We have had so many wonderful visitors, great conversations, lots of laughter, lots of healing tears. It is such a special time...I have been journaling and taking photos furiously because I feel like I don't want to forget a second of it.
Yesterday's meeting at the house was wonderful. Clarence, Dr. Faran, and about a dozen of us met in the living room. The feedback that I have been hearing is that it is "just what people needed".
Peggy's brother John left last night. Today, her sister Camille, brother Matt & his wife Marlene, and her nephew Damon all arrive. Her brother JP arrives tomorrow. We also just got the wonderful news that Peggy's daughter Leslie and her new baby "Hanalei" will be coming on Saturday.
We are getting excited for Sunday's early Thanksgiving. We have at least 100 RSVPs! My mom has been doing an amazing job of managing all the RSVPs and potluck contributions. If you haven't RSVPed yet - you better do it! You don't want to tick off my mom!
Our friend Jeff (and a set up crew my mom arranged) will be setting up the tent and tables outside on Sunday morning. I also asked Jeff to set up a bouncy castle for the kids. Thought they could use some fun! We also ordered a bed from Hawaiian Islands Medical so that Peggy can be in her bed under the tent which is way more comfortable than her wheelchair...we did this for her Enchanted Forest Birthday Women's Party last year and it worked great. The bed was delivered today...we decided to rent it for a week since there have been numerous slumber party requests!
I had the idea that I'd like to create a roster of all the Peg's Legs and make copies for everyone...we may try to collect current numbers, addresses, etc. from people on Sunday. That way everyone can always keep in touch with each other...
It is so hard to capture everything that has been going on. I have been meaning to share that last Friday, Catholic Bishop Larry Silva came and gave Peggy her last rites, also known as anointing of the sick. I know that this was a great comfort to many of her Catholic friends and family members.
I think I'll let our latest photos tell the rest of the story...enjoy them here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Support Group Meeting Tomorrow
Clarence Liu will be coming over to Peggy's house tomorrow (Wednesday) at noon for another Peg's Legs support group meeting...this time in the living room at Peggy's. Please join us.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Puking for Peggy!
It was the best of times...it was the worst of times. OK, it wasn't the worst of times, but we did fill over 20 barf bags between us all on the way over to Maui on the Superferry yesterday! But I really am getting ahead of myself...let's start at the beginning...Saturday night's Smores and Pajamas party! Jason did an awesome job of getting the party started...he borrowed this awesome above ground fire pit from his neighbor and fired up the grill. We grilled, ate, drank, and made Smores in the backyard! So fun. Shelly brought her guitar and I hear that there was singing and talking all night...in fact, Mata and Shelly slept over and pretty much stayed up all night. Don't expect to get much sleep at a sleepover if Shelly Mecum is your bed-mate! Ha!
Sunday morning, Marvel came over before sunrise to get Peggy up in her chair and out the door by 5:45am! Adrienne, our faithful driver and dear friend, accompanied us on this adventure! We all met at the Superferry around 6:45am...there were 17 of us - me, Kelly and Pepper, Rhea, Kelsey Sears, Martha Torney, Fortuna, John Richard (Peg's bro), Nurse Cory and her Mother-in-law Joan, Ania, Betsy, Shelly Mecum, Mata, Adrienne, Marvel, and Peggy.
Let's just say that our visions of this trip were a bit different than what transpired. I think we all pictured ourselves partying and laughing, gaily sailing with Peggy, a heart-warming "Make a Wish" dream come true. It was definitely like that for about 45 minutes while we waited to leave port. Then we set out to sea. At first it was OK, but within 20 minutes, we all started to feel it. Some of us moved to the middle of the boat to see if it was better. Some tried to get air outside on the deck. Cory curled up on the ground. Kelsey and Shelly were uncharacteristicly silent. Fortuna disappeared.
Word started to spread around about who had vomited. We were dropping like flies. Thankfully Peggy and Marvel did fine. Martha too. And John, Betsy, and Mata did pretty good too. It began to mellow out in the middle and so most of us reconvened around Peggy. We laid around playing trivial pursuit and then even more fun...Peggy Chun trivia...the whole ship was clearly feeling it...the amazing Superferry staff rushed around handing out soda crackers, gingerale, and big plastic biohazard bags to put our barf bags in...We were doing pretty good and then it started again...we filled more bags.
By the time we got to Maui, we were all puked out. Some went to get air. Kelly and Pepper went to Burger King. It was just so hilarious that we weren't even going to do anything on Maui, just turn right around for more.
Thankfully, our kolohe (rascal) Mata had planned a surprise for Peggy. The night before she had arranged for Kapono'ai Molitau, son of the late Kumu John Lake, to come on board the Superferry to see Peggy. While we were docked for 45 minutes in Maui, he came on the ship and did a beautiful pule (prayer/chant) especially for Peggy at this special time in her life. It was very moving and surreal. It brought tears to our eyes and I think that the only thing that kept us from totally breaking down was the fact that Peggy was dressed as a penguin!
The ride back to Oahu was thankfully much smoother. The Captain and the First Officer were so wonderful and they kept coming and checking on Peggy and all of us. On the way home, they took us by Kalaupapa (something they do only 10% of the time, weather/sea conditions permitting). We rolled Peggy up to the window to get a good view of Mokokai and Kalaupapa...there was a beautiful mist falling down in the mountains of Molokai. Betsy said it best as we passed by the mountains and neared Kalaupapa...it was so "majestic".
So, not the day we had envisioned...but if there is one thing we've learned all these years, you can plan all you want, but sometimes life has something else in mind. Even though I personally filled 2 bags, I wouldn't have missed it...it sort of felt like laying around totally hungover with great friends after a really great party...a pretty appropriate analogy I think. It definitely was an adventure none of will forget...and that was the goal, after all.
Check out our photos from the Superferry (and some others of recent visitors and our Smores and Pajamas night) here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
Sunday morning, Marvel came over before sunrise to get Peggy up in her chair and out the door by 5:45am! Adrienne, our faithful driver and dear friend, accompanied us on this adventure! We all met at the Superferry around 6:45am...there were 17 of us - me, Kelly and Pepper, Rhea, Kelsey Sears, Martha Torney, Fortuna, John Richard (Peg's bro), Nurse Cory and her Mother-in-law Joan, Ania, Betsy, Shelly Mecum, Mata, Adrienne, Marvel, and Peggy.
Let's just say that our visions of this trip were a bit different than what transpired. I think we all pictured ourselves partying and laughing, gaily sailing with Peggy, a heart-warming "Make a Wish" dream come true. It was definitely like that for about 45 minutes while we waited to leave port. Then we set out to sea. At first it was OK, but within 20 minutes, we all started to feel it. Some of us moved to the middle of the boat to see if it was better. Some tried to get air outside on the deck. Cory curled up on the ground. Kelsey and Shelly were uncharacteristicly silent. Fortuna disappeared.
Word started to spread around about who had vomited. We were dropping like flies. Thankfully Peggy and Marvel did fine. Martha too. And John, Betsy, and Mata did pretty good too. It began to mellow out in the middle and so most of us reconvened around Peggy. We laid around playing trivial pursuit and then even more fun...Peggy Chun trivia...the whole ship was clearly feeling it...the amazing Superferry staff rushed around handing out soda crackers, gingerale, and big plastic biohazard bags to put our barf bags in...We were doing pretty good and then it started again...we filled more bags.
By the time we got to Maui, we were all puked out. Some went to get air. Kelly and Pepper went to Burger King. It was just so hilarious that we weren't even going to do anything on Maui, just turn right around for more.
Thankfully, our kolohe (rascal) Mata had planned a surprise for Peggy. The night before she had arranged for Kapono'ai Molitau, son of the late Kumu John Lake, to come on board the Superferry to see Peggy. While we were docked for 45 minutes in Maui, he came on the ship and did a beautiful pule (prayer/chant) especially for Peggy at this special time in her life. It was very moving and surreal. It brought tears to our eyes and I think that the only thing that kept us from totally breaking down was the fact that Peggy was dressed as a penguin!
The ride back to Oahu was thankfully much smoother. The Captain and the First Officer were so wonderful and they kept coming and checking on Peggy and all of us. On the way home, they took us by Kalaupapa (something they do only 10% of the time, weather/sea conditions permitting). We rolled Peggy up to the window to get a good view of Mokokai and Kalaupapa...there was a beautiful mist falling down in the mountains of Molokai. Betsy said it best as we passed by the mountains and neared Kalaupapa...it was so "majestic".
So, not the day we had envisioned...but if there is one thing we've learned all these years, you can plan all you want, but sometimes life has something else in mind. Even though I personally filled 2 bags, I wouldn't have missed it...it sort of felt like laying around totally hungover with great friends after a really great party...a pretty appropriate analogy I think. It definitely was an adventure none of will forget...and that was the goal, after all.
Check out our photos from the Superferry (and some others of recent visitors and our Smores and Pajamas night) here Peg's Legs on Shutterfly
Friday, November 7, 2008
Stolen Car Alert
FYI - last night the night nurse, Eric, had his car stolen from in front of Peggy's house sometime during his night shift! So crazy! His car was parked right in front of Peggy's house and he even had a club across the steering wheel. Apparently someone stole it, took some parts, then left it in Waikamilo at which point someone had it towed by Ace Towing. Weird.
Anyways, if you are planning to do an overnight shift or stay overnight, please feel free to park in the driveway instead of the street. We don't mean to freak anyone out, it was probably just some young kids looking for cool car parts, but it still sucks. We did let the neighborhood watch person know...
Anyways, if you are planning to do an overnight shift or stay overnight, please feel free to park in the driveway instead of the street. We don't mean to freak anyone out, it was probably just some young kids looking for cool car parts, but it still sucks. We did let the neighborhood watch person know...
Smores & SuperFerry!!!!!
Come one come all to our Smores & Pajamas Camp-in this Saturday night, November 8, at 6pm at Peggy's! We are working on fulfilling some of Peggy's wishes...guess you could call it her "Bucket List". One of them is that she has always wanted to go camping and have a bonfire...she used to love camping and singing songs around the campfire. So we're instead of camping out, we're camping in! So bring your pajamas and plan to sleep over if...
You want to participate in Part 2 of "Project Bucket List" which is taking Peggy on the SuperFerry to Maui! Yes, you read that correctly - Peggy has ALWAYS wanted to go on the SuperFerry so we are working on making this dream come true! The SuperFerry leaves at 8:30am on Sunday morning, November 9. We have Dr. Davis's approval and Cory is coming with us! Our cab driver, Adrienne, has said "yes" too and is coming along for the fun!
So...if you want to join us YOU HAVE TO CALL ME RIGHT NOW!!! We're working on a group rate, but it will probably end up being about $100 a person round trip. Let us know - we need to know right away.
Are we crazy? Yes. Sigh. Oh, the things we do for Peggy Chun...
You want to participate in Part 2 of "Project Bucket List" which is taking Peggy on the SuperFerry to Maui! Yes, you read that correctly - Peggy has ALWAYS wanted to go on the SuperFerry so we are working on making this dream come true! The SuperFerry leaves at 8:30am on Sunday morning, November 9. We have Dr. Davis's approval and Cory is coming with us! Our cab driver, Adrienne, has said "yes" too and is coming along for the fun!
So...if you want to join us YOU HAVE TO CALL ME RIGHT NOW!!! We're working on a group rate, but it will probably end up being about $100 a person round trip. Let us know - we need to know right away.
Are we crazy? Yes. Sigh. Oh, the things we do for Peggy Chun...
Great Meeting!
We had a wonderful meeting at Hospice Hawaii last night. I'd love to hear feedback from others on how they feel it was and what type of further support we can arrange. It was very cathartic and heart-warming for me personally. We had a great turnout - see the photo above! Eric and I just feel so overwhelmed by all the love and support...to know that we are all going through this as a group is so comforting...and such a relief.
We've had so many wonderful visitors. As I sit writing this right now, I can hear Jim Franklin playing guitar and singing at Peggy's bedside...I'll blog more soon about all of our visitors and share some photos..we also have some big plans manifesting for the next couple weeks..stay tuned...
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Tonight's Meeting
See you all tonight at 6pm at Hospice Hawaii. And thanks to the amazing Suzanne Maurer, Jan Hanashiro, and Joyce Nunokawa, food/drinks will be provided! Thanks guys!!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Early Thanksgiving Celebration
Please join us for our early Thanksgiving celebration at Peggy's on Sunday, November 16th at 2pm at Peggy's house - 3115 Alika Avenue Honolulu HI 96817
Our early Thanksgiving will be a potluck event. My wonderful parents have offered to manage the RSVPs and planning for this event. Thanks mom and dad!!!
If you can join us, please RSVP to my mom, Willow Morton, by email at mortonj001@hawaii.rr.com - RSVPs are appreciated as soon as possible so we can get a handle on everything...Please let her know how many people will be coming and what dish you would like to bring.
We are looking for at least 5 people to do turkeys...and if you have any question about what to bring, just touch base with my mom who will have a master list of what everyone is bringing...we'll also be needing papergoods, cups, etc. and help with set up and clean up.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please direct them to her...
Thank you and hope to see you all on the 16th.
Our early Thanksgiving will be a potluck event. My wonderful parents have offered to manage the RSVPs and planning for this event. Thanks mom and dad!!!
If you can join us, please RSVP to my mom, Willow Morton, by email at mortonj001@hawaii.rr.com - RSVPs are appreciated as soon as possible so we can get a handle on everything...Please let her know how many people will be coming and what dish you would like to bring.
We are looking for at least 5 people to do turkeys...and if you have any question about what to bring, just touch base with my mom who will have a master list of what everyone is bringing...we'll also be needing papergoods, cups, etc. and help with set up and clean up.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please direct them to her...
Thank you and hope to see you all on the 16th.
Go Obama!!!!
Hooray for our new president-elect! Peggy is no doubt thrilled over last night's victory. We know she's breathing a sigh of relief knowing that Obama will be at the helm soon.
We've been having a wonderful time at Peggy's. We've had tons of visitors. Lots of laughing, crying, and reminiscing...We've had people reading to Peggy, drinking wine, telling jokes, sharing stories, talking politics, reading dirty emails...and we know Peggy is loving it all!
Karen has been busy decorating the house - we are speeding things up and bringing Thanksgiving and Christmas early to the Chun house! I'll be sending more info soon regarding our early Thanksgiving celebration...
Just a reminder that tomorrow night, Thursday at 6pm, we are having our Hospice Hawaii Support group meeting at their offices. Please join us.
We've been having a wonderful time at Peggy's. We've had tons of visitors. Lots of laughing, crying, and reminiscing...We've had people reading to Peggy, drinking wine, telling jokes, sharing stories, talking politics, reading dirty emails...and we know Peggy is loving it all!
Karen has been busy decorating the house - we are speeding things up and bringing Thanksgiving and Christmas early to the Chun house! I'll be sending more info soon regarding our early Thanksgiving celebration...
Just a reminder that tomorrow night, Thursday at 6pm, we are having our Hospice Hawaii Support group meeting at their offices. Please join us.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Online Calendar of Visitors
Thank you so much to all of you for all the loving calls and emails. Your kind words and support mean so much to all of us.
I have created on online calendar that you can all see at the following link http://ical.mac.com/chunzy/peggychun
Mac users can subscribe to this calendar in their ical programs.
I've put on the calendar some scheduled visits and also mainland visitor travel dates. Many of you are asking the best time to come. Please take a look at the calendar to get an idea of what the days are looking like.
You are welcome to drop by without scheduling a visit, however, please take a look at the calendar first to see if someone might have some scheduled private time with Peggy before you come.
HOWEVER - if you can't check the calendar or you just happen to be near and want to stop by, please just come over! This is the time! You know Peggy - the more the merrier!
Please email or call if you would like to be put on the calendar.
I have created on online calendar that you can all see at the following link http://ical.mac.com/chunzy/peggychun
Mac users can subscribe to this calendar in their ical programs.
I've put on the calendar some scheduled visits and also mainland visitor travel dates. Many of you are asking the best time to come. Please take a look at the calendar to get an idea of what the days are looking like.
You are welcome to drop by without scheduling a visit, however, please take a look at the calendar first to see if someone might have some scheduled private time with Peggy before you come.
HOWEVER - if you can't check the calendar or you just happen to be near and want to stop by, please just come over! This is the time! You know Peggy - the more the merrier!
Please email or call if you would like to be put on the calendar.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Important Update
Aloha Peg's Legs, family, and friends,
We have been trying to talk to many of you in person or by phone, but we really wanted to share this update with everyone as soon as possible. Peggy's circle is so large and she is loved by so many. Please forgive us if we haven't yet had the chance to talk to you directly.
As you know, Peggy's communication has been declining over the past few months. We are now at a point where she can no longer effectively communicate. We are down to "yes" and "no" communication, but even confirming yes or no is uncertain. Peggy still has eye movement, but it seems as if now Peggy is having trouble controlling her eye movement.
When Peggy could communicate, we had many discussions about her wishes. Peggy's wishes were always that once she could no longer effectively communicate, she would like to be weaned from the ventilator. Dr. Davis came in on Monday for an in-person assessment. It is his feeling and the feeling of the core group of family, nurses, and caregivers, that it is time to call family and move ahead with Peggy's end-of-life plan.
Dr. Davis asked Peggy if it is time to call family and she said "yes". He asked if it is time to move forward with her plan and she said "yes". It is a blessing that we could read her response to these questions.
We have begun to call family and Peggy's very large extended ohana. Peggy's wishes were that we call and email EVERYONE and let them know what is going on. She wanted us to give friends and family a couple of weeks to come and visit if they choose to.
If you would like to come visit Peggy, now is the time. It is a blessing to have a time line like this - not many people do. Peggy's wishes give us this gift of time.
I know that many of you will have questions, so please don't hesitate to call me. Please also talk with each other and support each other during this time. It is such a blessing to have a large ohana like ours - we can support each other and truly create a beautiful "rest-of-life" care environment for our Peggy.
It was always Peggy's wish to die in her home surrounded by tons of friends and family. Peggy may not be able to spell it out, but I know that if she could, she would be saying, "Celebrate me! Love me! And make it a party!"
This is a time to spend quality time with Peggy and each other. Come and hang out, share stories, hold Peggy's hand, cry, laugh, or just be "present".
Some family members are planning to make the trip out here in the next couple of weeks. We are working on an early Thanksgiving celebration at Peggy's. The tentative date is Sunday, November 16th. We hope you can all join us.
You can help us by talking with each other and sharing with others that you think would like to come and visit. If anyone would like some one-on-one time to connect with Peggy, please let me know and we can arrange that.
Hospice Hawaii is on hand to support us. We have scheduled our first support group gathering for our Peg's Legs next week Thursday, November 6th at 6pm at the Hospice Hawaii Office at 860 Iwilei Road Honolulu HI 96817. Phone number is 924-9255.
We really encourage you to join us for this meeting. Please RSVP to me by phone or email. We will be scheduling other group support meetings over the next few weeks as well.
With love,
Kimi and the Chun Ohana
We have been trying to talk to many of you in person or by phone, but we really wanted to share this update with everyone as soon as possible. Peggy's circle is so large and she is loved by so many. Please forgive us if we haven't yet had the chance to talk to you directly.
As you know, Peggy's communication has been declining over the past few months. We are now at a point where she can no longer effectively communicate. We are down to "yes" and "no" communication, but even confirming yes or no is uncertain. Peggy still has eye movement, but it seems as if now Peggy is having trouble controlling her eye movement.
When Peggy could communicate, we had many discussions about her wishes. Peggy's wishes were always that once she could no longer effectively communicate, she would like to be weaned from the ventilator. Dr. Davis came in on Monday for an in-person assessment. It is his feeling and the feeling of the core group of family, nurses, and caregivers, that it is time to call family and move ahead with Peggy's end-of-life plan.
Dr. Davis asked Peggy if it is time to call family and she said "yes". He asked if it is time to move forward with her plan and she said "yes". It is a blessing that we could read her response to these questions.
We have begun to call family and Peggy's very large extended ohana. Peggy's wishes were that we call and email EVERYONE and let them know what is going on. She wanted us to give friends and family a couple of weeks to come and visit if they choose to.
If you would like to come visit Peggy, now is the time. It is a blessing to have a time line like this - not many people do. Peggy's wishes give us this gift of time.
I know that many of you will have questions, so please don't hesitate to call me. Please also talk with each other and support each other during this time. It is such a blessing to have a large ohana like ours - we can support each other and truly create a beautiful "rest-of-life" care environment for our Peggy.
It was always Peggy's wish to die in her home surrounded by tons of friends and family. Peggy may not be able to spell it out, but I know that if she could, she would be saying, "Celebrate me! Love me! And make it a party!"
This is a time to spend quality time with Peggy and each other. Come and hang out, share stories, hold Peggy's hand, cry, laugh, or just be "present".
Some family members are planning to make the trip out here in the next couple of weeks. We are working on an early Thanksgiving celebration at Peggy's. The tentative date is Sunday, November 16th. We hope you can all join us.
You can help us by talking with each other and sharing with others that you think would like to come and visit. If anyone would like some one-on-one time to connect with Peggy, please let me know and we can arrange that.
Hospice Hawaii is on hand to support us. We have scheduled our first support group gathering for our Peg's Legs next week Thursday, November 6th at 6pm at the Hospice Hawaii Office at 860 Iwilei Road Honolulu HI 96817. Phone number is 924-9255.
We really encourage you to join us for this meeting. Please RSVP to me by phone or email. We will be scheduling other group support meetings over the next few weeks as well.
With love,
Kimi and the Chun Ohana
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