A Big Scare...

I can't say enough about Gramma Sa'ane. She's my husband's grandma, but more like his mom because he was raised by her and Tea. I love Ma so much! Ever since I was dating Ova, I could feel the love this woman had for me....and it's been like that ever since. I've been extremely blessed to have her living with us and to be able to spend everyday with her. My kids are blessed to have her around all the time, and I just think it's so cute how she talks to them and yells at them in Tongan and they totally listen to her and know exactly what she's saying. As we all know, my Tongan, well....isn't the greatest....so I often have to call Makai over to ask him what Ma is saying to me, or to have him tell her what I'm trying to say....hahaha! There is a language barrier between us, but we always seem to be able to communicate. I love those nights when we're all just sitting at home with nothing to do and I'm totally holding a long conversation with her about whatever is going on. From her life back in Tonga, to her family, to my family, to the crazy things my kids do. Ova gets a kick out of watching us talk, and how we can totally understand each other. Even though what I'm trying to say in Tongan doesn't make sense, she seems to understand me. She has the sweetest smile in the world and her spirit is so strong. You'll never see her anywhere without reading materials, usually the scriptures or her teachings of the prophets books.
I remember we took a last minute camping trip to the Palasades a couple years ago, just our little family and she spent the whole time sitting in her camping chair, reading her scriptures...that's just how she is. Her spirit is so strong and I'm so blessed to be able to see and feel it everyday.

Well, a few nights ago it was one of those nothing to do nights where we were all just sitting at home watching tv and hanging out. Ma was laying on the couch in the front living room watching my boys run around and jump all over the furniture. She was calling for us to come to the other living room to talk to her. Ova and I went and sat on the couch, and she started talking about Tonga and her family. It was silent for a little while and she looked at Ova with the look that made him ask her what was wrong. She was telling us that she knows she originally told us to name our daughter after Tea, but she was thinking about it and she decided she wants us to name her Ilaisaane Lautala Fangupo, after her, and call her Lautala. We both said of course, and Ova asked her why the change of mind. She got quiet and told him that she feels really close to Heavenly Father and doesn't think she'll be around much longer. We'd never ever heard her talk like that before, and of course we couldn't stop crying. She was telling us not to cry, that she's lived a full life and she's ready to go. Ova and Tea started talking with her about Grampa Timote and how it's going on 29 years now that she's been without him. I can't imagine being without my husband for that long. Ma is going to be 87 years old this January, and even with all the times we've taken her to the hospital, she's never talked like this before. The feeling in the room was very sad and we all couldn't stop crying. Tea told Ova and I later on that Kina Lahi and Sau Lahi were both at the house earlier and she had them crying as well. We spent that whole night talking and just enjoying each others company....and then Ma asked me to come sit by her. She took her wedding ring off her hand, grabbed my hand and gave it to me. She said she wanted me to keep it in a safe place and give it to Lautala when she gets older. I completely broke down. She gave me a big hug and told me to stop crying... I hate thinking that she won't be around....really, I can't imagine life without her around.
The next day was Sunday and Siosiana came over and stayed with her while we went to church. We hurried and left right when sacrament was over and when we got home Ma was laying in her bed with tons of blankets on her and Siosi was sitting on the floor holding her hand. Siosi was crying and telling us that she was praying that we would come home soon, that Ma was freezing and shaking. We got her ready and took her to the hospital. We spent pretty much the next couple days at the hospital sitting in the waiting room waiting for updates on her health. We called everyone and let them know how she was doing, and everyone that could...came and visited her. Ma was very happy to have everyone visiting, especially the Frisco people!! Her health seemed to improve a lot while she was in the hospital, she looked a lot better than when we took her in. It's just the way that she is talking. I think she's ready to go....or she's preparing herself and us to be ready....
I'm very happy that she improved enough to come home....and although she's gotten really old really quick, she's still eating and walking around and she remembers everyone! I love Gramma Sa'ane so much and am so grateful that she's a part of my life!

Here are some pictures we took at the hospital....

Tea was by her side 24-7....and she always has been!



Ma with Alisi


Ma with Ova


Ma and me.... I took the first picture, and then she told me to stand up and she put her hands on my stomach.... a picture with her namesake!



Ma with Kina Leka



Ma with her oldest son Kinania


Ma with her daughter Alisi Namupau'u


Ma with her oldest daughter Pisila Lupe


Ma with Li



Ma with Leka and Kina Leka




Ma with her great-grandkids....
Makai & Filimone




Mosese


Alisi and Pisila Lupe



We love you so much Gramma Sa'ane!!