Reading from Tina Patterson

Just a mere 6 years ago, Hilary and Gordan were blessed with the birth of their first beautiful daughter…. And what a blessing it was. I remember just the other day, how Hilary was telling me that you never really know the love of a child until you have your first. You would do anything for them, and their life. And that was extremely apparent in their lives. I know for a fact if able, they would do these past few years all over again, just to have their Loli back.

Little did they know their life would forever change. On April 1, 2008 Lauren was diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Thankfully…with the help of God and their relationship with him, they have been able to make this journey so strongly. Through some of the most difficult times this family has endured, they have always made the best of it and come out fighting and on top. Through everything, they still would have a smile on their face…and recently with the birth of their 4th beautiful girl, how could you not smile. She is smiling right now, looking up at her big sisters in heaven who are playing, and running, and jumping; Loli is holding Brooke, and singing to her, caressing her and loving her with her amazing heart. And every once in awhile, while Marissa is sleeping, Loli yells wakey wakey…just to make herself laugh!

Along this journey, there have been many people this family has come in contact with…new friends, family members coming together, total strangers praying for the first time, because Lala’s story inspired them, I don’t think the Nihei family has any idea how many people they have actually touched along this journey. God has a plan, I truly believe this…even though we may not understand or even want to understand, we don’t loose faith, we believe, and we accept the burdens he has placed in our hands. This family showed us that…. I feel truly blessed to know the Nihei and Vernor family. My life will forever be changed by them and especially their Lala.

Words cannot ever begin to describe what an amazing young lady Lala was. I met you and your family almost 2 years ago when you came to CHLA. What a beautiful girl you were. A heart of gold, and a smile that lit up a room. You have always had such an amazing strength about you. No matter what life threw at you, you took it with a smiling heart. You have endured so many things these past few years, things that a little girl should never have to endure.

I have so many wonderful memories of you my sweet, sweet, Lala. Secretly; don’t ever tell our managers, but you my love were definitely our own Day Hospital VIP! When you arrived, it was a happy time. Tattoos, stickers, food, nail painting session, etc… you name it. Even red velvet cupcake parties at your bedside while you were getting chemo. I always remember how you loved the tribal tattoos on your arms that my mom would buy for us. By the end of your chemo day, you, Marissa, mommy, granny and even the nurses would be covered in tattoos…. Sometimes I even wrote silly things on mommy with the tattoo letters…. J

I remember the first time I ever painted your nails, you wanted a different design on each toe; boy did I have my work cut out. Silly me for asking what you wanted (little did I know at that time just how sophisticated you truly were). Lol. When you asked me for a dolphin I thought “wow…. I am screwed”. This little princess has some high standards for nail art. A few random polka dots are not gonna cover it. J But of course Uncle Mike and Uncle Steve never had to paint fancy designs like me…maybe cause they were boys Loli you were going easy on them.

Food was always close to our hearts…. Pink berry, Dannette’s red velvet cupcakes, the Alcove…our many ramen disscussions…the lists can go on and on……. There are so many places that will forever remind me of you and make me smile while I remember them. Just as the rest of your family will forever do the same……

Anytime I am camping and making s’mores, I will forever remember your beautiful smile that night around the campfire as we cooked s’mores, squished the marshmellows and chocolate in our mouths and made silly faces. One of my favorite pictures of you is with your s’more by the campfire, and your precious angelic face smiling up at me, from ear to ear. You were so happy at that moment and enjoying your self oh so much. Oh how I miss that smile…and all your stories…. Oh Lala…..

It saddens my heart that you are gone….. You will be deeply missed by all…..especially your family. Thank you Lauren for allowing me to be such an intimate part of your life, and thank you to Hilary and Gordon, Caroline and Laurence for letting me in and loving me as I was your own….. I am forever grateful for the friendships that have been made. God bless you all….and Lala… I’ll be seeing you again one day.

I love you,
Tina