This week’s blog is somewhat different than what those of you who read my blogs regularly are accustomed to. Usually I talk about all the cool things that have been going on musically, the studio, the tour, and video/photo shoots etc. But not so much this week. What some of you may know from my updates, I’ve been in Texas this week at the hospital with my Grandfather.
My mom got a call from her brother at 4 am Hawaii Time saying we needed to get there right away. He said my Grandfather might not make it through the night. So my mom and my sister flew from Hawaii, met me in LA and we flew to Texas. (My dad is in meetings in South Korea and couldn’t get back.)
My week had been all planned out in the studio, but when a call like that comes in, everything changes.
With all of the emotions of this week, I’m feeling very sentimental. My Grandfather has played such a pivotal roll in my life. Growing up, my dad traveled a lot. Don’t get me wrong, my dad taught me many of the core values that I am so grateful for: how to be a leader, a provider, a strong work ethic, etc. But my Grandfather was the male figure who taught me how to love and how to cherish the ones I love. He taught me that there is a beauty in vulnerability. The way he loves my Grandmother is a love like few ever know. He is the epitome of a man. His four kids say he is the ultimate father.
One of my favorite memories with my Grandfather was sitting on a bench at the mall waiting on “the girls.” I asked him, “Da (that’s what I call him) do you ever get tired of waiting on Meme?” He said, “No, cause I know that any minute she’s going to come around the corner, and that’s worth the wait every time.” I could go on and on about him.
We spent the last week basically living at the hospital. My cousins, my sister and I would take turns pulling the overnight shift. No one ever complained. The nurses kept commenting on what an unusually loving family we have and what a special man he must be since no one wanted to leave his side.
Like I said earlier, the doctors didn’t give much hope. They said his heart was only operating at 15%, that his liver was failing and that his blood pressure was dangerously low. But did I mention that Da is a man of faith? Everyday he would make miraculous strides. The doctors kept saying, “We’re not sure how he’s doing this, but he’s doing it.” On Wednesday, they said if he can get his blood pressure up, he could go home on Friday. Shortly thereafter his blood pressure dropped even more and the nurses were concerned that he may have to stay. While he was asleep, my aunt whispered to him “Daddy if you want to go home, you have to get your blood pressure up.” Within seconds we watched it start to climb: 68, 69, 70 until it was up to 90 within a matter of minutes. So Friday they released him!!!
With the good report, my family packed up and headed to the studio so they could sing on my new Christmas song, “Home For The Holidays.” They blew me away! Every time I hear them sing, I’m amazed by their talent. How does everyone in my family sound like a rock star??!!! I can’t wait for you guys to hear the song. (My sister has a little solo…watch out!) It was a great day all around!
I wish I could say that Da was completely out of the woods, but I believe it’s just a matter of time. When something like this happens it truly puts things into perspective and reminds us what really matters. I appreciate all of your prayers more than you can ever know. I showed my family some of your messages and as I, they we’re humbled by your prayers and support. So with Da on the road to recovery, I’m headed back to LA to get back in to the studio. For me it really is Christmas in June!
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