Lessons from Leilani

Lessons From Leilani

Disclaimer: For those of us who knew her, even briefly, this will not be an easy message to write or to read. However I feel that Leilani taught me many things and she would want them shared. I did not intend to blog again so soon, however I am learning minute by  minute, my life is not about my intentions. So here it goes... :

Many of you may know already, I am blessed to be apart of an amazing group of people in a God sent mission with Room of Refuge. Our church partners with Hospice Family Care to provide a Room of Refuge for children who are suffering from terminal illness. It's extreme home makeover minimized. 

During the month of April, we were blessed with our First recipient, Ms. Leilani Lopez. What a blessing she and her family became to all of us during the process of creating her Refuge. On the day before Easter, we were able to provide Leilani with a day of fun and relaxation and the room of her dreams to become a Refuge. 

With an ultimate heavy heart, I must say this past weekend we were shown the meaning of the word terminal all too soon. On Friday, Leilani lost her battle with cancer, in her Room of Refuge and went home to be with her Creator. She now run with Angels and worships with Jesus. (of this I must say I am jealous!) I smile when I imagine her, full strength, not struggling to breath and caring for those around her. However, we I met Leilani, I met a girl who was struggling to survive. Finding strength to breath, and fell asleep just from the energy it took to ride in a car for 20 minutes. A child who ached physically, yet held the spirit of strength. I learned so much from Leilani in one day, but here are just a few lessons worth sharing: 

1. Concern for others:  Through out our entire day, Leilani expressed such a concern for her sisters and mother and aunt. Every time she was asked what color she would like her nails or if she needed anything, she would immediately turn around to get input from her family. While the girls were getting all dolled up, I repeatedly heard her asking if her sisters were having fun. While in the car, she repeatedly was apologizing to her mother for getting sick. In a world full of struggle for Leilani, she was concerned only for those she loved. I will strive constantly for the selflessness she showed that day. 

2. Joy for the little things: Her smile was priceless. When Leilani smiled cameras started flashing. She told me she didn't know she would have so many pictures made that day. But she would definitely give her best smile. Leilani knew the value of a smile. She knew she was creating memories which would remain after her call home. Skittles- she was so excited to just have skittles as her pedicure was being done. 

3. Acceeptance of the End: Leilani was very aware of her condition. Although her life was short, she was able to accept the fact, that this weekend may be her last Easter. She hurt not for herself, but her mother. In return, I hurt not for her but for her mother, her father, those who knew her much more closely than I. 

Leilani captured our hearts instantly. In the future, I am sure we will meet other children who do the same. I have the assurance that Leilani's work was done. Her objective complete. When I think of the lives Leilani changed just in the last two weeks, with our team at Rooms of Refuge, and the lives that will be impacted as we share her story for years to come I realize that on April 19, 2014, I was in the presence of an angel, a picture of whom I want to become. I am so happy to have been blessed by this precious life. 

If you would like to donate to Rooms of Refuge, please let me know! Hope you enjoyed getting to know Leilani just briefly! 

Check out Leilani's video at:  http://player.vimeo.com/video/93390607

Tomorrow we will all join in saying Goodbye to Leilani! Please send up a speical prayer for Pastor Jason Parks of Refuge Church that God will provide with words and strength to pay tribute to this sweet life!

Much love until next time: 

-Ashleigh Mc!