Dear Lauren,
we made it back to Vegas. You were sleeping when we came by to say goodbye. Although I miss you all, I can say that I'm happy to be back where the sun is shining :) This past week was definitely memorable for me. Yesterday was most rewarding. I'm so glad we did an Easter egg hunt for our little family. I can't tell you how ecstatic I was to watch you gather your eggs. Your strength has increased so much since I seen you last week. I know it's probably annoying that we monitor your every move, but we just can't help it Ren. Each new thing that you do is a small miracle and we can't help but marvel at you when you complete these milestones. It made me so happy just to see you out of your bed. I loved watching you open your eggs to search for prizes. I got a little nervous when I went in the house and seen your bed empty. But was instantly filled with joy when I seen you sitting up on the couch next to your Teti. Ren - you are simply amazing. Sometimes when I watch you I feel guilty and a little ashamed that I can walk and talk with such ease. I sit and watch you and wish that I could somehow transfer my health and energy to your body. You are my little hero Rennie. I'm grateful that I was able to spend this week with you. I hope you continue to get stronger each day. I hope your Mama reads this to you and maybe if you're feeling well enough you can write me back.
Love you Rennie,

-Auntie Kiki

Dearest Reni,

I miss your smiling face! There isn't a day that passes you don't cross my mind, my prayers, my heart. Uluaki, Samiu and I have been going to the park trying to enjoy what we have been getting of "spring" days. It reminds me of this time last year when we were playing in school yards and parks while your daddy and uncle Mo had football games and/or practices. You are always so helpful... from helping Uluaki onto a swing, to sliding down slides with my little Samiu, you have a way with little ones. You welcome my boys with open arms, loves, and kisses no matter how difficult their little attitudes can be. I love and appreciate you for that. My boys sure do miss you and your siblings (Vincent, Steni, and lil' Misi) and I know it has been a while since we have seen you all. The last time I spoke with you was the night we went for a little ride, do you remember? You and I got a chance to have some one on one girl talk. So fun and I cherish it. Our conversation has left its mark in my heart forever. Your sweet smile, your quiet giggle, and the fight you have makes you unique, extraordinary, one of a kind. And you are all of those things, Reni. You are so special!!

Hearing and knowing how strong you are is so inspiring. I pray that as you read this it will give you a little more inspiration, a little something to help continue to fight.

A favorite song I sing whenever life gets rough is titled "No Ways Tired" and the chorus or the main part of the song sings...

I don't feel no ways tired

I've come to far from where I've started from

Nobody told me that the road would be easy

I don't believe He's brought me this far to leave me

Ren, you may be too young to fully understand the meaning of the words now, but I pray they meditate in your heart. When you're older, I pray you'll look back, reflect on the words, and share a testimony that "life may get a little rocky, it will have its ups and downs, but never give up. God has brought you this far and if He brought you this far why would He leave when you need Him most?"

Joy comes in the morning, my dear, and I know it's just around the bend. Reni, you're so strong and you keep finding the fight you need, the fight your parents pray for, the fight your family yearns for. Continue to be strong. Continue to share your sweet smile. Continue inspire many. Keep your chin up, sweetie! Keep fighting! Pray Often! You have lots of people praying for you and waiting for you to prove the doctors wrong once again. Miracles happen each and every day and you are one of them! I love you, sweet Reni girl!

XOXOXO

~Auntie Halli, 'Lucky', and 'Carter'

Dear Lauren,

Today as I looked through old photos, I am drawn to your baptism pictures. I can still remember that day clearly. It was a day I shared with you and your mama, and got to know you a little better. Seeing you grow, I have always admired what a bright little girl you are. I also admired your gentle ways and your sweet spirit. It is true what they say that eyes are the window to the soul. That day we tried to help you get past your shyness. I tried to act goofy and say silly things to make you comfortable. Do you remember? You would do your cute little laugh and cover your mouth, you were so shy. You probably thought I was crazy huh haha. But when I printed up those pictures, I did not see a shy girl. Rather, I saw a bold, silent confidence.

Through everything you have been through I am always reminded of that. I don't know if you know just how wonderful you are! You have inspired so many and touched the hearts of many more. And at the age of 12 you are such an inspiration to so many! Especially mine. And although you may seem shy, you are the strongest girl I know. I always tell your mama, Lauren is strong! And you proved that you are. I want you to know that I love you and think of you everyday. You stay in my prayers and in my heart. I know your mama is taking great care of you. And I know that you are pushing your hardest to get better. I hope that you feel better day by day and that sometime soon we'll be able to see that beautiful sweet smile of yours. I love you Rennie!

~Aunty Verlynn

Dear Lauren....

I don't know if you remember me or not, I'm Makai's mom. I remember sitting on the sidelines of the soccer games a few years ago when Makai, Mote and Constence were all on the same team. Do you remember that? We all kept laughing at Makai and Constence because they kept kicking the ball the wrong way....only Mote knew how to play! haha I came to the hospital to visit you a couple times. You are truly an amazing young lady. I just wanted to write you a little note to thank you. Thank you for strengthening my testimony. You've proved to yourself, your family and the world how much you want to live and you've shown us that miracles can happen with faith and prayer! I know you don't really know me that well, but I think of you constantly. You are very blessed to have a family that loves and supports you so much, and friends and even strangers who think about and pray for you every single day. You and your family are in our prayers every day. I just want you to know that we love you and thank you! Keep fighting, you're the strongest little girl I know! Ova, Makai, Filimone and Lautala all send their love.....

Much love Lauren...

--
Monica Fangupo

Dear Lauren,

You're one of the strongest most beautiful little girl I know:) I know we have yet to meet in person but my name is Klarah Motuliki but family and friends call me Lala. Your dad is my cousin and although we haven't been as close as I would have hoped to be, family is family regardless what right?!

I am sure you have heard this allot and it may start to sound like a recording at times but the strength that you, your parents, and your close family and friends show really affect the lives of others in a positive way. From the stories I hear about you I feel like I already know you. I know you have more strength and faith then I have during my hard times in life. I hope to raise my kids to have just as much strength and faith as you in there times of need.

I have been going over this letter numerous times cause I really wanted to let you know how much you have impacted my life in a positive way. I am so grateful to have a chance to write you and let you know. Our Heavenly Father gives each of us trials in our lives not to see how many we can over come but to see how we choose to over come each trial and with faith no trial is impossible. Faith is exactly what I see from you:)

I love you and your family so much. Although I may not see you guys or talk to you guys much you guys are always in our prayers. Stay strong and soon you will see that your strength will help lift the spirits of those you come into contact with who are lacking it. When I have a bad day I think of you and how your trials don't get you down and then it helps me get through that day. I love you and I am sure we will meet one day soon.

I will leave you with a little quote that I love.

"He never promised to take away all of your pains, He only promised to give you the strength to carry your burdens."

Love yah,

Lala

Dearest Lauren,

I know you are wondering who is this lady? My name is Dianna and my husband Pulu and your mom are related. When we first heard of you being in the hospital, defeating all odds of making it out of surgery and reading the Face Book posts of your aunt, mom and other family members saying how strong you were and how you were such a trooper. My heart melted. I just want you to know how special you are and I don't even know you that well. I can tell how much of a beautiful girl inside and out you are by the way everyone who does know you so well talk so highly about you. I think that's an awesome trait to have. I hope that you are doing okay like your mom hopes as well. I know that everyone is given trials to overcome, and that your parents are probably wishing they could take this one from you. But I know that you know that our Heavenly Father never gives us anything he knows we cannot overcome. Be strong, and when you feel you cannot be strong anymore, lean on your Heavenly Father, your parents and the ones closest to you. I love you and I love your family. I want to thank you for being a great reminder to me of strength, positivity, and having the pure love of Christ. My most favorite scripture is one read to me by dad when I was a lil girl it's Alma 37:36-37 which reads:

36 Yea, and cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

37 Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.

Much Love,

Dianna, Pulu & Family

Dear Lauren,
Well... I made it back to Vegas. I snuck some more of your twix and snickers in my backpack for the flight. Hope you don't mind. I'll make Neo buy you some more. I'm really excited to hear about your special day. I'm sure you're exhausted today from all the hustle and bustle yesterday. I saw Grandma the night before I left and told her that you were going in to make your wish and her eyes lit up with so much excitement. So if you open your eyes today and see that crazy lady standing over you, she is probably waiting for details about your wish experience. I heard your Teti made good on his promise and took you to Toys R Us. How was it? Did you get your beads you told me about? Your Mama sent me a picture and there were so many toys in it, that I couldn't see if there were beads in there or not. Do you think you can save me some so I can make a bracelet? I really hope you had an awesome day. Get some rest today. Yesterday was probably overwhelming. Love you Rennie!

-Auntie Kiki

Hi sweet Lauren! You probably don't remember me because we've only seen each other a handful of times but I definitely remember you, you have that kind of impact on people, you stand out! I remember when you were a baby and your mom used to bring you to pick up Auntie Kiki from school and all the cool kids would run out just to see your beautiful face, you were popular your whole life, you were born to shine;) I want you to know that every time I pray I always keep you in it, you're always on my mind and I keep you in my heart as well. You are so strong and you just amaze me every day that you keep pushing, you are one of my heroes and I thank you for being such a wonderful example to my life! We are all blessed to know you. Stay strong sweet girl.

Ofa lahi atu,
Mila Tuiloma (you can call me auntie. Lol)

Dear Lauren,
You don't know who I am, but I know who you are. I've heard you're such a strong girl and have been through a lot at such a young age. I can't imagine what you've been going through but I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for you no matter how hard it may be or seem right now. I wanted to write to you and let you know that there are a lot of people that think of you and your family through these hard times and we're all praying for your speedy recovery. I wanted to share this poem with you it always makes me feel better if I'm going through something and I hope it helps you get through these hard times also....
FOOTPRINTS IN THE SAND

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.

Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.

In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.

Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,

other times there were one set of footprints.

This bothered me because I noticed

that during the low periods of my life,

when I was suffering from

anguish, sorrow or defeat,

I could see only one set of footprints.

So I said to the Lord,

"You promised me Lord,

that if I followed you,

you would walk with me always.

But I have noticed that during

the most trying periods of my life

there have only been one

set of footprints in the sand.

Why, when I needed you most,

you have not been there for me?"

The Lord replied,

"The times when you have

seen only one set of footprints,

is when I carried you."

Mary Stevenson Much Love, Crystal Taufalele

Dear Lauren,

It's about 10 minutes to 8 am and you along with everyone else are still asleep. I've got 10 minutes before your A.M. meds are due, so I thought I would take that time to sit and blog. The past 2 days have been so awesome! I love seeing that smile of yours... I've missed it so much! You are doing so well. You've always been the caretaker, everyones little helper, and my right hand, so I hope that when you say you're okay that you're not just saying it to ease our minds. That's something you'd totally do.... Not want anyone to worry about you. I hope everyday that you continue to know how special, amazing, and loved you are! You always exceed my expectations of what one might be going through in your shoes. How you continue to persevere through it all allows me to be strong. The past few days have been great, I hope it only gets better! I love you so much!

-Mama

Dear Lauren,

I got in to Salt Lake this morning and can't tell you how happy I am to see your sweet face. I can't stop staring at your eyes. It's been so long since I've seen them open. When I saw you, the first thing you asked was where the boys were. They miss you so much and can't wait for this week to end so that they can come out here and be with you.

Today you were so proud to show me all your goods from Uncle Doug and Auntie Trina. Me, Neo, and your Mama were surprised that you wanted to put on your makeup (cause Sten's usually the fie lei lei one). But Neo got you all pretty and you loved it! I asked if I could take a picture of you and you agreed. When I showed it to you I said, "You look so pretty huh?!" ... and you nodded your head yes in agreement :)

I was very surprised and happy to see you interact so much with your visitors today. You talked a lot to McKenna and Uncle Doug. I couldn't help but smile every time your strawberry lip gloss covered lips would talk. I hope you had a good day today. From the looks of it I would say you did. Goodnight Ren.

Love you so much,

Auntie Kiki

I Love You!

Dear Lauren,

I've been meaning to blog, but things as you know have been a little hectic around here. Leaving the hospital was bittersweet for me. I love the fact that you're home, but at the same time i'm scared. I don't feel like I can fully give you the care that you deserve. I am doing the absolute best I can, but I long for the knowledge that the nurses have so that I can give you everything you need. Your dad and I along with your many aunts, uncles and grandparents are working around the clock to make your transition an easy one. So far so good!

I Love you! I don't think I tell you enough.... Although you may beg to differ because I tend to tell you every 10 minutes. I asked you this morning if you knew that I loved you, and you nodded yes. I find comfort in my heart knowing that YOU know that. You are my little princess, my friend, my hero, my everything! I LOVE YOU!

-Mama

Dear Lauren,
my heart is so heavy right now. I wonder if you know how wonderful you are. We love you more than words can ever describe. You are so special to us. I am grateful for all the memories I share with you. I have never met anyone with so much strength and fight in them. I don't know exactly why things happen the way they do, but I do know that the Lord has a plan bigger than the natural eye can see. Bigger than our minds can comprehend. I pray that you have peace in your heart. I pray that you know that our family is forever and that one day we will all be together with Heavenly Father. I love you Rennie. I hope that you know that. I love you so much. I have vivid memories of you as a baby and many more of you growing up. You gave us 12 years of absolute joy. And with faith, I look forward to creating many more with you once again. I love you Rennie. I love you

Dear Lauren,
I heard you're moving to the 3rd floor tomorrow!!! How exciting!!! I'm so glad you're doing well! I can't wait to come and visit with you! The boys are so excited that they get to see you now. I can't wait to hear your voice. Your Mama told me that Neo got you 'Tangled'. I think we should have another sleep over up there and watch it together. Hope you have a fabulous day today!

Love you always,
Auntie Kiki :)