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