Wednesday, November 30, 2011
A miracle, my friend, is an event by which faith is created. - George Bernard Shaw
For in the end there will be joy.
Giving Thanks.
Thank you to every single visitor who has taken the time and effort to visit my mom. This is not even half of the visitors she had each night! It's beautiful seeing old friends coming from different cities all gather under one roof again as if no time has passed. Amazing to see different families and relatives we haven't seen in maybe years.
Your support, encouragement, prayers are more than enough. I only hope that our family can be the same dependable friends that you have all been to us. Let us cherish our relationships with each other while it lasts; life is short. Don't take our friends and family for granted! Thank you to God for He is good with blessing us with people in our lives that will be the shoulders to cry on.
~Desiree Seisa
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Expect A Miracle: Support Agnes' Fight // dance workshop
Miracles are happening.....
The Ministry Event at Church of the Highland, San Bruno Ca. & Press Play Dance Workshop in Sacramento Ca. was Magnificent & a Success.
A family member shared with me that they went to Church of the Highland to Support our Friend Pastor Hugo who hosted & Preached a Powerful Message that touch many Lives this past Saturday.
I too was personally touch also by so many people who attended the Press Play Dance Workshop, who hugged us, shared kind words & encouraged our kids that it made it a Truly a Miracle for All, who attended both Events.
We are Truly Blest to have Friends, Family & Unknown Friends who made it Special & Amazing for All of Us.
Lets Keep the Miracle Going, For the Miracle is You, in this Grateful Holiday Month.
Monday, November 28, 2011
Celebrate Agnes Fe Espiritu Seisa
a joy to all generations."
~Isaiah 60:15
And she will be forever young and beautiful,
and truly a JOY to this generation and the next.
Cypress Lawn Memorial Park
VIEWING
Newall Chapel
Note: if coming from north (Serramonte), make a left across the Cypress Lawn sign.
Chapel Burial Service
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Hello Mom,
I'm not praying to you or anything. Just to make that clear, it's just easier to pretend I'm talking to you. The difference between praying and talking to you is that in prayer I know that Jesus Christ will answer me back, talking to you I guess I'm having Him relay the message?
We visited the house last night (our home was foreclosed in May). I had a bad feeling about visiting because I knew it'd bring back memories and cause us to cry...but I suggested we go anyway. We went. The night was foggy, the lights gave off that sort of eery, creepy glow. We parked in front of the house, rested for awhile. I half-thought someone would peer out their window and think we were stalkers. The house looked nice, cleaner than it has been in years. We imagined opening the door, immediately hit by the warmth of the small lamp lights, the smell of beef with mushrooms or freshly baked chocolate chip cookies with walnuts. We kick off our shoes, I bring mine in my room and kick Desiree's shoes to be alined with the wall...or set hers on the shoe rack. We'd tell you how much fun we had at the Expect a Miracle dance workshop, how Sami danced and was the most adorable cutie ever and I actually sort of began to gain rhythm.
I told Desiree that if we still lived there I don't think I'd be able to stand it. So God really knows what he's doing when he told us to leave our comfort zone--our home. Be free. I just really wanted to bring up my thankfulness that you prayed and visited almost every apartment complex so we'd be together under one roof--a home of our own. It's true what Desiree said to me, a house is just a house. And I told her, yes. That's not home anymore--it's too clean.
The reason why we ache so much is because this is not our home. Our true home is where you are, we were not made to live here forever. But that doesn't mean live in the past--but it doesn't mean don't grieve either. It just means that...
Dezi, Your blog post was read by Pastor Hugo Tejada last night at the Church of the Highlands fundraiser/ night of worship. It blessed the attendees last night. BTW...There were 500 people in attendance who did not know Fe but were touched by your blog post.
Your message is creating more impact on people's lives than you'll ever know...
http://agneseseisa.blogspot.com/2011/11/47-beautiful-years.html
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Expect A Miracle
Hello all,
If you haven't heard already, Press P.L.A.Y. & Intersection is throwing a workshop later today (Saturday 11.26) in honor of Auntie Agnes. It is $5 minimum donation to take all 4 classes (ballroom, contemporary, breaking, hip-hop) and all proceeds will go to the Seisa's. It is located at Step 1 Dance and Fitness on the corner of 19th & T (1920 T St. Sacramento, CA 95814).
Come celebrate with us the beautiful life of Auntie Agnes and let us remember her legacy of a being a true follower of Christ. Let us continue to expect miracles because God makes them happen everyday. She was a miracle herself because her wisdom and love inspired a lot of us to change for the better. Let the light she shined in us continue to shine upon others.
"...be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity." -1 Timothy 4:12)
God bless you all 8]
-Harold
Friday, November 25, 2011
Fun Times...
Thursday, November 24, 2011
And thank you for a house full of people I love. Amen. ~Terri Guillemets
This year.
Edit: NOT last Year.
Photos
Thank You.
A Family Member's Love......
First of all I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. You all have shown so much strength and faith in the last month that I am inspired to write. Although I've only known you all for 3 years, I'm so honored to be apart of your family. I only spoke with Auntie Agnes a few times via family gatherings and facebook messages so I was really happy to read about her on the blog. It gives those of us that didn't know her so well the chance to get to know her now. She was an amazing woman, I just wish I could've had more time to get to know her like everyone else did.
I wanted to share with you our visit with her this past Saturday. We thought she was sleeping so we didn't want to stay very long and while Mike was holding her hand he said, "We love you Auntie". She replied by squeezing his hand. I was amazed because despite exhaustion, she still was trying to communicate. I had slipped a rosary in her hand when we first walked in so since I knew she was listening I went on to tell her why I brought it. I said, "Auntie I know you're not Catholic but I am and I put the rosary in your hand to remind you that we're all praying for you", she nodded her head. Then I said, " Don't worry about Sammie and the girls. We'll take care of them". She nodded again and this time a tear came out of her right eye. Her heart rate also jumped from the low 100's to 116. It made me remember that as much as we all would miss her, she would miss all of you, her family, the most. This Thanksgiving I am thankful for those last few minutes with her. She said so much without even saying a word. She loved you all so much and I thought that maybe I should tell you this story so you remembered just how much it must have taken her to go on the be with God even though she would have to wait a while to see you all again.
Last night I was saying my prayers and I had a vision of her. She was somewhere in the clouds in a meadow of some sort. There were white puffy clouds everywhere and she was laughing. I've seen Auntie Agnes laugh before, she has an amazing smile. Maybe since I've only had a few encounters with her I've never seen her have a carefree laugh before but this laugh was different. It was continuous. She had joy in her eyes. You could see it all over her face. She was wearing a white dress shirt and so was the little boy she was lifting and twirling around in circles. He looked about 7 or 8 years old. He had black hair but I couldn't see his face because he had his back towards me. I'm thinking this was Evan and this is their Heaven. I wish I could put this vision on video so I could show you how radiant Auntie was. She is truly in a better place. No pain, no illness, just happiness. I hope this puts your hearts at ease a little. It made me cry when I had this vision as it still does as I write this.
This Thanksgiving I will continue to pray for Auntie Agnes' soul and I'm also praying for all of your peace. May we be thankful for the years we got to spend with Auntie. Her legacy lives on with you. Mike and I love you all and hope that you call on us whenever you need anything. Help us make our promise to Auntie Agnes that we would take care of you.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Sheryll
kicking it off!
We all shared a nice plate of spaghetti in honor of Aunty Agnes because this was the last meal that she was able to eat, so from now on we will always eat spaghetti every Thanksgiving to celebrate her life.
I'm very thankful of the enormous impact that she had in my life. I'm the way that I am today because of her wisdom and teaching. Her legacy remains with us and we will continue it!
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Encouraging An Air Force Family.....
"Your Air Force family is thinking of you. We send you our love, and will support you in any way we can.
Grateful Thanksgiving....
We Thank You All for your Support in your Kindness, Friendship & Sacrifices thru offering us meals, services & donations.
Our family request & Our Dear Agnes would agree to, is that put aside any grieving in this Thanksgiving Holiday.
She would like for you to Invite family, friends or people who may not have a meal to share with on this Grateful Holiday, on behalf of Agnes' Legacy.
Lets Re-Connect, Enjoy & Laugh from one another, is what she would do, for many times many are hurting & lonely during this season.
Please do this on her honor, so that the Miracle keeps Going & Pray for More as we approached the days of her funeral services.
As these days are long in our time of grief, may it be Sweet & Loving on this Thanksgiving Week.
We Love you All, Lets Celebrate with One Another about her Life.
Eternally Grateful,
Dennis
Funeral Services Dec 1-3, 2011
Funeral services will be held just South of San Francisco Ca.
Cypress Lawn Memorial Park
1370 El Camino Real
Colma, Ca 94014
(650)550-8808
(650)755-0580
Newall Chapel viewing will be on,
Thursday, December 1st, 4-9pm with evening service at 7pm.
Friday, December 2nd, 4-9pm with evening service at 7pm.
Tiffany Chapel Service with following burial after,
Saturday, December 3rd, 1:30pm
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Words of wisdom
Hebrews 11:13-16
It's the Good Life. (Written on Nov. 19, 2011)...by Liana
It’s been a very crazy month.
The last weekend of October I planned to go to Seattle with my Mom and two friends for ILD Global, FED (Free Enterprise Day) Conference. That same week, on a tuesday my Mom went to the ER. I went on to Seattle, it was a trip we had already planned for months. The thursday night before I left, we again visited my Mom and they said she potentially had lung cancer. It was something I refused to believe until the results came in. While in Seattle on Friday, I got the text—it truly was. On Sunday while in the conference…found out she was battling stage 4 cancer that had spread to her bones. But even while I was there, I don’t regret going—it may seem cold or cruel, but God had something for me out there. He wanted to continue in me the dream of my parents even though they couldn’t come with me. He also wanted me to learn to dream again too, so I can teach others to do the same.The Friday after, Nov. 4 we almost thought we’d lose my Mom. She was having A LOT of difficulty breathing so she was put on a BiPap (breathing machine) that forces oxygen into her lungs but then she wouldn’t be able to eat. We thought she’d pass away…but the next day, after much prayer and petition she was off it! She was improving for the whole week after. Friday, Nov. 11 I just remember thinking about how well she was doing after one week!
However…this week, on Wednesday morning she was put in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit) because again it was difficult for her to breathe—her right lung had collapsed.
So now my Mom is intubated for oxygen and has a chest tube that inflates her left lung.
It’s been one crazy month. I’ve missed at least one day of school each week since my second term has started! So yes, it’s been one very crazy month…and it’s only been a month since my world has been kind of flipped sideways.
But these things I’ve learned, God is good. He is a real God who truly cares for us. God still works miracles—it’s not something that can happen for only special people. It’s just a faith thing—and you have to have nothing in the way between you and Him.
He’s bringing people back into my life that I haven’t seen in years—in fact, they’re people that I honestly never thought I’d ever see again. It’s crazy how many people care for my family, for my Mom, for my sisters, for my Dad, for me. That all these people would come out here and support us. There’s someone new visiting every SINGLE day! Plus quite a few of the regulars. That all these people love Jesus Christ and are willing to pray for my family—people I don’t even know! Who don’t even know ANYONE in my family! It’s crazy.
It’s still the Good Life. You know why? Because God is good, he’s why I’m not on the floor bawling my eyes out everyday with stinkin’ thinkin’ that “Oh no, my Mom’s gonna dieeeeee!”.
Nope.
I believe God does miracles, and I have hope until the very end. And at the very end, I will still have hope.
Expect a Miracle.
47 Beautiful Years...by Desiree
The support of our family and friends is overwhelming, yet beautifully amazing. The late nights with 30+ people sleeping in the waiting room just to see my mom, the people who traveled from different cities and countries just to support, the blogs and messages sent daily to encourage us. I couldn’t be any more thankful. God is amazing, and I will not cease to believe that miracles are still happening because my mom held a faith so strong. Mom, you are inspiration.
She had a heart for the younger generation - for people our age. She had a passion to help, encourage, mediate, and listen to us. She laughed with us, and weeped with us. She got disappointed in us when we would stray, but also welcomed us with open arms when we would decide to run back. I have never met a mother so passionate about reaching out to those who felt misunderstood, hurt, and lonely. I continue to stand in awe as I see how patient you were with us. You gave us your all, wholeheartedly, and I could not ask for anything more.
Mom, this is not easy. I don’t want to be bitter this time around. Throughout all we have been through - losing my brother, losing my good friends, losing my grandfathers, losing our home - I feel like this just came as a slap in my face. But as I begin to feel selfishly hurt, I know that I can’t handle my grief the way I have always done. I will do something to fulfill your dreams. I will do something to live the legacy you’ve passed on. Mom, thank you so much for leaving behind your box of journals filled with your bible verses, words of wisdom, and the experience you went through as you faced your daily struggles. Your gifts are worth more than gold.
The end of this year will be hard, but I will keep my hope and faith in Him alive.
You are home now. Be free.
Monday, November 21, 2011
TENTATIVE funeral update
a random prayer on friday, november 18
"Is this naivety, God?
No, I will believe you. You promised to come and save the day, it may not be the way I expect. But I believe you.
What if the seed has to die so that many will have life?
I guess at least...many will have life."
I had a dream that you were so excited to go home and Home is where you are.
My heart is so crushed to know that someone so inspiring, strong and full of wisdom isn’t here anymore, yet my heart is so glad that you are in heaven with our God. I know that this past month has been a struggle for you, Uncle Dennis, Desiree, Liana & Sammi, but God had a plan for you all and His plan was all for His glory. He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3:30.
God works in our lives through pain and tribulations. After the rain and the tears, God’s plan always shines through and his unending love will always be there to comfort us.
Auntie Agnes, because of you I can honestly say that I haven’t felt so close to God and been so inspired to have the heart, knowledge and strength that you have. One day, I really do pray to be someone as strong as you. You are GREATLY loved. I can’t wait to see you again. We miss you and though all of this was too soon, I know I’ll be seeing you again.
-Amethyst
The Virtuous Wife
Agnes...we will ALWAYS love and remember you..
Ron Lastimosa
Agnes Fought A Good Fight
I love you Agnes, I will see you in heaven and we'll have our ladies' night out again in heaven.
Ester
She is NOW peacefully resting...
Seisa Girls Arrived Safely in Sacto!
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Most Recent Update on Agnes • 11:30 pm
Her girls & grandma just left Daly City 45 minutes ago. Pray for a safe drive to Sacramento, and that Agnes will hold on until they arrive at the hospital.
URGENT!
Prayer warriors, be on our knees!
(Dennis just left me a message at 9:30 pm. I don't why I didn't hear my phone!)
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Is Agnes a celebrity???
We loved the creativity of the play. It was about Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego set to jazzy tunes.
Update From Dennis
Some quick update. Yesterday as I left & returned Mercy Hospital in the morning. Nurse asked Agnes if she was having breathing difficulties. She nodded "Yes," which was a Miracle in itself since she is heavily sedated. Nurse Prayed with her after asking Agnes, nodding "yes," if she can pray for her.
A chest tube was added immediately by the staff to the Left lung due to it collapsing as x-ray revealed.
She is surrounded by Great People who OCCUPY Mercy General Hospital who are fervently praying for her.
Sooo much Fall Color with a Touch of Grey due to the recent rains we have received.
It seems Life have given Our Family soo much Color recently in these past days & weeks.
As we approached these Grateful Holidays,Your Prayers, Tears, Quotes, Songs/Music, Time & Resources are Greatly Appreciated in our small corner of the world.
As God performs his Daily Miracles here at Mercy Hospital.
We Celebrate Thanksgiving for each & every moment that God gives to Agnes Fe Seisa.
Friday, November 18, 2011
You Are His
(reposting from 11/2/11)
Quick update for you.
Today I visited my mom early in the morning. She was very responsive despite her sedated state. While Desiree and I talked and prayed with her she held our hands and have them a tight squeeze. She also nodded her head when we asked if she could hear us. But the best part is that she opened her eyes a little to look at us! That was wonderful, very wonderful. Her condition hasn't changed since wednesday, no new news. Just keep her in your prayers and expect a miracle, for our God truly is the God of gods and Lord of Kings. Have a wonderful day everyone. (:
Be free.
-Liana S.
As We Enter Into the Holiday Season...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
In His Hand...
My friend, Dennis and recent update...
At any rate, here's Dennis' recent update via FB. Please read and pray...
"Hello Everyone,
Thank You All for Your Love/Support to Our Family.
I'm sorry if I don't come here (FB) that often, It has been a long week for Agnes & her journey fighting thru this cancer ordeal.
Last week she had a life conditional change which was resolved by prayers & BiPap (forced oxygen) machine to her lungs which helped her breathe on her own again.
This past week was filled with positive strides, ie: both lung wall linings starting to get thinner of cancer cells due to the Tarceva medicine, her appetite becoming more with her finishing up some homemade spaghetti. (Thanks, Sharee!)
Things were looking up!
Unfortunately, on Tuesday night, 11/15th, she started coughing again, & was given Zanax, Adavant, Nebulizer, etc...to help with her anxiety/breathing.
BiPap was added at 1 am as she was struggling to breathe, using it on & off thru the night till Wednesday morning.
Around 6 am, Wednesday, 11/16th, she was tiring out & the Rapid Response Team (Mercy) was onsite as her blood pressure climbed up to 160. The team asked for permission to intubate her (oxygen tube down the throat) to help her with her breathing & to lower the blood pressure.
Called my brother, Elmer & family, a friend, for prayer & advice on the matter since this will sedate her, & will have to her breathe mechanically. Intubation was iniated at 6:30 am, transferring her to the 3rd floor to the ICU for observation & evaluation.
CAT Scan was initiated to find out other symptoms. It revealed that the right lung has collapsed/pneumothorax with the left lung doing all the work for several hours prior to intubation revealed also that the left lung was starting to collapse along with the right & intubation has saved her from expiring.
Right lung received a tube/below ribs to help re-inflate/air exchange for Agnes' breathing. Left lung was being considered also for this procedure for possibility of collapsing.
Doctors informed us that the right lung collapsed maybe due to pin hole size puncture caused by the cancer cells making the lung wall porous, also there is NO possibility of cure/repair due to both lungs being filled with cancer cells complication. (Note: She's no longer taking chemo and Tarceva.)
We are asking for your mighty prayers & still Expecting Miracles!
Our goal is have Thanksgiving with our Family/Friends. For this will be Her Finest Days/Hours with Us here on Earth....." ~Dennis & family
Having Thanksgiving dinner together as a family. Simple yet significant request. Each minute, each day is priceless. Make each moment count with your loved ones, will you? Not just on the holidays but throughout the year.
In the meantime, Dennis asks that if you would like to visit, please make sure that you are not sick. Children under 12 cannot visit due to hospital regulations. She no longer resides in Room 207. She has been moved to the ICU, Room 342. When you do visit, pray and read her the bible. She'll like that.
Send me your favorite bible verses, and photos of/with Agnes, too. Dennis reads them to her, and they encourage her more than you know. Write something (an event, a gesture, serious or silly things) you remember about her, things she did or said that made an impact on you. I'll post them on a special page on this blog.
A little late, but an update from Tuesday night
Beautiful, gentle, and still
She has a silent grace
Auntie Agnes, a warrior with a resilient spirit fighting at a steady pace.
With the Lord as her Shepard she wills her battles day by day.
Her strong family and friends meeting at intersections, and waiting rooms,
Anticipating the news that she will be renewed once again.
Each day, each hour, each minute, each moment that passes,
We sit , we wait , we pray.
‘Expect a Miracle’ is the motto of her fight.
‘Expect a Miracle’ is what we want.
‘Expect a Miracle’ is what we say.
'Expect a Miracle' is what we pray.
Before I recap tonight, I would like to share with everyone the wonderful evening I was fortunate to spend with Auntie on Tuesday (11/15) night. Before I came to visit her, I was texting her… asking her how she’s doing today and if she would be up for some company. I had heard from my brother (Chris) and Joe that her appetite has grown and she was craving outside food. I asked her if she would like me to bring her anything, and she said yes. I had made some, spaghetti and meatballs, the night before and had some leftover. I wasn’t too sure if this dish would be too complex for her as she was just re-introducing solids into her diet. But, she said sure why not.
I arrived to her awake and waiting for her breathing-treatment and dinner, but I told her I had brought her something (spaghetti and meatballs) that would definitely be worth her stored up energy to at least try. We waited around for a while and chatted a bit about what’s going on with everyone. She intermittently rested between our brief conversations and she mentioned to me that she’s doing okay… but just gets lonely from time to time. I told her I’m here, and won’t leave until another person arrives. And there are a lot of people that may not be here, but are thinking and praying for her constantly.
I noticed that she was coughing a lot that night, more than I’ve noticed before. But with each cough she tried to spit out as much as she could however, she just didn’t have enough energy to cough what was stuck in her chest. She told me that she was a bit short of breath today, but she was now impatiently waiting on her breathing-treatment, which makes things a lot better after. I told Liana that I brought some spaghetti and if her mom didn’t like it, she was more than welcome to have some. But, once I said this, Auntie shook her head and gave me this look like, “ hey, I’m going to try it, don’t give it away yet!”
A couple minutes later, Auntie got her breathing treatment, the girls and company left and she was resting and I told her going to step out for a bit. Then, she perked up and told me she was ready to try my spaghetti! I was totally surprised and got a portion of what I brought for her heated up by one of the nurses. Sure enough, as soon as I handed over the food she devoured it, in between coughing. I was so happy and delighted that she ate! The nurses were also, pleasantly surprised and pleased to hear that she ate J After, she was done, naturally it was time to sleep. The nurse shortly came in to give Auntie some Ativan so she could rest for the night. Auntie asked me to turn off all the lights, and to draw the curtain. As I walked to the chair at the foot of her bed she called out to me and was smiling, and slightly giggling. She asked me, “did you just pet my head?’ And I told her no and that it was just the two of us in the room. I told her to just rest, and I wouldn’t leave until Uncle Dennis arrived. She then closed her eyes and had the most content and at ease face as she fell asleep. Uncle arrived probably 20 minutes later and, I stayed and chatted with him and told him the good news that she actually ate dinner tonight. Without a doubt Auntie has a very resilient spirit. Each day I know, I, among many pray for her recovery.
I know that today, Wednesday (11/16) was a different story as some folks have posted below updates on her condition. I pray that God may comfort her, and lift her up. To allow her to be at ease as she fights this, and grace for her family and friends that are constantly at her bedside. I also pray for the doctors and nurses tending to her day and night, may they have the knowledge and capability to best heal and comfort her.
~Sharee Nuez