Saturday, November 14, 2009

A much overdue update

I'm amazed at the immediate response we received from Shin's birthday post. I figured that I've been so negligent in updating that no one must follow it anymore. But immediately a wave of support hit me. Many thanks. Life gets busy and I suspected that Shin and this blog's readers would have forgiven me for not updating so well. But I realize I owe at least a basic update.

Firstly, Josie and Toby are just great. they are both in school full time now. Josie sees herself as an avid reader just like her mom. Toby is wonderfully affectionate. Both seem secure and balanced with the loss of their mom. We talk about Shin frequently, but both Josie and Toby seem to be able talk about her happily. My mother, Carol, has retired from nursing in the US and is with us most of the time. Carol has other grandkids in Boston, US, that she spends some time with, but she has definitely given a maternal stability for Josie and Toby. Our helper Elisa, who has been with us since Toby was born, has been very dedicated in helping to bring up Josie and Toby. I personally feel pride that our family has faced difficulty, but pulled together for the sake of the kids, who so far are doing well.

I am doing well. At times I can dwell on how much I feel Shin has lost out on. I see the wonderful things Josie and Toby have done this past year and multiply that times 20. My heart aches for her loss. On the other hand, I know it would help put Shin at piece knowing we are doing well, and i'm confident she would be happy.

On to the photos!

We went to Boston in May and had a chance to catch up with my brother. Here are some photos from Fenway Park, home of my beloved Red Sox:



And here is a photo of when Josie and I dressed up to go to the Symphony:



And here are some photos of our recent trip to the Philippines. With Josie in a Jeepnee, and with her grandfather, Toby in the pool and making a face:







Finally, her is a photo of Josie going to school on "Hero" day. On Hero day the children do not have to where their uniforms, they can dress as a hero. Josie put on one of Shin's shirts, put on her ID badge, her necklase and bracelets and went to school as her "Hero":

Yikes! I've been trying for any hour and just can't get the text to line up with the photos. I'll trust readers can figure out what i'm trying to say.

32 comments:

kate said...

My tears always well when I read this blog. It's on my RSS reader, and am glad to see an update.

Hope the kids had fun. Josie is so mature for her age.

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony, very glad to know that you and the kids and your mum are doing fine. Is somehow "Great" to know that you still feel ache for the loss of Shin because that show you still miss her a lot and still think of her and is ok as long as that is positive kind of ache. I think that is good that you express that for that is a good way of releasing your ache too.

I am sure there are still many who still visit Shin/your blog here and we are patiently waiting for your updates knowing that you will do so when you are free.

Take care and pls send my/our regards to the 2 little angels too.

Anonymous said...

Yup, still a regular visitor and always looking forward to new post.

Tony,do take care too and happy to know that life is going well for you and the kids. :)

If you do need help or any issue, just post it here and I am sure there will be many helps. :)

Leighbee said...

Thank you so much for such a lovely positive update...Shin would be rightfully very proud of all you have achieved as a family...the strength and determination you have shown is EXACTLY what she hoped for and something we spoke at great lengths about...I commend you all and am so honoured to have you as part of my life xxx

Anonymous said...

overdue update is better than no update at all... glad josie n toby are doing well

Anonymous said...

Me too, a regular visitor to this blog which touches my heart everytime i visit it..

Realli glad that all of u are doing so well!! Can see that josie and Toby r havin fun from the photos!

Thanks for updating Tony and i will be looking forward to ur next update !! Take great care!

Anonymous said...

It is very interesting for me to read the blog. Thanks for it. I like such themes and anything connected to them. I definitely want to read a bit more soon.

Anonymous said...

Thank for sharing Tony! So nice to see the kids. You all look well. Shin would (and is) pleased, I'm sure.

Best,
Mai
(from Shin's CNBC days) :)

Unknown said...

Hi Tony: thanks for the update. Glad to know you guys are doing well. Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures too. You all are always in our thoughts.
Cheers, alka

Anonymous said...

Hi Tony

Am glad the kids are doing well! Thank you for sharing and updating.
And yes! I am always visiting this site sometimes just to read Shin's post all over again.
You take care and update whenever you are able to...knowing you have to work n taking care of the kids.

Ida said...

Hi Tony, I was just thinking about Shin the other day and how time flies. Can't believe it's been 10 months since Shin left. Thought I would check up on this blog today, and was pleasantly surprised to see your latest 2 postings and the lovely pictures. I would like to wish Shin a "HAPPY Belated 43rd Birthday!". She must be very happy and pleased that you and the kids are doing well. Take care and best wishes to you and all at home...Ida

Anonymous said...

I'm SO glad you all are doing well! Take care Tony.
Mad (aka previously silent reader)

Anonymous said...

Glad to know that you and your kids are getting on well. I am sure that all of us will not mind the fact that you seldom update. But you can be sure that you and the kids are in our prayers! =D
~Chris

Anonymous said...

I have much admiration for your family.

-- A breast cancer survivor from California

margaretaguirre said...

Hi Tony,
I'm just now checking the blog - it's so wonderful to hear the latest and see the fantastic pics of you and the kids. I miss you guys. Please let me know next time you're planning to be on the East Coast. I travel there pretty frequently and would love to try to meet you at some point. Sending you lots of love and kisses.
Always,
Marge

Leighbee said...

Thinking of you...as always...xxx

Anonymous said...

I've been checking on this blog on and off very often, VERY glad to see the last two updates - Shin's b'day and this.

Belated Merry X'mas to all of you.

Glad to see Josie and Toby (growing up so fine and well!) and yourself in the updated pics. A picture speaks more than a thousand words!

Take care and God bless!

Jacque

Anonymous said...

Thank you for taking the time to update. :D Shin is definitely a hero in my eyes too. (:

Take care!

PetiteRoseRouge (by Maggie and Nicky) said...

It's been almost a year since Shin left. Just want to say "Hi" and hope U are making a difference wherever U are. U sure make a difference in mine.

Ashley S said...

Dear Tony,
I learn about Shin's blog from my friend's blog link...
Your wife is beautiful inside and out and your 2 kids are lovely! I'm sure they give you a lot of strength and by having your mother does help as well!
You are doing so well for Shin, your kids and yourself... I hope you continue to shine and glow together with your kids...
Happy 2010 and may a new year bring magic into your family!

Leighbee said...

As always...hugs. kisses and supprt to you ALL xxx

Sankrish said...

remembering shin today . it was exactly a year ago shin left us

Leighbee said...

Always on my mind...forever in my heart xxx

Hoa Faust said...

Hi Tony.

I stumbled upon this blogsite via a breast cancer link last year. I am a breast cancer survivor, as well as a daughter of a breast cancer survivor.
The picture of Josie dressed as Shin, her Hero, brought tears to my eyes. I'm 32 years old, and I still see my mother as my hero. You have a beautiful family, keep up the good work.

With much admiration, fellow cancer survivor,
Hoa

Anonymous said...

The kids are looking so well Tony, you are doing such a great job. I love the photos of the balloons and seeing you and the children adding them to her everlasting collection of balloons with each milestone like her birthday. Our thoughts are with you during this time of year.

Mylinh

Patricia said...

Thanks for the update. Glad to know you and the kids are doing fine. Take care!

Anonymous said...

Tony, I read this once before but tears still come up when I read the blog. So glad that Josie chose Shin as her "herp" - I would have too and it makes me so happy that Josie accepts her Mom as the hero that she was. Happy Birthday Shin!!

Anonymous said...

hi tony,

this blog helped me more to learn about letting go and when not to Quit if there is still something to fight for.

My 59 year old mother has been diagnosed with breast cancer. She is 59 year old and I am a 35 year old daughter still bargaining for another 15 years of her life.

Should I mention that I am a single parent too (never been married), so I do not know how it feels how to lose a partner..
Again hope you stay on updating this blog.

regards,
Athena
http://cherubicshots.multiply.com/

Anonymous said...

Hi Shin
I am very sad. Everything seems not to be right. I really have nothing to look forward. Life is so miserable. I cant sleep for many many nights. Will you bring me along.

Tony said...

Hi Anon,

I really understand that life can be hard, sad and overwhelming. By getting through each day one at a time and by finding some support, I really think there will be a day you will be happy with your perseverance through the sad times.

Good luck,
Tony

Unknown said...

Shin Na will alway be remembered!

Unknown said...

Hi shin, seen the tv program yesterday very touched by yr strong will and support fr husband and mother in law.I came across this website while browsing the internet about cancer cure hope you might find it useful.

http://tinyurl.com/ya4k9uw

God bless you and yours
Daniel Lim