A resolution to the Drunk Driving DEATH of my father in law is finally on its way!
On March 31, 2007, my father was killed in a senseless accident. He was on his way home from work, riding on his 2006 Harley Davidson motorcycle when he was hit from behind by a drunk driver. The woman who hit him did not stop... in fact she continued to drag him under her car for 500 feet before crashing into a cement barrier. There were NO TIRE MARKS found at the scene... which means she never even TRIED to stop! He was less than 3 minutes away from the safety of his home when the accident happened. He chose this alternate route home to avoid exactly what it was that took his life.....A DRUNK DRIVER !
He was taken so suddenly away from a loving wife of 30 years, 3 children and their spouses, and 7 grandchildren. His congregation lost a pastor, the United States Marines lost a warrior and military veteran. His brother's and sister's lost a dear family member. The community lost a friend and advocate. He was a dear man, stern, strong, giving, loving, unselfish. Truly loved and adored by all he met, and above all RESPECTED. He was a recipient of the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart for his courageous actions during the Vietnam war... in which he saved many lives of the men who served in his unit.
My goal here is to share the life of my father. He is no longer with us in body but HE LIVED!
HE LIVED...unselfishly. He loved everyone, his family, and GOD. He served our armed forces in the United States Marines, and he served proudly. Upon retirement he returned home to the North Shore where he raised his family and served as Pastor of the Haleiwa Evangelical Mission. He also worked at the Army's Firing Range in Kahuku.
HE LIVED... He loved his wife and children, but his grandchildren were his world. He could be found in his down time, taking his grandchildren to the local pool. Swimming was his passion, and he wanted his grandchildren to experience the love he had for it. He would take his grandchildren riding around the neighborhood on his bicycle in the evenings when it was hot and humid. There was no limit to what he would do for his grandchildren, and he never questioned the time he would so willingly spend with them. He enjoyed the outdoors, he enjoyed life, he enjoyed helping those less fortunate... HE LIVED!
Two years have nearly passed, and not a day , or event goes by, where his memory or name isn't spoken. Not a day goes by where the burning question, "WHY?" is not asked. In my opinion it was not an accident..it was pure negligence, ignorance, with no concern or respect for life...that happened that night. Drinking, driving and speeding = the recipe for disaster.
We ask that you leave comments of love and support for Valaile Fuiava Jr. To remember that he is not just a name... not just a statistic... He was a man WHO LIVED!
Your support, your thoughts, your feelings ... will help when the time comes to give testimony to his life.
ALSO if you are on facebook, please join our group - In Loving Memory of Valaile Fuiava Jr.
Me ke aloha pumehana... Keala and the Fuiava Ohana
LINK TO NEWS STORY (watch the video) http://www.khon2.com/news/local/6821597.html
LINK TO NEWS STORY http://archives.starbulletin.com/2007/04/02/news/story05.html
8 comments:
Wow, this is just about the most touching blog post I've ever read. Just incredible! Sorry for your loss!
What a beautiful tribute you've written. Wow.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
I hope this finds a suitable resolution for the driver. I am so sorry to hear about your families loss. My thoughts are with you.
Our thoughts are with you...
As a fellow veteran and Pastor, it is so hard to understand how something like this could ever have happened. Although its been almost 2 years, no one could ever understand how your family is feeling at the moment. I know your dad did everything right, and just don't seem like its fair that he should be taken away so suddenly! The bitterness and anguish still hasn't healed fully, and perhaps, never will. I truly believe that God needed him for something we could never understand or even began to fathom. One thing is certain, although he is no longer with us physically, as Paul says, to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. Where Pastor Fuiava is now, is where we are all striving to be one day... Whatever you do, don't ever give up the Faith that I believe without a shadow of a doubt, that your Dad, Pastor Fuiava, a Servant of the most High God, proudly stood for! As a retired veteran, we know what its like to be unselfish, as we've seen and been around the world to places one could only dream of. We understand what its like to not have anything as many countries we've been to are experiencing each and every day. We understand and appreciate life and that "giving" of ourselves to benefit others is so much apart of us as veterans. Although I've never met your dad, I feel him, and the sorrow he has left behind... Be strong and if anything, don't lose your faith in God. Alofa atu...
I just want to thank everyone for all of your positive thoughts, encouraging words, support and love.
I am truly blessed by great friends, fellow crafters and a very supportive state/country.
The response to the sentence was overwhelming, and from the bottom of our hearts MAHALO NUI LOA!!
Me ke aloha pumehana... Keala
Hi uncle..i miss u..i got to spent some time with you, when you came to see us. i find myself watching the military channel more.. (good times.) you didnt say much, but u did laugh alot..Thank you for the words of wisdom..love u 4eva uncle
I love and miss you Papa.You will forever be in my heart.Now you are watching over us,also you are in a better place.I will forever love you Papa and the Fuiava aiga.This is a wonderful way you wrote it,Aunty Keala.Love you Aunty Keala.
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