Kanile'a Genevieve Ann Kamahele

By Kanile’a Genevieve Ann Kamahele

I have been a Kailua girl since mom gave birth to me at Castle Hospital on October 19, 2012. I am now 13 so “ha ha” to the doctors that said I would not live more than two years due to my lissencephaly diagnosis.

My parents named me after my three great-grandmothers: Kanile’a for my Enos ‘ohana; Genevieve for my Murphy ‘ohana, and Ann for my Kamahele ‘ohana.

I am loving hanging out with my great grandparents and so many other family and friends, some who also left earth too soon. My papa Francis Kamahele is here with a big lap for Cece and I. Cece, who left earth when she was only 8 months, is the daughter of my first home nurse (Kristin) who our family embraced as our hanai sister/daughter/granddaughter.

What a great time I’m having hearing fun and kolohe stories about my mom, dad, La’a, and my grandparents back on earth -- Mama Jojo Murphy, Nana (Joyce) and Grandpa (John) O’Brien, and Tutu Patty Kamahele -- and ALL my uncles and aunties and cousins.

You know my mom, the beautiful and talented, loving and best advocate ever Zellie, and my handsome, hilarious, loving and great cook dad Matthew, and my biggest fan, best friend forever and brother, tallest in the family, La’akea.

I may have been in a wheelchair but oh boy the places I’ve been and the things I’ve had a chance to do… been to Vegas a couple times, Legoland, and Disneyland. I loved visiting the Kīpu house on Kauaʻi and our Enos family compound in Makaha. I can’t begin to count the many gyms, convention centers, outdoor courts for basketball and volleyball, and football, baseball, and soccer fields where I played soccer (for two years) and cheered for my friends, cousins, and brother. My adventures took me to movie theaters, stage shows, amusement arcades, camping, lots of Target shopping, and fun and rowdy Duke’s Restaurant visits. I went with my family to lots of beaches all over Oʻahu, so many parties, a loʻi (taro patch), and joined my friend group at Windward Mall with my nurse, Auntie Amber.

Of course, there’s my school, Kailua Elementary. My family and I are so thankful for our small and mighty Ms. Chaves, my awesome educational aide who held off her retirement until I finished 6th grade this past June.

My calendar here is full with lots to do and new places to go! Here’s the best part - I don’t need a wheelchair, no g-tube for feeding, and I don’t have to take meds for seizures anymore!

I have had the most awesome and loving life with my family, extended family and many, many friends, neighbors and beautiful caregivers, especially my Auntie Sadie. I was always so happy when I shared a smile with my family and friends, when my dad and I laughed together, when I entered the gym with all the lights and noise to watch La’a play, when my mom dressed me up and nuzzled with me at night, and when I held hands with all the loves in my life. I hope the following quote helps any sadness you may be feeling:

“So, let tears fall when they come. Let the laughter rise when memories bring warmth. Let grief and joy coexist. For they are not opposites. They are just love in different forms.” (Jameson Arasi)

While I will miss my earthly life with mom, dad, and La’a (and my pound dogs, Duke and Daisy), as well as my annual Halloween birthday dress ups, my toenail painting designs, my hair styling with Auntie Sadie, and so much more, please believe that I am having the grandest, and sometimes kolohe time, watching over all of you.

YOU WILL SEE ME EVERY MORNING. I AM YOUR RAY OF SUN THAT WARMS THE HEART.

WITH ALL MY LOVE FROM HEAVEN, KANILE’A