Letter to Cevan from Nino Bobby, Nina Heitiare and Heiarii

Cevan,

I remember when your dad told me that he met your mom…his voice was full of excitement and bursting with joy and happiness. Now at the time, I didn’t think much of it because your dad is always so optimistic about everyone and everything that he puts his heart in, however, your mom had a different effect on your dad. Your dad was glowing with radiance because he met his soul mate and never had any cares in the world! So being the skeptical Nino that I am, I was like,” Okay Tama, I want to meet this woman and see what was making you all gushy inside.”

When your Nina Heitiare and I met your mom, my skepticism changed to enthusiasm as I felt that I knew your mother for years after just one day. Your mother, Cheryl, showed me in one day that she is a very kind hearted soul that genially welcomes everyone in without any prejudice or judgment. She is very respectful of people and always wanted them to feel comfortable, regardless of what was going on. She is a great listener and was involved in the entire conversations providing great perspectives on various topics that we talked about. She is funny and had humility at the same time cracking jokes about herself. Your Nina and I were instantly in awww with your mom as she lit up the room with her aura! We are so happy that your dad found your mom.

Here is a poem that that would give you a sense of who your mom is to us:

Two Types of Friends -- Real & Simple

A simple friend has never seen you cry.
A real friend has shoulders soggy from your tears.

A simple friend doesn't know your parents' first names.
A real friend has their phone numbers in his address book.

A simple friend brings a bottle of wine to your party.
A real friend comes early to help you cook and clean.

A simple friend hates it when you call after he has gone to bed.
A real friend asks you why you took so long to call.

A simple friend seeks to talk with you about their problems.
A real friend seeks to help you with your problems.

A simple friend wonders about your romantic history.
A real friend could blackmail you with it.

A simple friend, when visiting, acts like a guest.
A real friend opens your refrigerator and helps himself.

A simple friend thinks the friendship is over when you have an argument.
A real friend knows that it's not a friendship until after you've had a fight.

A simple friend expects you to always be there for them.
A real friend expects to always be there for you!

Your mom is a real friend of ours and we will hold and cherish everything that we shared with her including you. Nene, we will keep your mom’s legacy alive through teaching you about your mom Cheryl and how she changed our lives.

Love you,

Nino Bobby, Nina Heitiare and Heiarii