Aloha. As the saying goes, life is what happens while we are making other plans. That's what happened to today's Lokahi family that now needs our help.
A hardworking mom and dad have always managed to provide for their four children, ages 2 through 11.
Two years ago, however, life provided a new challenge. Mom gave birth to a child with a cleft lip and palate. The child needed special care, requiring mom to stop working.
The now 2-year-old has had surgery to repair his cleft and palate, however, additional surgeries are needed in order to improve his speech and, hopefully, stop fluid from escaping through his nostrils when drinking.
Earlier this year, the family received another blow when Dad was laid off....so mom went back to work. Now Dad is "Mr. mom" and cares for the children.
A case worker says that the family has never complained or felt sorry for themselves and they continue to aggressively pursue financial stability. In fact, both mom and dad have passed early tests for certain employment and are awaiting the next step.
If you'd like to help make the holidays a little brighter for this family, here is their wish list. Mom and dad are only requesting household items such as food and toiletries. Although a gift card to go out for a meal or to see a movie would be a nice treat for the couple.
The 8-year-old boy likes to build things and would love Legos for Christmas. The 11-year-old girl enjoys paddling and would appreciate a paddle or new clothes. The 3 year old whose favorite movie is Toy Story loves to draw and would appreciate art supplies. The two-year-old likes to play with trucks and swords and he likes to color. Those things would be great but mom says clothes are what he really needs most.
