UYE Celebration of Life for Beth W.

Though I could not attend this celebration of Beth W’s life I did want to contribute with a post to honor Beth, a beautiful child of God who had a heart of love.
Though I was not fortunate enough to have met Beth IRL I consider myself very blessed to be among her many friends on Unilocal.Beth was always kind and encouraging and her faith was so obvious in how she interacted with others. Her actions are what showed her faith and love for God.
As Beth fought cancer she always showed great courage and grace. She was a true inspiration and a testament as to what faith can do for us as we face our daily trials in this world.
Her love for her husband, children and grandson was so obvious to everyone who interacted with her on Unilocal.Though she has gone home to the Father her love will live on in the hearts of those whose lives she touched.
It is sad knowing that Beth is no longer with us in this world. It is of great comfort to know she is at home with the Father and there is no more illness to fight.

I have a hard time saying goodbye…
Like many other Unilocalers, I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Beth W. of Los Gatos, California in person, but I did have opportunities to speak with her on the phone. She is an excellent conversationalist — full of life, energy, and positive attitude. She really inspired me to live my life to the fullest — you never know what tomorrow will bring — or even today…
One day, before dinner, my buddy, Dear Daniel, said that he had a bad day and needed a drink. We went to the Chart House where he shared his sadness for a friend who had passed. He felt badly that he didn’t get to say everything that he wanted to say. After dinner, I found out that that friend was Beth. I was devastated. I was so upset that he didn’t tell me who had passed, but then again, I was glad that I found out after dinner.
After I got over my anger and shock, logic set in and Daniel and I continued the planning of Beth’s UYE as we had originally agreed upon. She was coming to visit us and we had several events in mind, including a picnic at Ala Moana Beach Park with fireworks at 7:45pm.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON
We posted the UYE (Unofficial Unilocal Event) under the Events tab on the Unilocal Hawaii Home Page. Over 100 Unilocalers clicked «I’m in» and «It’s Cool», and showed support for our small tribute to a remarkable human being whose strength and courage deeply inspired me. I was truly touched by the overwhelming response of our Unilocal Community!
I got there extra early to reserve a spot for our picnic. Beth’s spirit immediately sprinkled blessings on the site with a passing shower — I felt her approval as I thanked Mother Nature for cooperating and I thanked God for this perfect Hawaiian day! Lots of empty parking stalls (possibly because it was Black Friday) greeted us! The area next to the restroom near Lifeguard Tower 1E was open for our enjoyment!
Sophie and Darrell arrived soon with a tent to shelter our portrait of Beth. We surrounded her with many fresh flower lei, a tropical flower arrangement and a traditional floral bouquet from Paul C. of Cindy’s Lei Shoppe, candles, kukui nut lei, a rosary, and a plate of goodies!
Terry and Dear Daniel came with more tents, chairs, tables, coolers and a sound system! We’re so lucky that Sophie and Darrell are well-​trained in campsite setup! I was so happy with our teamwork that I almost cried!
Here, in Hawaii, we show our aloha, love, and concern for each other through food. We gather together and «talk story» over a shared meal. It was so fitting that our potluck reflected our diverse culture:
Leonard’s Malasadas; Sushi platter from Genki; and a case of water from Dear Daniel
Zippy’s Fried Chicken and Mochi (symbol of unity) from Marukai from Sophie and Darrell
Special HOMEMADE corn dish and Poke from Foodland from Terry
Fried Noodles from L&L in Moiliili from Bruddah Fran & Jules
Almond Roca Cookies (thanks Amy! — you’re a real sweet tooth!)
Heart shaped, Portuguese Sausage flavored Spam sushi by Yours Truly
Jerrae and Kristine stopped by and watched the Fireworks with us — mahalo for taking time out of your busy schedule to join us! Do you agree that the fireworks show was awesome? For me, it symbolized our life here on earth — fantastic, but limited…
I appreciate Terry and Amy for wading in ocean with me. We gathered in a circle and said a few prayers… it was such an uplifting experience! I felt even better when we all got together for a selfie by Bruddah Fran and each person said a few words.
Other highlights included singing with Terry — that so much fun! We’re going to do this every year, right?
We concluded with a prayer that Noelle had sent to Daniel — it was one of Beth’s favorites, about Falling in Love… (see Daniel’s photo). Darcie and company arrived to help pack up and clean up — Mahalo nui loa!
It was such a rewarding experience. I’m so grateful to be a part of the Unilocal Community. Many of us have not met each other yet in person, but we know each other through technology. .that’s so amazing that we are friends! Don’t you agree?
I have a hard time saying goodbye… so… instead, I will say, «Aloha ‘oe Beth» — until we meet again… And we will!

How does one measure a person’s life? I really don’t know…
All I know is — it’s not is how rich, or how long a person’s life is…
It’s about how one touches and impacts others, and leaves a permanent impact on someone’s life… which is the case of my Unilocal buddy — Beth W.
Who is Beth W. If you had the pleasure to meet her, or talk to her on Unilocal.Beth was a ray of sunshine, and all I have to say about her is she had a lot of ALOHA in her heart!
I was proud to share a moment with Beth, and the Hawaii Unilocal community this past Friday night.
I would like to recognize the following people who organized this wonderful event — The famous Auntie Nadine C, & Daniel C… Auntie & Daniel did a wonderful job in hosting this wonderful celebration of life for Beth!
I also would like to recognize Paul C. for the beautiful flower arrangements too!
It was great to hang out with my sweetie — Jules Y., and the rest of the Unilocal gang — The famous auntie — Nadine C., Bruddah Darrell P. & his beautiful wife Sophie P., Jerrae R., Terry H. & his beautiful wife Darcie and their kids, Amy M., Daniel C., & Kristine C. (hope I didn’t forget anyone?).
Life is sure mysterious… while you are here on this beautiful place called earth, remember to love thy neighbor, and tell the ones that you love to say — «I love you!»
Happy Holiday my friends!

After 4 days of rain the sun came out. A beautiful day was in store to celebrate the life of Beth W. I had never met her but this remembrance gave me a feel for her spirit.
Awesome job Nadine for pulling this all together. Thanks Daniel for pickling me up and sharing life’s stories along the way. Thanks Darrel and Sophie for your expertise in setting up and gear. Thanks Fran and Jules for your humor and selfie stick. Thanks Amy for catching the bus and stepping out in the water knee deep to say a prayer. Thanks Jerrae and Kristne for your camaraderie. Thanks Darcie, Dez and Jazmin for helping with breakdown.
A beautiful memorial was set up and I went home with a sweet maile lei, a flower arrangement and Chinese pretzels.
Nadine, Amy and I stepped into the warm Pacific Ocean to say a word to Beth.
We ended the evening with fireworks from Hilton Hawaiian Village. We also stayed back and chatted for a bit in the parking lot. We all went our separate ways but feeling warmer inside.
Mahalo everyone for the grinds (food).
Looking forward to doing this again and hopefully a longer and sunnier day. I will get that Honda generator!

I recall my first interaction with Beth W when she’d send me compliments, vividly on my Happy Garden and Ray’s Café UYE’s. We both enjoy chicken feet and would discuss food. That was about over 2 years ago.
As we got to know each other better we’d then discuss about our family and immediately bonded even closer. Family is also very important to me and we shared similar values.
After my association with Beth the next thing I know I received a compliment from Beth’s daughter, Noelle. I also remember Noelle coming out informing me she was back then one of my «fans».
We became very close and we’d share our personal problems and Beth informed me of her health condition. For those who know me and follow my check in’s I frequent Kuan Yin Temple and pray over and over for the well-​being of My Ohana, which I included Beth.
We’d discuss her itinerary when she planned to visit Oahu. I promised her hosting events at Happy Garden and Ray’s Café. We’d even discuss going to Kuan Yin Temple together. Beth and Noelle appreciated the water lily pictures I’d post and text them directly.
I knew the situation became very serious when Beth asked me to pray for her. I’d go to the temple multiple times asking for The Goddess to help Beth get well. I really wanted to meet her. You have no idea how much I wanted to see her in person. As I quote her, we were «kindred spirits.» Our bond was strong.
I was numb when I found out of Beth’s passing. I was asked to keep this information private. It was difficult to function. Trying to perform my duties. Shocked. In total shock. Denial on my part, too. I so wanted to meet her but that is no longer possible.
With prior obligation I was unable to attend this UYE. Disappointed. But I’m grateful co-​host Daniel C. stopped by so I gave him leis and flowers for this UYE. It’s part of our custom here in the 50^th state.
Hats off to co-​host Nadine for going the extra mile in coordinating. A lot of work and I’m not surprised she pulled off this UYE with Daniel C.
There’s one thing to learn from this. Life is precious. Be grateful. Don’t take things for granted. Love and take care of family and friends. Keep them close to you and offer your support.
NOTE: I would like to acknowledge the following. Individuals who contributed in sending leis and flowers to California for Beth’s memorial service on Saturday. The Kokua and generosity from the following Yeeps: Kathy A, Darrell P, Sophie P, Jules Y, Fran C, Nadine C, Daniel C, Minky C, Santi T, Daniel L, Cherisse E, Lyla D and Paul C.
I wanted to post a Talk Thread reaching out to all but had to respect the wishes of Beth’s family to keep this small.

The UYE celebration of life for Beth W. was exceptionally touching. I never had the opportunity to meet Beth, but the kind words shared by Daniel C made me feel as if I did. Auntie Nadine did a wondrous job of planning, and putting this special event together on Ala moana beach.

This shows what a powerful Unilocal community can do once a strong connection is built. Everyone pitched in by contributing, tents, chairs, music, tables, and food. Thank you Auntie Nadine, Daniel, Darrell, Sophie, Terry, Fran, Jules, Jerrae, and Kristine. Also, Another wave of thanks to lyla, and others that I had missed that contributed to the flower memorial.
This was a wonderful night which gathered fellow Unilocalers to come together and remember Beth, and to let her know how much she was loved.
After days of rain, we were blessed with a clear night with sweet trade winds. A separate table was dressed in leis, were laid next to a picture of Beth. It was beautiful and heartwarming. The table faced towards the scenic view of the Pacific Ocean. Even though she was not physically there with us, her spirit was.
I always believe people come into your life for a reason. Whether it may be short or long, the worthy ones cause the most impact. It’s never easy to say goodbye, but the love for Beth in the Unilocal community will be perpetual.

It is so heart warming to see how much a community cares for one of their own. I was in such awe of Aunty Nadine and Daniel C’s efforts in creating this UYE in memory of Beth.
I did not have the pleasure of meeting Beth W. but hearing Daniel speak of her, warmed my heart. Seeing Aunty Nadine’s tribute to her just shows how wonderful and strong Beth was.
I am so proud of our Unilocal community. Seeing them come together for this, it shows that we aren’t here just for the free movies or events. It’s more than just reviews and photos. With the right Unilocal friends, it becomes a brotherhood, a sisterhood an extended family. It is the biggest shopping day of the year and instead of focusing on the material side of the holidays they chose to celebrate the one thing money cannot buy and that is the LIFE of someone. Whether we knew who Beth was or heard the story of her fight and her strength, it was ultimately about sharing what is important… Life.
The money, the food, the clothes mean nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with. Without that what is the rest worth?
Thank you Aunty Nadine and Daniel for showing us what true Unilocal-​ship is about and for having this event. It was a small yet very peaceful and perfect gathering.
To all that were there, I thank you for renewing my faith in people and knowing there are so many wonderfully souled people out there and I have meet many of them in all of you.
Aunty Nadine, Daniel, Kristine, Darrell, Sophie, Amy, Terry, Jules and Fran… thank you.
Beth W., though we have never met, I know how great of a woman you were, may your family find peace in all the days ahead. Until we meet at those golden gates, I bid you farewell. Aloha, a Hui hou.

One of the hardest things to do in life is say goodbye but the blessing in disguise is that the person was in your life, no matter how short, and made an imprint in it that will last forever. I feel very blessed to have met Beth W in real life during my trips over to CA. She is now in a better place watching over all of us and this UYE was to celebrate her life.
The location of this UYE was perfect as it was the location we were going to host a UYE in her honor when she was able to visit HI. Beth must have been there with us tonight because the weather cooperated throughout the night. We were all worried it would be pouring rain but it was mostly dry. Everyone brought delicious dishes to the potluck. My very last meal with Beth was sushi followed by dessert at 85 degree C Bakery Café so I brought sushi and malasadas from Leonard’s Bakery to commemorate her.
During the conclusion of our UYE, I was asked «how was Beth in real life?» I have to say my answer during that moment wasn’t good enough to share with everyone how wonderful and amazing Beth was. She is one of the nicest, genuine, sincere, family orientated, religious, generous and optimistic individuals that I have ever met. She has touched so many people through Unilocal and many of whom have not met her in person. The positive aura that comes off of her is contagious. All those who have communicated with her in one form or another is very blessed to have gotten to know her. It’s a shame for all those who couldn’t have met her in person because she really is like an angel with a smile that lights up the room. Unfortunately, these words can’t even begin to scratch the surface of how awesome Beth was. May she rest in peace.
First of all, I want to thank Noelle J for sending me Beth’s favorite prayer to share with everyone. It was very touching. Thank you to Nadine for setting everything up and for being an amazing cohost for this event. Mahalo to Darrell P and Sophie P for arriving early to secure the perfect spot with their massive tent. Thank you Terry H and Darcie I for the tables, chairs, tents, setting up and breaking down. Special thanks to Paul C for lei’s and flowers for the event. Finally, thank you everyone who was able to attend and for those who reached out and was with us in spirit. You made this event a success and I’m confident that Beth is smiling down on us Hawaii Yeeps.