Dear Mom, I can't believe it's only been three years since we lost you. It is still so clear in my mind those two weeks you were in the hospital. I miss you all the time and I'm so sad you're not here to see us and be with us living our lives. Milt and Liz had Kailey last November and they say she reminds them so much of you. I know you would just adore her and love her so much. I'm in England now with Simon. I'm happy but missing everyone. I know you're watching all of us from heaven. I wonder when the day will come, when we'll see you again.
I love you Mom, Steph (Nov. 22, 2009)
This memorial is dedicated in loving memory of our beautiful and most amazing mother, Anita. She was taken too soon from us on October 4, 2006. She is now pain free and has a new body in heaven, walking and talking with Jesus, singing praises to Him. "YOU WILL BE FOREVER LOVED & MISSED MOM"
We would like to express our sincerest thanks to all the wonderful people we met through memory-of.com. They have helped us through this most difficult time in our lives by leaving comforting tributes and keeping our Mom's site going by lighting candles for her. They have also given their love and time in making the most beautiful graphics for our Mom's site. You have touched our lives more than you can ever imagine.
40 years / Milton Yeo (son) 5/17/08
Hi mom, as I love to say. it's two simple words but is the most universal greeting to the most esteemed figure all over. I know you are at a better place and how are you now? Today, I turned 40. You know what that reminds me of? You. What it took for you to get me here. I remember the stories you and dad told people we met, I piece them together since not all the stories are not told to brag but in specific examples to praise our Lord Jesus. First, I know you had a miscarriage before any of us kids were born, then when you were pregnant the second time. You laid in bed most of the time because you had spotting and the doctors advise to not move around since you could suffer another miscarriage. You told me this story before. What a labor of love and a huge sacrifice for you. I remember you were mostly holed up in a small apartment at St. Stephen's Church -- that's the namesake for our sister, Stephanie.
Another incident is when I contracted malaria, that is in Jolo. I was still very young but I remember it and everything I remember, it's a vivid scene of you and I. You were always there for me. I also suffered a extreme case of diarrhea and poisoning from drinking the water in Butuan -- I remember this because dad tells the stories of him crying to God and him performing His miracle -- I don't remember how bad it was, but dad said, I almost died for them. But one thing that always sticks out in my mind is that I see you there next time. When I am lying on my bed, you are there next to me. I can see you feeding me and nursing me, changing my shirts, rubbing me with water and alcohol to reduce my fever.
Mom, you were always there for me, and it's very painful for me to be at your bedside in the hospital and feel the most helpless feeling in the world. I wished I could have done something. Something that matters. I know God has a better plan for you so I let it go and put my trust in Him. I know you are in good hands. But it does not take away that when it's my turn to be by your side when you are sick, I could not do anything to make you better. But I hope you realized that we loved you so, and couldn't bear having you gone. We missed you dearly and I wanted to let everyone know that not only have you been my mom, but my angel here on earth. Everytime I was so sick, you are the one that is there for me. You are the constant face that i see with your hand wiping the sweat from my forehead. I can even remember you sing for you to comfort me. Thank you for being there for me. I wished you haven't left us so soon.
I love you. -Milton
Our Mom was fine one day and then dying the next. We thought we had more years with her and then all of a sudden,we're told she may not make it for another week.
This leukemia was so horrible and devastating to her body, there was nothing that could be done. It happened so fast, we did not prepare for this.
My worst nightmare has always been losing our Mom. How do you prepare for something like this? I always thought my Mom would live forever, never imagined her getting so sick, that I would never see anything happen to her. I always felt like my Mom was invincible and that she would always be around. You always hear that parents should never lose their children, but I also believe that children should never have to experience losing their Mom or Dad.
There are no words that can describe the heartache and pain that we are going through but the only assurance and comfort we have is knowing that she did not suffer long and she now has a new body in heaven.
She loved God with all her heart, her mind, her body and soul and now she is doing what she loves doing and that is rejoicing with our God. Our Mother, Our Friend
Love doesn't leave us It stays within our heart. The memories you left behind Will never, ever part.
We love you so very much With a love that will never end. For a very special mother Who also was our friend.
You are so very dearly missed But now your soul is free. Paradise is now your home Filled with peace and harmony.
With all the other angels Enjoy all Heaven's view. One day we'll be together When our life on earth is through.
Until that day's upon us Patiently we'll wait. For it will mend our hearts When we meet at Heaven's gate.
~DMN~ It is also dedicated to all those who have also lost a mother or a father, spouse, child, brother or sister. May God be with them and give them comfort and strength. And God bless you for all your love you give to your loved ones and parents. They are always watching you from heaven.
Mom with her mother at Newt & Nancy's Pre-wedding July 2006, just a few months before she went to heaven. Mom looked fine and healthy here. We all didn't know how sick she was and that we would lose her soon. WE MISS YOU SO MUCH MOM! (Our Ama was reunited with Mom a few months ago..... we are so sad she's no longer with us, but now she's with Mom, Grandpa and our Aunt Ramona and Uncle Bert in heaven)
"Mom, It's been so hard to write down my thoughts and feelings lately. It's been so painful to think of you. Your birthday is coming up on the 22nd and I still can't believe you are really gone from us. I know I say it alot but it's so hard to believe. I dont' know why I can't accept it. Whenever I look at your pictures, my heart aches and hurts so bad and I feel so empty from missing you so much.
So many times I want to call you and hear your voice. The sound of your voice always gave me comfort. And I can always count on you being there, listening and praying for me. I feel so alone in this world without you.
I asked Marty yesterday if you'll know me when I see you in heaven. I never imagined how much I would miss having you as my Mom. I never could bring myself to think about it for long because the thought of it was just unimaginable. Now my absolute worst nightmare has come true and I am living it every moment and everyday.
It is so hard to live in this life without you. I miss you more and more each day and my sadness does not get better or less. The assurance of being with you again in heaven is the only thing that's keeping me going. I love you Mom. I hope you know that and I hope you can see me from heaven. Love your daughter, Steph (dated 2/20/08)
Thank you for visiting our Mom's website. Before you leave, please light a candle for our Mom. She would really love that. Here is another webpage for our Mom and her angel friends. http://www.formyangelmom.piczo.com
Our Mom was the most wonderful, most loving and caring mother anyone can ever have. She was the best thing that ever happened to us. She was our strength, our comforter, our best friend , our angel and most of all, our wonderful Mother.
No one else can ever take her place. Everyone that met her just loved her and wished they had a mother like her. We were so lucky and blessed to have shared our lives with her. We will always remember her sweet smile, her soft-spoken voice and we will always love her,just like she loved us. She will be missed forever.
The only thing that keeps us going is knowing that she is looking down on us from Heaven and just having a wonderful time with Jesus. And one day very soon, we will all see her and be with her again. WE LOVE YOU MOM AND WE MISS YOU EVERYDAY!!! (written by Steph)
On Sept. 27, 2006, our brother, Milton wrote this while sitting next to our Mom's hospital bed at St. Joseph's Hospital. She went to be with our Lord on Oct. 4, 2006. "AGAIN" written by Milton (oldest son) "Mama, you have given up so much for us. Your decisions have always revolved around us. You have cared for us, fed us, protected us. Now you have aged. Your sacrifice have made us this far. We could not have gotten far without you. We would not have learned how to love without you.
As I look at you, my heart sinks a thousand feet. My chest empties all the air. My eyes swell with tears and I have no feeling left. And I couldn't care to breathe. I have never felt this helpless. I thought I have felt pain and sorrow, but nothing beats the sadness and anguish I feel to see you like this.
I have no purpose left and I feel like giving it all up if I can just see you get up and hug me.... To hear you say, "I LOVE YOU" again.
So I pray and I keep praying for Jesus to heal you and make you whole again. My thoughts and prayers are with you. With God's words, He will raise you up so I can see you smile at me again. "
"The Day God Called You Home"
God looked around His garden and found an empty place. He then looked down upon His earth and saw your loving face.
He put His arms around you and lifted you to rest. His garden must be beautiful, He always takes the best. He knew that you were suffering. He knew you were in pain. He saw your path was difficult, He closed your tired eyes. He whispered to you "Peace be Thine" and gave you wings to fly.
You've left us precious memories, your love will be our guide. You live on through your loved ones, youre' always by our side. It broke our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone. For part of us went with you on the day that God called you home. ~Anonymous~
Our Mom went to be with our Lord before her husband, Mariano, her 3 children, Milton, Stephanie and Newton, her 2 grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Kendrick, her 2 daughter-in-laws, Liz and Nancy, and her 2 sisters, Lolita and Evelyn and brother, Eddie, and many nieces, and nephews and many loved ones and friends who love her and miss her.
THE BROKEN CHAIN ~Author Unknown~
We little knew that morning, that God was going to call your name. In life we loved you dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, you did not go alone; for part of us went with you, the day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories, your love is still our guide; and though we cannot see you, you are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same; but as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. We love you so much Mom... it still doesn't seem all real. I keep thinking you're at home with Dad. I can't believe you're gone and you're not with us anymore.
I miss everything about you, your smile, your laugh, your sweet personality, you loving us and caring about us all the time. I just can't believe we don't have you around anymore.
You were always the one that held us all together. You were our rock, our everything. You made everything okay and safe. You fixed everything by just your comforting words and prayers.
Not a day goes by that I don't miss you so much and long to see you again. I love you more than anything in this world and I would give anything to have you back. Love always, Steph xoxo
Kaitlyn, who is usually very reserved and shy, wanted to make it known to the whole congregation gathered at Fairhaven her love for her Ama: "Ama, I liked it when you did my hair. I appreciated it when you took care of us. I am thankful that God can take care of you now. But I miss you, Ama and I love you."
"Ama, I miss you already. Our house is not the same anymore without you. Jesus is lucky to have you in heaven. I miss your hugs and kisses. I love you, Ama." ~ Kendrick
"A MILLION TIMES " (author unknown) A million times we've needed you, A million times we've cried. If love alone could have saved you, You never would have died.
If all the world was ours to give, We would give it yes, and more, To see you coming up the steps, And walking through the door.
To hear your voice and see your smile, To sit and talk a while, To be with you that same old way, Would be our fondest day.
A heart of gold stopped beating, Two smiling eyes closed to rest, God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
Mom, we didn't want to let you go but your heart was with the Lord already and you couldn't wait to see heaven.
We did everything to keep you with us but God just wanted you too. Smile, be happy now, and no more pain, we will see you soon.... Forever always missing you, Forever always loving you." XOXOXO
"Mama, you were so loved and cherished by so many, especially us. You were and will always bethe best mother on this earth. You were the most loving, caring, giving and supportive person we know. We don't know what to do without you now. Who do we have to count on now? There are no words to describe the hurt and pain we are in and how much we miss you being with us. Our hearts are broken and will never be the same. Our lives are never the same. It's just empty now without you and can only be filled until we are together again.
Mom, you know how much we loved you in life. Now that you are where you wanted to be, we will still love you just the same. You are never far from our thoughts and hearts." WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU MOM! XOXOXO (Steph, MOM, Newt and Milton at Newt's graduation)
FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS... To all our family here in the U.S., Philippines, Canada for all your love and prayers for Mom.
To all of our closest friends and church friends for your fervent support, love and prayers for Mom and our family.
Aunt Alice and cousin Rebecca for your sacrifices and neverending love and care for our Mom. We could not have done it without you.
And to Milt and Liz for letting us all crash at your house and feeding us as always. It was such a comfort that we could be all together while we were all taking care of Mom.
And to Aunt Mary for making sure there was always food in the house and we never had to worry about it or go hungry.
And to our favorite nurse, Vangee, you were the best one. You made sure our Mom got what she needed and we felt secure when she was on your watch.
We will never forget these precious earth angels. God bless you all for your big hearts and love for our mother.
Return from Asia vacation (Aug 23, 2009) / Milton Yeo (Son)
hi mom i wasn't able to leave you messages before since this site was down. i miss you terribly. we went to the philippines and came back a few days ago. guama passed away while we were there. i'm sure she is there with y...
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10/4/08 I MISS YOU MOM! / Steph (daughter)
Hi Mom, it's been awhile since I dreamt of you. Just last week I woke up crying so hard for you. I dreamt you were on a trip and came back suddenly. You had a beautiful smile on your face but you didn't say a word. I was so shocked to see you and gra...
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I love you Mom! / Nancy Yeo (Daughter in Law )
Hi Mom!
It's almost your two year anniversary. It feels like yesterday when I met you for the first time. I was with Newton and we met you and your family at the LAX Airport. You didn't say much, but I knew right from the start that you were such a...
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3rd K / Milton Yeo (Son)
Hi mom, you are still fresh in our minds. That sadness of the moment that you are not here anymore still comes and goes. We missed and love you so much.
It doesn't seem that long ago when you were with us, sitting down eating and relaxing at home...
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6/14/08 I miss you always Mom.... / Steph (daughter)
Mom, It's been so hard lately to work on your site and try to write what's in my heart.
In May, Milton turned 40. Marty and I went to Calif. and celebrated it with everyone. We missed having you not there with us. It was nice to get toget...
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Anita Chiong Yeo was born in Zamboanga City, Philippines on February 22, 1942. Our Mom was full of love and life. What happened to her was all a shock to us. Our world and outlook on life will never be the same again.
On September 21, 2006, she was rushed to the hospital with shortness of breath and when blood tests were done, we found out she had pneumonia and AML (Acute Myelogenous Leukemia). The oncologist told us that she needed chemo or she would not make it to the following week. We were speechless, afraid, and just devastated. We were told that her chances of surviving after chemo was very slim since the chemo would wipe out all her white blood cells.
Because she was so sick, she had to be put on a ventilator. We only had a few moments where she could speak to us. We didn't have the heart or strength to tell her she had leukemia. She told us how much she loved us and to take care of each other and that she wanted to be with the Lord and not have to suffer like this anymore. We told her that we wanted her to be with us and to fight this sickness.
STEPH: For as long as I can remember, my brothers and I have always been protective of our Mom. We would do everything for her, make sure she's okay, make sure she's not upset or hurting, make sure she got what she needed and was happy. This was the first time we felt so helpless and powerless. I hated this feeling. We all wished it was us that had the cancer, that it was us laying there on that hospital bed and hooked up to the ventilator, and us that got poked every hour on all our fingers to test for blood sugar.
She was then immediately transferred to St. Joseph's Hospital in Orange, Calif. and went through 7 days of chemo. During those times, we never left her side. We were all there and took turns caring for her day and night and making sure she got the proper care that she needed. I think in the end she knew she had cancer because she knew about the chemotherapy. We believed with all our hearts that she would pull through this. But just two days after chemo, she went into cardiac arrest. It took the doctor 13 minutes to resuscitate her, but she never woke up again.
The doctors had her on all sorts of medicines to regulate her heartrate and blood pressure and during the early morning, the medicines weren't working anymore. Her heartrate and blood pressure were so unstable that the doctor said that it was just a matter of time that she would go into cardiac arrest again and she would be in worse shape.
It was all still a shock for us and we didn't know what to do. We cried and cried and all prayed around her. We finally decided together to not let them resuscitate her again if she went into cardiac arrest again. We didn't want her going through anymore unnecessary suffering. As we stood around her, her heartrate and blood pressure kept getting worse and worse.We kissed her and told her how much we love her as her body continued to fail. When the last of us said our goodbyes, she left us at that moment. It was as if she was waiting for each of us to let her go.
On October 04, 2006 at the age of 64, her body couldn't take the sickness anymore and she went to be with our Lord Jesus.
ABOUT OUR LOVELY MOTHER...
Anita was the second of six children, born to Vicente and Delia Chiong. Her youngest sister, Evelyn, wrote "My mom told me that the day Anita was born, she only felt a little discomfort, my dad ran to get the midwife( this is during WWII),while grandma was helping my mom get into bed, Anita popped out, fortunately my grandma was close enough to catch her. Never fussed, seldom cried as a baby,did not know what temper tantrums meaned. Since then, from the day she was born, she tried to make things easy for everyone."
This was the kind of person our Mom was. She never raised her voice or spoke any unkind words to anyone. She was the kindest and most loving soul you could ever meet. She always took time out for you, no matter what.
When she was young, she used to climb a coconut tree to get coconuts. She loved all sorts of fruits. Whenever she had the chance, she would always tell us "You have to eat more fruits, it's good for you." And we always did what she said, because we knew she loved us and it would make her happy. She even had a guava tree in our house in Irvine, California. She was always so proud of the fruits it produced because it reminded her of back home in Zamboanga.
When she was a young girl, she was involved in dances through her school and loved to sing. Our Mom loved music and played the piano beautifully. She gave her talents to God and played for many churches.
STEPH: I will forever remember her playing a hymnal medley "In the Garden" and "What a friend we have in Jesus." She also taught me how to play the piano.Whenever she played, I would always ask her, "Mom, play In the Garden." And she had it memorized since she was a young girl and would always play it for me.
Our Mom also loved singing. She was always singing worship songs or hymns, even in her sleep. Whenever we had nightmares or if we were sad, our Mom would sing to us to comfort us. That was always her way and it always worked. We would forget our bad dreams and fall back to sleep right away.
STEPH: I remember when we lived in Manila, Philippines, it seemed like I was always having a bad dream. Our parents' room was connected by a small closet that was also connected to the kids' room. And every night, I would sneak into my parents' room and squeeze myself in between my Mom and the wall. My Dad would immediately wake up and tell me to go back to my bed. I just hugged my Mom tighter and she would hold me and let me stay there until the next morning.
STEPH: The first time I saw her in the hospital, she had a hard time resting and sleeping, so I sat with her all night and held her hand and sang to her the same songs she used to sing to me, "Psalm 23, Be Still and Know" and "Jesus I love you." At that time, I felt it was an honor that I had this chance to give back to her what she gave to me. I will always miss her singing and comforting me. She had such a beautiful, soft and sweet voice.
Since she was the oldest daughter, she was always helping take care of her younger sisters. She was especially close with her youngest sister, Evelyn. I was told by my Mom that my aunt Evelyn "Bei" was like a little doll. and was always with her. My aunt remembered that when she was six years old, my Mom was getting married. She was so attached to my Mom and was so upset, she was throwing tantrums and told her she could not get married. My Mom bought her a full-size doll, as bribery, to quiet and calm her down. My aunt gave in and said that she could get married, BUT she needed to come home every night.
Many people always described our Mom as loving and very patient. Her sister, Evelyn, recalls a funny story with our Mom and first son, Milton.
EVELYN: As a little girl, I remembered visiting my sister Anita and her family in Jolo, Sulu, Philippines. Her oldest son, my nephew Milton was very young and had a very poor appetite.Being a concerned and loving mother that she was, she would patiently sit at the table coaxing him to eat more. We would watch and laugh because by the time she finished feeding him lunch, it was time for dinner.
Anita loved children, especially her own and her two grandchildren. Because of her love, she was a pre-school teacher in the Philippines and in the California at Colonial Bible Church and School, Tustin Christian Preschool and St. Luke's Church and School. She was very loving and treated them like her own.
Anita and her husband also visited and ministered to the residents at Majesty Hospice.
Thank you angel friends for these graphics
Thank you so much for these beautiful earth angels for all the time and love in creating the beautiful graphics for our Mom, to make her website so beautiful. Thank you also for your love and for lighting candles for our Mom.
It means so much to me and my family. God bless you for your big hearts!
Ann, Beverly, Christine, Dawn, Debbie Dennis, Dianne, Donna, Jeannie, Judie Margaret, Melissa, Ruth, Tammy, Theresa And the Families of: William Myers, Brittany Syfert, Crystal Earnhart, Cynthia Hernandez
My forever sweet Mom
The last thing my Mom ever wrote to me was inside a beautiful card, dated Sept. 1, 2006 :
"GOD BLESS YOUR NEW HOME WITH HIS LOVE"
Inside the card, it said and she also added: Marty & Steph, May His joy bless your heart and His love bless your life and home... today and always. Congratulations. Happy Anniversary 4th or the 5th of Sept. Love, Mom & Dad
Here is what she wrote: Bless this house, dear Lord above, with happiness and with thy love. Bless the door that opens wide, to the warmth that waits inside. Touch the windows with thy light, be its comfort in the night. Grant it peace and sweet accord, make this house thy home, dear Lord. This is our prayers for your new home. When I first saw my Mom at the hospital, her first words were asking me if I brought pictures of our new house. I was surprised by this because she was so sick. I told her no I didn't have any and that she will get to see it anyway when her and my Dad come on Columbus Day weekend (which was Oct 9-10). My Mom died on Oct. 4, 2006. I will never forget that moment.
My Most Gracious Aunt ~ written by Sara Yeo (niece)
(Mom with her granddaughter, Kaitlyn)
I think I could never find an Aunt, who's almost perfect as a "10 and gracious as a queen An aunt who is as sweet and soft as an angel Whose compassion and care knows no bound
So thoughtful, kind and gentle you will love her as your own Who never really cared much for herself but genuinely cared for countless souls
Who always want to give her all whose love could touch any soul I could see no flaws in her whatsoever I could hardly find fault in her For there are only love that flows richly from her bossom be
Not only is she a great dear mom to her kids but her gentle flowing love makes her a dear mother to all who come to her
Words won't be enough to describe how great a person that she is In all her works and love that were shown She is just the gem that will always shine Like a diamond sparkling to express & manifest God's endless love
I believe she will still be leaving a smile behind whilst continuining to watch over us I will truly miss my aunt, her pretty sweet face and smile still overshadowing, and ever fresh in my mind
Like the soft cool wind that would come touching my face whilst i tearfully remember her and longed to give my last warmest embrace Let me say we love you very much Aunt and we will always be
Painful as it may be but goodbye isn't the word, for we shall meet one day and joy shall fill our soul
We couldn't hold your life for the Lord holds yours Let me say once more that i love you Aunt before we part for now With all my heart and drops of tears We have to let you go
We thank God for sharing you with us in all these years dear Aunt We thank God you are now resting joyfully on HIS bossom
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