"Dad's Gone Home"

On November 19, 2014

My Loving Dad, Ramon Saldana Torres

has gone home to be with our Savior and King.

Although this is a tough time, we rejoice in knowing that he is now in Heaven.

HALLELUJAH!!

My family and I, more than words can say, are grateful to all of you

for walking with us through this tough journey.

Your blanket covering of prayers is a huge part of what helps us keep going.

You all are family to us and we want to extend the invitation

of joining us for our dad's memorial service.


Oak Hill Funeral Home

300 Curtner Avenue,

San Jose, CA 95125

November 30, 2014

Viewing: 9:00am - 2:00pm

Memorial Service: 3:00pm - 5:00pm

Releasing of Balloons following service :)

Reception: 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Per Dad's Request:
Please wear WHITE
and Postal Workers Please wear your Uniform!


It would be our joy for you to be there to

CELEBRATE the life our Dad lived on earth and his entrance into the KINGDOM!

Let's WORSHIP the Lord Together in the Beauty of His Holiness!

#TheJoyOfTheLordIsOurStrength



"Who Am I"

My Handsome Papa
(taken two days before his admittance.  photo credit: icaimages.com)

 

We had a scare this morning

We were woken up to a frantic call from our mom.

Our dad unknowingly took off his oxygen masks this morning and his oxygen level dropped severely low which caused him to loose consciousness.

My mom called out for help and the nurses rushed in.  They quickly placed back all the oxygen masks and after much struggle, his lungs were eventually filled again with oxygen and he regained consciousness.  He is now stable.

THANK YOU JESUS!

My sister and I rushed to the hospital and were relieved to see him ok.  He's definitely weaker today.  But God is still his strength and ours.

 

 

ONLY HIS WORD

I've discovered later down my journey as a Christian,  that only the Word of God is what truly steadies my heart.  Every time I open my bible it's JESUS WHO SPEAKS TO ME.

I then find my heart filled with a peace that passes all understanding.

I was filled today with this:

 

 PSALMS 8:1-9

"O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

You have set your glory above the heavens.

Out of the mouth of babies and infants,

you have established strength because of your foes,

to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your finger,

the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,

what is man that you are mindful of him,

and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings

and crowned him with glory and honor.

You have given him dominion over the works of you hands;

you have put all things under his feet,

all sheep and oxen,

and also the beasts of the field,

the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,

whatever passes along the paths of the seas,

O Lord, our Lord,

how majestic is your name in all the earth!

 

WOW!! My heart continued to sing the words:

"Who am I, Who am I, Who am I?"

I then was quickly reminded of an old song:

"I am your Beloved

Your creation

and you Love me as I am

You call me chosen

for your Kingdom

Unashamed to call me Your Own

I am your Beloved."

 

This is how Jesus sees me.  And this is how Jesus sees my dad!

There is nothing, no sickness, no cancer that will stop the

fragrance of Jesus flowing out of our hearts!

 

#CancerYouAreGoingDown

 



"Christ is Our Prince Of Peace"

 

Today is Day 8

My dad was moved to the step down unit for an upgrade on an oxygen machine.

They were finding that at times he would need double oxygen so they decided to move him to the 7th floor.  This will help him breath a bit easier.

He is still on "High-Flow" oxygen but He's still going strong. Hallelujah!

 

Our family requested a referral to Stanford hospital to see if the advance medicine and treatment they have there, could help with our dad's condition.  The doctors here spent time doing research to see if they could find any medical indication to be transferred to Stanford.  We were told that there is none because there would not be anything they could offer there that they would not be able to offer here at kaiser.  My dads doctors will give a courtesy call to the Stanford doctors to see if they would even take his case.  We will now wait to hear back from them.  Our family will try everything we can to see if there's anything else out there that could possibly help.

 

After speaking to one of the doctors,  I was told the cancer is quickly advancing.  His need of oxygen continues to increase everyday.  This "High-Flow" is quite intense on the lungs and heart but because he's still young and very strong,  He's been enduring and taking it in pretty well. 

He may be able to continue on for a few weeks but we were told to be ready for anything.

 

What's Next

Because he is not strong enough to continue with his current chemo treatment, tomorrow they will try a new oral medication to treat this cancer.

This medication has minor side effects and if found that his cancer has a specific mutation,  we should see improvement.  From His tests early this year,  they found he did not have this specific mutation but the Dr. said that it could be that it just may have been difficult to detect or it may have appeared over time.  So because he meets the criteria, "Asian and Non-Smoker with Lung Cancer"  they are choosing to give it a try.

 

Christ is Our Prince Of Peace

We know we are at this part of the road where there are not many options left. 

But we will continue to Stand in Faith in the one who is still in the business of doing miracles!

I'm finding that it is getting tougher and my heart is aching more and more each night I walk out of that hospital.  But earlier today, my dad said this to the doctor:

 

"But I have faith in God.

If he wants me to die now,  i'm ok with that.

May His will be done!"

 

If my dad's not afraid, why should I be right!!

Today I truly saw the Peace of Christ rule in his heart.

To God Be the Glory!

 

 

#CancerYouAreGoingDown

"Have Faith Like A Child"

"HOSPITAL SHENANIGANS"

 

 

With the kiddos around,  you just HAVE TO take a time out for some fun!

Being in the hospital during evening hours means:

EMPTY LOBBY!!!

 

Meet my niece Charlize.

Since the first time I met her, she has made me feel like her biological aunt.
Me being her step aunt never occurred in her mind.
It's been 6 years and every time I see her, she still runs to me with open arms.
What a super special feeling huh!
This young lady, in her tiny body, brings HUGE LOVE!
She is the middle child of 3.
She has a gift of binding people together.
In her quietness there's so much tenderness.
In her small voice, shouts compassion.
Just her presence brings unity&peace.
Her gift, even though she doesn't know it,
IS UNITING PEOPLE TOGETHER.
 

Having kids around is such an overlooked blessing sometimes.

Without doing anything,  they bring out the tenderness in people.
And before you know it, everyone in the room lets go of themselves and joins in the freedom and joy children dance in.

May we be more like them.  In where they are completely abandoned in their love, joy, compassion. gentleness, trust, kindness and purity.

Having the kiddos around the past few days reminds me more and more why God calls us to
"HAVE FAITH LIKE A CHILD"
Matthew 18:3

Just like how children trust their parents without question
 because they know their parents love them and always has their best interest at heart, how much more us?
We too as children of God must place our trust in Our Heavenly Father, who's love is perfect and always knows and wants what's best for us.

As we are facing a tough time, we Praise God in the midst of adversity.
Even though dad's health may be decreasing,  His Faith, as well as ours, is Increasing.

If our Father is perfect in every way,  why would we not trust that His plan for us is also perfect in every way?


#CancerYouAreGoingDown

 



"This is Such A Beautiful Time"



*Our DAD and His KIDS*
(meet our step brother, KUYA DAVE and his son that just couldn't help but be in the picture too haha)





"This is such a beautiful time"
someone said.

However difficult this is on all of us, together we quickly recognized that this has brought 2 families closer together.  Even while we discussed what we may soon face, through the tears, there is still much joy.

What Grace the Father is lavishing on us.  Even though he's still struggling to keep his oxygen level high,  his spirit is still strong as ever.  Not a day goes by where we don't fill the room with laughter.  We're making memories here people woo hoo :)

Thank you Lord for the extended time we are receiving with our dad!

 

Praise Report:

Because of the thick covering of prayers from so many and with the help of a new medication, it has become a bit easier to breath and the coughing has eased.

Hallelujah!!!

 

THE FATHER HEARS OUR PRAYERS.  LETS KEEP PRAYING!!

 

#CancerYouAreGoingDown

"Cancer You Are Going Down"

 

 

On March 20, 2014 my papa was diagnosed with Cancer.

"Carcinoma of Unknown Primary"

Meaning,  how and where it came from is unknown and is found spread throughout the body.

 

He originally went in for a check up due to rib pain and a lump he noticed on the chest wall.  After a few tests and a biopsy, they found traces of cancer in multiple places such as the lungs, scattered lymph nods, rib cage, on the bones etc.

The larger masses of cancer are found in his lungs.

 

According to the doctors, he had 6 months to live without chemo and 9-12 months with chemo.

He started chemo therapy treatments in March until October. 

God has been so faithful.  Cancer cells have disappeared, very minor side effects, his appetite never decreased,  he loved taking morning walks and would even jog at times and he never looked sick or defeated.  Praise the Lord.

 

Just about 2 weeks ago

His coughing got worse and found that it was a struggle to catch his breath.  He went a few sleepless nights and finally went to the doctors.  After a blood test and an ct scan,  they found a scattering in his lungs and said it may be a possible infection.  He was given antibiotics and a nebulizer to help with the breathing and infection. 

 

On Monday the 10th

He went in for his routine chemo therapy treatment but was rerouted to the Emergency Room.  They found his oxygen level was low as well as liquid in the lungs.  They immediately gave him Lasix, a medication that would help flush out the fluids.  Results were great but it was decided as soon as he entered the hospital, he would be admitted.  

 

It's been 4 days

His oxygen level is still low and it's exhausting for him to even walk to the bathroom.  Each day his status has been decreasing.  Coughing has gotten worse and even small movements takes his breath away.  This morning he had a lung biopsy to test if what we're facing is truly infection or progression of the cancer.   We are now awaiting any results to see our location on this road we're on.

According to the doctors, it doesn't look good and we now, as a family, need to face tough questions.

 

But no matter what,  together our family is standing on Faith that God can still do the impossible.

 

"With man this is impossible, but With God, all things are possible!"

Matthew 19:26

 

Family, Friends and anyone who sees this, would you please pray with us!

That his breathing would turn for the best.

That Cancer would disappear.

That the Glory of God would be displayed in all of this.
#CancerYouAreGoingDown

 

GOD IS THE GREATEST PHYSICIAN AND HE HAS THE FINAL SAY!



"Reflections of God's heart"

Rachelle, Ramon, Rose & Rio

 

Meet my family

In the Center are my wonderful Parents and on the left end is my stunning big sister.

We are the Torres&Laxa Clan.

Jesus is the Love of our lives and He's the one that binds us together.  We are imperfect in every way  but in that imperfection we see more and more of Gods grace.  Laughter fills our home, dancing around the house and story telling is our release, music fills our souls, prayer keeps us together and the Joy of the Lord is our Strength.

 

Can I just brag on them right now :)

 

Papa Ramon:

This Strong Tower of a man is actually my Step-Dad.  But he has been more of a Father to me than any other.  He loves me like his own.  When I decided to move to California, he welcomed me with no questions.  I began to see years later that all he wants really, is the best for me.  Without using so many words, his love is so evident.  He is so generous, kind, compassionate and super funny.  Oh and not to mention, HE'S A BOMB COOK!  He loves cars and motorcycles :).  He's such a hard worker, a wise financial spender, a food explorer, a private singer and a "long drives" lover.  This is my amazing Papa.

 

Mama Rose:

This is Super Woman right here!  My mother is no stranger to giving of oneself.  She is also the Pioneer of our family.  The very first in our family who chose to follow Jesus.  No matter the trials she would face, she chose to walk in courage.  Because of her, my sister and I became Christians.  Then her parents, then her siblings, then her cousins and she never turns an opportunity away to share about Jesus Christ's saving grace.  She loves absolutely everyone,  she's a hard worker, a bit of a clean fanatic, a survivor, an amazing wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend.  She befriends anyone she meets and she has a natural gift of make them feel like family and brightening up a room or mood.  She's also the queen of corny jokes (so you know where I get it  haha).  She single handedly raised two children and by example, taught us what it means to be women of God.  I couldn't ask for a better mother.

 

Rachelle:

My big sister.  If "having a big heart" could look like a person, it would look like her.  She reflects so well the heart of God.  Her love is never lacking.  With her, you will never get the short stick.  She gives and gives and gives and loves and loves and loves until the end.  She sees people with God's eyes, she pays attention to the little things, she remembers everyone's birthday, is quick to pay for anyone,  is quick to think of others above herself and she's just beautiful.  She's my best friend and big seeSTAR.  Life is more colorful with her in it. 

 

 

I am blessed beyond measure to have them in my life.

They are my reflections of God's heart.