Sunday, February 27, 2011

The good die young.


I don't know who came up with that saying, but it sucks that it has proven true too many times in my life. At 4;30pm Guam time, the body of Steven Alcantra was recovered in Umatac Bay, he was 31 years old.

Sigh, I am so sad thinking about my friend Steve, and disappointed in myself for losing touch after I left Guam in 2000. Steve was a kind spirit and the type of person that always had a smile on their face. I attended Jr high and High school with him and for those 7 years, whenever he's see me in the halls, he would always stop and give me a hug. I remember the chili bowl haircut he had in 9th grade that ended up growing into a bob. On rival day he wore the uniform of a rival all girl catholic school. I teased at how "pretty" he looked in the uniform and he just smiled and flashed me some leg.

Steve was a Baseball star on Guam and my cousins and friends loved cheering him on at Paseo Stadium. In fact the last time I saw Steve we were celebrating a championship victory on the beach. I was very pregnant at the time and when we left the party he gave me a hug and wished me luck. I'll never forget you Steve. Rest in peace my brother, may the Angels guide you to your eternal home in heaven. Give my dad a hug for me.

Lord, thank you for bringing Steve home so that his family may lay him to rest and find some peace in this terrible tragedy.

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Rude Awakening

This morning I checked my Facebook like I always do, and saw several posts from friends back home on Guam regarding a old friend Steve Alcantra. Most of the posts said, "Praying for Steve's safe return" or "Our prayers are with Steve and his family, God bring him home safely". I felt a huge pit form in my stomach, what could have happened to Steve? I immediately checked Guam's local news website and my heart sunk into my stomach as I read the breaking news.

Popular sports star Steve Alcantra missing at sea

Posted: Feb 26, 2011 4:58 AM CST

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Family and friends have confirmed the man that rescue officials are searching for after he fell from a jetski in Umatac Bay is Steve Alcantra. Several people are waiting on the shoreline at the southern tip of the island, praying he'll be found. Guam Fire Department Spokesperson Captain Andy Arceo says because of poor visibility rescue divers will continue their search Sunday morning, however, GFD personnel are still conducting a sea and shoreline search.

Alcantra, who works at the Bank of Guam, is a popular baseball player, pitching for the Bank of Guam Athletics. Alcantra also plays for the Pepsi Warriors in the Miller Football League as a wide receiver.


I hope and pray that they find Steve and that he is ok. Growing up on an island, I know how dangerous this type of situation can be. 7 years ago one of my best friends and 4 of his coworkers tried to rescue another coworker swept out to sea during a tropical storm. The rescue teams searched for weeks with no luck. A few months later some of his remains were found. It was an incredibly hard event to get over. Mike was a brother to me and I love and miss him very much. Tonight I will hug my kids a little tighter and tell those I love just how much they mean to me. In an instant, everything can change.


Dear Lord, Please guide my friend Steve home safely. Amen

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Pass the tissues please...

REALLY!?!?

I am seriously going on week 4 and my second round of antibiotics with a sinus infection and sore throat. I'm so tired of being sick it's exhausting. Thankfully I have a Dr that actually listens to me and she has decided that after having 6 sinus infections in the last 12 months and 4 bouts of strep throat, that it would be a good idea to have my tonsils and adenoids removed. Of course she will have to refer me to an ENT and then whatever they decide is what will probably happen. I told her I couldn't even fathom the thought of having surgery until this summer. If having my tonsils and adenoids taken out alleviates my problems, than I'm all for it.

Sadly I really don't have much else to report. Well maybe a few things..

Mike went to OKC last week for a business trip, we missed him, he's home.

The kids continue to drive me batty, calgon take me away.

My mom is doing 100% better. She's been such a help to me lately with the house work and kids. I am so grateful especially since I have been feeling like poo for the last month.

My father in law is doing ok. We are continuing prayers for his healing and for his giant tumor to shrink so the dr can remove it. We are planning a huge fundraiser for him on the 26th. Also praying that the fundraiser is a success, the funds will help so much with all of the traveling expenses.

So yeah, we're blessed and still boring :P