Aloha!
Below are some of our families’ favorite remembrances of Helen. We may add others at a later time.
In 1984, Helen visited Disneyland for the first time and had the most wonderful time. She accompanied her mother and cousins and we never experienced as much laughter and shear glee as we did during that visit. We have produced a picture of this event here; from left: Helen, her mother, and her cousin Emily, and Sylvia.
*** An autography by C. Norris' ***
In 1988, we had an opportunity to attend a ceremony at the American Embassy in Manila and to our surprise the affair was attended by the martial arts actor, Chuck Norris.
He could not have been more gracious and signed an autograph to Helen that we have reproduced here.
*** Korean theme birthday party ****
One of our favorite family moments was Phoenix’s first birthday party at a Waikiki resort hotel restaurant.
Helen’s mother had gone all out on this party and there were dozens of people in attendance. Phoenix was adorable in a Korean outfit and Helen beamed throughout the entire evening. A picture posted here attests to the great time that was had by all.
*** With her loving father ***
In 2009, Helen came to Manila for some skin treatment and was a little apprehensive about the upcoming process. She didn’t want to ask her dad to accompany her because she thought it would be inconvenient for him. Finally, he volunteered and the two of them spent the night in a hotel near the St. Jude hospital.
They walked up and down the highway, found a fast-food restaurant and then talked all night about all of the crazy things that had happened over the years and had the time of their life.
*** Helen was a spicy-food fanatic all of her life ***
It just couldn’t be too hot for her. Her dad made scorching chili and the two of them were the only humans who could eat it.
One day Helen brought home a classmate and asked her to try the chili. This youngster was a pale faced little lady but when she took a bite she turned beet red. Several bottles of water solved the problem.
*** "One-of-a-kind handmade birthday card" by Helen & Phoenix ***
Happy Birthday Mom! "I thought you might like this one-of-a-kind handmade card by Phoenix better than a store-bought one. He drew the "heart" himself. He said he wanted to write "love" and a heart. Anyway, thank you for all you do for us. Your dedication to your family it truly admirable. You are an amazing and strong woman, and one heck of a great role model. We are truly blessed to have you in our lives and hope you feel the same. I hope I continue to make you proud and hope that I can become an inspirational woman like you someday! Love Helen & Phoenix."
*** Helen mother's warm heart-felt gratitue note ***
Helen, this card will be an everlasting birthday gift forever! Your death broke my heart and I hardly have had time to grieve. However, I have had many joyful moments with your sweet son. Since my birthday is approaching, I began to think about the "one-of-a-kind handmade birthday card". I doubted if I would ever see anything like it again on my birthday. Well, my beautiful daughter, I was wrong. Your father, Phoenix and I will attend the Phi Theta Kappa induction on 9 November 2013 and they will announce the "Helen Hites Scholarship" during the ceremony. Although you will not physically be with us, your spirit was and always will be with us and has guided us toward the establishment of the scholarship. You appeared in my dreams the day I started the scholarship paperwork and you gave me a "thumbs up" with a bright smiling face. A few months later, on my birthday, the scholarship will be announced. It will be an everlasting birthday gift and honors your legacy. Like you always said "I hope you like your gift Mom" and this is the best one I ever received. Yes, my sweetheart I like my gift and thank you for being a part of my life. I am certain God will shine his light on you through this special recognition. You earned it baby. Rest in peace and I love you!