Sunshine & Rain

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  Wai'anae, Hawai'i
  July 25, 2014 - Kauai, HI
  
  Paana [Sunshine, in Hawaiian] and Koua [Rain, in Hawaiian] are two old dogs whose puppy love has grown into a mature relationship. Ever since they were born they’ve been inseparable. Though they don’t have any children of their own, their owner, Esther Rivera, has been an addition to their family since she was 17 years old. With the passing seasons of life, came memories and joy.
  
  “They fight over whose friend is walking by because they don’t bark at other dogs, they bark at each other,” Esther Rivera said.
  
  As family members, they not only raised Esther but also her nine year old daughter, Jaysie-Jean, as well. For Jaysie-Jean, they are just like another set of parents who spend quality time with her and show their dedication through love. While they can never have a verbal conversation together, they constantly show an interpersonal relationship when communicating.
  
  “Ai! Where that maka-pia-pia come from?” Jaysie-Jean said, wiping Koua’s eyes.
  
  From ups and downs and experiences that shake the core of the foundation in a family, this past year, the Rivera’s spotted a storm that was coming for Sunshine and Rain. Though the actual storm wasn’t similar to the slow and deadly force of a tsunami, underneath the surface, held a gust of wind that took the family’s breath away.
  
  “We weren’t really sure what it was. Then we took him to the doctor and they said that it would possibly be cancer. And then I noticed a couple of months later that she had a few blister spots.” said Esther Rivera.
  
  Unfortunately, Paana and Koua were both diagnosed with different forms of cancer. As head of the household, this left Esther with a very difficult decision to make.
  
  “To put down or not...I just don’t want them to suffer,” Esther said.
  
  However, because of everything they’ve been through, not everyone was on the same page when it came to the well-being of Paana and Koua.
  
  “We’re not putting them asleep,” Jaysie-Jean said.
  
  Several surgeries and a few months later the cancer is currently in remission. However, the family is still weathering the storm.
  
  “It was a learning experience and it was, you know, very emotional,” Esther said.
  
  “They’re like the most important thing of almost everything except my parents,” Jaysie-Jean said.
  
  On the road from remission, they know it’s not going to be stroll in the park. For now, this couple is going to enjoy whatever time they have left.
  
  “Just...crossing our fingers that it doesn’t come back,” Esther Rivera said.
  
  Even if it does return, this family will stick together come rain and shine.

"They're like the most important thing,"

Jaysie-Jean Rivera said.

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Looking Back

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"I never really know how strong the bonds of family were."



Diamond Tuisano, Writer/Reporter

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"I enjoyed telling their story. It was heartfelt and nice."



Gary Domingo-Oka, Photographer/Editor

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