Remembering Hannah on the Eighth Anniversary

My Reflection – A Day of Mourning and Hope

Hannah Elizabeth Diaso – 4/9/1994-10/18/2016

Hello family, I was going to share a different reflection, but today is a special day. It is a day of mourning for our family. On the one hand, I don’t like to share it because it’s hard to share, but on the other hand, you encourage us, and I know you will be praying for us.

The Day Our Lives Changed Forever

Our last picture as a family was taken in July 2016

Eight years ago today, we found our beloved daughter, Hannah, lifeless in her bedroom. Her death certificate says October 18th, because she passed away just before midnight and when the doctors arrived at our house they found her after midnight. This makes it difficult because there are two days when we are reminded of her moving to heaven.

We prefer saying “moved to heaven” — it feels gentler. As King David said of his son, we know Hannah is not coming back to us, but one day, we will go to her – one day we will go to heaven with her. This hope sustains us. Though we mourn because we miss her and there are so many things we still wish we could have shared with her, we also rejoice in knowing that she is free from suffering and sadness. She now lives in perfect and pure joy and gladness, part of the cloud of witnesses.

Hannah’s Prayer: A Glimpse of Her Heart

Hannah wrote something beautiful before she moved to heaven:

“Dear Lord, this is what I long for! I want to be where you are! I can’t wait to go home with you and live in happiness all the days of my life. I love you! Amen.”

Our son, David, and his wife, Emily gave me a bracelet engraved with these words, and I wear it every day to remember my sweet, beautiful daughter. Her words echo Psalm 27:4:

“One thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek the most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the perfection of the Lord and meditating within his temple.”

How wonderful it is to have hope even amid the pain of grief. We know this hope is for you too, with loved ones who have passed away and moved on to heaven. While there is grief, we also have much hope and faith in Christ knowing we will be reunited.

Grateful for God’s Love and Your Support

We are grateful to our Father God, who loves us with unending mercy and care. And we are grateful for you—for your love, your prayers, and your caring hearts. Thank you for standing with us.

Hannah’s Toys of Hope

In memory of our daughter Hannah, we launched Hannah’s Toys of Hope to bless children and families in need. On the Big Island, many families struggle to afford food and essentials. Through this ministry, Pastor Rene and Yarelis are sharing toys, spreading joy, and introducing families to the love of Christ.

It fills our hearts to see how something as simple as a toy can brighten a child’s day and open doors to the gospel. Your generosity makes this possible, offering hope where it’s needed most.

Extend Your Hands to Help

One of the children that received a toy through the ministry of Hannah’s Toys of Hope

Dawn and I encourage you to prayerfully consider extending a helping hand. By sending a gift today, you can support a needy family and advance the gospel on the Big Island.

TOGETHER, we can make a difference!

$10 – a toy
$25 – to support a family for one month
School Clothing and Supplies:
- $17 – a backpack for one child
- $17 – a pair of shoes
- $30 – socks for 27 children

Every donation, no matter the size, makes an impact. Whether it’s a toy, a pair of shoes, or a backpack, your generosity will spread joy and hope through Hannah’s Toys of Hope.

Click to donate today.

Video: Hannah’s Toys of Hope

In this video, created with the help of my colleague Jim DeWitt, we show how God is using toys to reach families.

Thank you for joining us in prayer, and for considering making a gift to help our precious familia.

In His Grip, Dave

P.S. Help take the gospel to the Border, the Baja, and Beyond

BeyondBordersLife.org