Our dear friends Tom and Tracy Hafen's daughter Chaya died the night of April 2, 2012. She was born a week before our daughter, Mae, but was 12 weeks early, and Tracy had been on bed rest for weeks and weeks. Though we all lived in Chicago at that time, we lived across the city and did not realize until later the difficulties they had at that time. When we met Chaya (Hebrew name meaning "life") and realized the physical challenges she had and the medical care her family would always provide, we were amazed at the faith and strength they all showed.
Tom had just spent his first week at a new job in Seattle and Tracy and the kids were still in Michigan, so they had a funeral in Battle Creek and one in Utah where she was buried near her Grandpa Taylor.
We will always remember Chaya fondly and are especially glad for being in Ohio with the Hafens for a few years so that we could get to know her and all their family members. They happily had us to Michigan to visit while Wade was gone to Korea, so we had the pleasure of seeing them in their beautiful home and surroundings there.
Chaya smiled, loved and laughed so much. She had complete physical needs and lived with pain, but added so much to the family spirit in their home. She really has the spirit of an angel and I believe had angels surrounding her during her life on earth. When I was weak and recovering from GBS and we were visiting the Hafens, I had a chance to just sit by her while we watched everyone else play frisbee. I talked with her and we laughed a little. She always just watched and it will be fun to talk with her one day and hear what she has to say.
One special thing that Chaya's fellow young women did for her as a group was contribute for and work toward her Young Womanhood Recognition award for her. People around her loved her and wanted to be a part of her life. Tracy invited me to come to a recognition luncheon once in Ohio where Chaya was honored for earning a special learning award at school. Tracy always dressed her SO CUTE! in the most feminine, colorful, and comfortable clothes and shoes. She kept her hair long and in a full ponytail. Her smile always completed the picture of happiness and sparkles.
I have to include Chaya's obituary that Caleb read at her funeral:
Chaya Hafen, 15 years old, died at her family home in Battle Creek, MI on April 2, 2012. She had severe cerebral palsy and was wheelchair bound, but was otherwise healthy and stable. She died peacefully and without any pain, surrounded by those who love her. Chaya had a great smile, a remarkable spirit, and a tenacious will to live and enjoy life despite her physical challenges.
Chaya was born on April 10, 1996 in Chicago to Tom and Tracy Hafen. She was born 12 weeks premature, and her cerebral palsy was the result of the difficult circumstances surrounding her birth. Her name, "Chaya," which is Hebrew for "life," was chosen by her parents because of her strong will to stay alive at a time when her early survival was uncertain.
From her youth, she worked tirelessly with dedicated teachers, therapists, nurses, and doctors in order to make the most of her limited physical abilities. In the process, she grew close to many them, and they often spoke of her cheerful demeanor and her infectious smile.
Chaya had a ready laugh and a highly developed sense of humor, and she loved spending time with her family, her classmates, and friends at church. She was particularly close to her Grandpa Daniel Taylor, who preceded her in death and with whom she is now joyously reunited.
She had strong faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and she anticipated the day when she would be blessed with a perfect body through the power of the Resurrection. Her family looks forward to embracing her in their arms again and hearing all the words that her beautiful spirit wanted to convey in this life.
Chaya is survived by her parents and her siblings, Daniel, Caleb, Elia, Asher, Micah, Devi, and Jaren.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, April 7, 2012 in the Oak Hills 5th Ward Chapel, 1900 North 1500 East, Provo, Utah.
See you in the afterlife, Chaya!!! We miss you. We love your family and know how much they love and miss you, too!
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