Aloha!!! my name is Jeniffer Sabog. I’m 61 years old and married to my wonderful husband, Rueben Sr. Together, we’ve been blessed with two amazing sons, Rueben Jr. (Mhyra) and Anthony (Hajel), and six beautiful grandchildren: Treyzhen, Abigail, Trysten, Connor, Aria, and Roman.

Our grandkids keep us busy and full of joy with all their activities—basketball, cheerleading, volleyball, baseball, dance, and even preschool adventures. Family truly is our priority, and the love, care, and support we share with each other is what keeps our ʻohana strong.

One of our favorite traditions is our monthly Sunday “military ʻohana” drill dinners, where we take turns cooking to celebrate birthdays or holidays. Those gatherings are such a blessing, and we’re always grateful for the chance to be together.

We do our best to teach the next generation to love, respect, and always show kindness—because in the end, we’re all connected in one way or another. And of course, the golden rule guides us: treat others the way you’d want to be treated.

What are your thoughts on aging?

I believe age is really just a number. What matters most is how you choose to live and love each day. To me, aging is about embracing life with grace, taking care of yourself, and finding joy in both the big and small moments. It’s also about sharing that love with family, friends, and the people you meet along the way. At this age, I feel grateful—for the wisdom, the memories, and the chance to keep creating new ones.

What wonderful things can younger women look forward to at your age? Younger women and girls, might think that it's scary getting older. Let's inspire them!

One time we were at a store and the cashier thought I was my son’s wife. My boy just laughed and told her, “oh no, that’s my mom!” Moments like that remind me that getting older isn't a scary thing. It’s really how you take care of yourself, how you carry yourself, and how much aloha you give.

Life will always throw trials and struggles our way, but if have get love for yourself, respect, and you take care, you can handle anything. Growing older, you actually feel more confident and at peace and you start to know who you really are. So to the younger girls, don’t be scared about age. Take it one day at a time, share your aloha, and enjoy the ride.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care.

Spending time with family and friends is what matters most, whether it’s sharing dinner together, going on weekend adventures, enjoying a staycation in Waikīkī, having a beach picnic, camping, taking a family vacation or cruise, or simply catching the sunrise or sunset. It’s all about being present in the moment. With a proactive attitude and a little planning, these experiences can flow smoothly and become truly memorable.

Share one experience/story. We all have life struggles. But the big share is how did you over come and lift yourself up? Advice to other women to empower them.

In 2016, at the age of 52, I had a stroke that completely changed my life. I was later diagnosed with Moyamoya disease, which led to a heart surgery in 2017, followed by a brain bypass surgery later that same year. Just when I thought recovery was going well, I had another stroke in 2018. Then, in 2019, I needed another bypass surgery, this time on the right side of my brain.

Through it all, I learned to take life one day at a time and to see every day as a second chance. I have no regrets. I’m still with my high school sweetheart, we’ve faced sacrifices and challenges, but we’ve also built a life of love and commitment together. From riding Harleys and dirt bikes to just supporting each other through the tough times, we’ve done it all side by side.

My advice to other women: don’t give up when life knocks you down. You are stronger than you think. Lean on love, faith, and resilience, and you’ll find the strength to rise again.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self?

Wow, that really hits home - my granddaughter will be turning 14 this December. If I could talk to my 14-year-old self, I’d say this: Nothing in life is ever perfect, and that’s okay. You have the power to make it what you want it to be. And if something is out of your control, don’t hold on too tightly, let it go and keep moving forward.

What is your definition of success?

A happy wife = a happy life.

What is the best advice you have been given?

Love and respect yourself, have 100% confidence in everything you do and you will make great choices.

Twenty years from now, when you look at these portraits we took together, what do you think you will say to yourself?

Best days of my life. Living life with purpose.