A local guide once said, the true meaning of ALOHA goes well beyond saying hello and goodbye. Native Hawaiian’s believe a life of Aloha is one when the heart is so full of love, peace, and compassion it is overflowing with the ability to influence others around you with your spirit.
Speaking of influencing others around you with your spirit, Cecile and I invited our islander friends, Al and Jane Nakatani who live in Wailuku, to join us for lunch at the Kaanapali Grill. They have known Jason and Michelle since they were kids, but this was their first introduction to our granddaughter, Lyla.
Cecile and I have this "see you again next year” relationship with Al and Jane that began many years ago when the once Bay Area social worker and elementary school teacher respectively, retired to Maui. We missed them last December when Lyla was born, and Jane was in Golden Gate Park memorial grove in San Francisco to mark the 25th Annual World AIDS Day to receive the Humanitarian Leadership Award on both of their behalf. After two of their three sons died after being diagnosed with HIV/AIDS, they went on to create a nonprofit organization called "Honor Thy Children" (also the name of their book & screenplay), where they have addressed schools, faith based and government organizations, discussing the importance of showing compassion for those affected by HIV/AIDS. Hugs and bows to Al and Jane for helping thousands of people and their family's around the country.
Later in the afternoon, we hung out near the pool and Jacuzzi, with Jason, Michelle, Kyle and Lyla and had dinner at Umalu, a poolside eatery overlooking the ocean at the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort, just down the promenade from the Marriott Maui Ocean Club where we are staying.
We enjoyed a Margarita Flatbread for the table, followed by an Umalu Burger, Shrimp Tacos, Fish Tacos and Chips with fries, Chicken Stir Fry. But, mainly we enjoyed each other’s company and taking great joy seeing Lyla taking in all the new sights, sounds and flavors during her first visit to this hospitable island whose tropical air embraces you. It is true Lyla will never remember this trip. I will have to show her my blog where my post and photos will be stored for her to see, and our daughter Michelle, Kyle, Uncle Jason and I "will" remember and that alone makes it worth the extra effort and joy of documenting this very special time together.
Note: Honor Thy Children: One Family's Journey to Wholeness by Molly Fumia
