What does the word family or Ohana mean to you? Those that are related by blood, or is it more than that? We are all born with a family, and as life goes on, it grows to include many others if we open ourselves to it. myDarlin’Robert Kenui Pope and I strove to build our family to include those we love and those who needed our love. There are moments in life that God presents us with an opportunity to make a profound difference in someone’s life with simple acts of kindness and friendship, and it is up to us to act on it.
As I reflect upon today, it was day not unlike any other….. until one looks closer and leans in to see the simple details of love and friendship. Sleeping in with no alarm was simply delightful. I heard what I thought was a text message, and turned back over until another one came through. As I opened one eye, I saw that it was 9:30 and it was just a Facebook notification. As I read the post, I perked up as it was an article in the Marietta Daily Journal about my grandson Nathan winning the Ringside World Championship in honor of his Grandfather, myDarlin’ Robert. A text came through, and it was my son Mike saying he was at the front door with a copy of the newspaper for me. I fixed a pot of coffee and sat down with my son who I am proud to say is also my friend.
Another boxing match this afternoon, this time for Elijah and Anthony (family friend). As the opening ceremony began, the emcee began with a prayer thanking God for his blessings, for safety for the boxers and for the boxing family. He said that it’s more than just a sport, but that it is a community and family of people coming together for the kids. They then honored a female referee who had recently passed away by ringing ten round bells. I paused to wipe the tears that trickled down my cheeks, as I remembered my Darlin’ and looked out amongst this community that is very much a part of my son and his family’s life. Elijah lost and Anthony won the match today, but the sense of love and support was the same from their Coach (my son Mike) and the Ohana.
God uses many different means to bring people together, such as the company we work for, the technology devices we use and the situations we encounter. This evening, dear friends, Ohana, gathered for dinner, fellowship and laughter as we celebrated Donna’s retirement. We marveled at how each of us met each other through work, yet built friendships what would transcend work and live on no matter where we moved to.
Just enough time to get over to our favorite restaurant to hear a wonderful band play. I walk into the patio and catch the eye of two members who reciprocate with a smile. I look around the room and see many who are part of our Ohana and look up to the heavens thanking God for each one of them.
I am filled with gratitude for our Ohana, through blood and/or love, who have come into our lives for a lifetime or a season. My friend Donna said it best, “It’s a wonderful life, if we let it.”
#KeepLookingUp
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