Gratitude Journal – Day 57 – August 26, 2014

Another wave….
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One may naturally think that I would be referring to another wave of sadness, but quite the contrary…this is one of joy. I love getting packages in the mail, like so many of you. Whenever we would get a package, myDarlin’ would wait for me to get home from work, and then we would open it together.

Let me paint the picture of my ordinary, yet extraordinary day. Sleepy start to another week of possibilities as I arrived at work met with my incredibly talented team and planned the week ahead. I head out the door at ‘Yabba-dabba-do’ time this evening to go to the Aloha Open Mic at Ronnie John’s Sunset Grille, hosted by our good friends Steve and Lesli in honor of myDarlin' Robert Kenui Pope. They are excellent hosts and I know that he would be so pleased with how they continue to bring the music community together. After another night of heartfelt music and friends, I head back home. I pull into the driveway still flanked by Kona flags that Robert was so proud of, and check the mail before heading up the walk to go inside. Excitement took over as I see not one, but two packages in the mail box along with the weekly pile of advertisements that would quickly find their way into the recycle bin.

I feel myDarlin’s spirit with and within me every moment, so I’m not sure why I still call out ‘Hellllllloooo! I’m home!’ every time I walk into the house. Habit, holding on to myLove, or a combination of both? Two packages and one envelope, wow myDarlin’…..

I open the first, one that I knew was coming my way – and it brought a tear to my eye. Kawika sent this package to be included in his Memory Quilt. It contained a pair of his aloha print baby shorts, a yellow t-shirt and his Dad’s infamous long-sleeved tie-dyed t-shirt, the latter two which they wore in a photo as they said Aloha at the airport. I laughed as I saw that the sleeves had been cut off as I could see myDarlin’ so lovin’ that look.

The second, a card from the Gideons on behalf of a dear friend at work. A gift of five bibles will be distributed in honor of Robert Pope to help transform lives through the Word of God.

And the third, a package from Life Link that contains a small black jewelry box and a velveteen pouch with a drawstring. A medal and lapel pins honoring the gift of life that Robert shared with so many. It would be amazing to be able to meet even one of the many people whose life was impacted by his gift. I’m sure that there are many that are still trying to put their finger on what has changed in their lives, not knowing that it is the love of God and the spirit of Aloha.

The state of Aloha can be created in an instant. It is a decision to behave with kindness, generosity and wanting to give joy to one another.

On Day 37 of my Gratitude Journal, I wrote “Robert’s life is like a stone that was dropped into the ocean, creating a ripple that transforms into a wave by the time it reaches the shore.” Today, I am filled with gratitude and smile as another wave reaches the shore. Robert’s life has transformed those who he loved, those who were only acquaintances and those who will never know him personally, with his gifts of love, life and the spirit of Aloha.

#KeepLookingUp