Gratitude Journal – Day 93 – October 1, 2013

Team Tutu Trot…. 
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that’s us! After last years heart attack, myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope participated in Cardiac Rehab to stay on track with his recovery and to also lose weight for Jessie & Sky’s upcoming wedding in Hawaii. The wedding and Hawaii were simply amazing, as one would imagine. When we returned, it was time to continue the work he had started, so we joined a gym and also entered the Thanksgiving Gobble Jog in historic Marietta.

A family affair, we all went down to the square to bear the frigid morning air that Thanksgiving morning. myDarlin’ had on his McLovin Hawaii t-shirt and a pink crocheted hat that my sister Mary (who has passed on) made several years ago. Quite the jokester. We half-jogged, he cracked jokes the whole way about how cruel it was to make him jog, and when we got one block outside of the square, he put his arms up in a Rocky victory pose and jogged the last block for the photo ops….. LOL! Such a wonderfully funny memory.

And then, we went to Kroger, yes the whole crew, to get a few last minute items for dinner. People either laughed with him, at him or just walked away wondering what the heck he was wearing. One of the best moments was the photo op with him and the four foot tall sock monkey.

So as we approach the holiday season, we will all miss his presence and will reminisce about the presents he gave to each of us. Joy, laughter, friendship, love, patience, music…. and we will honor his memory and legacy by walking/jogging in the annual Gobble Jog by Must Ministries on Thanksgiving morning. You can check out our page here, join the team, or even make a donation if you are so inclined.
I am filled with gratitude today as we honor myDarlin’s memory and legacy of love, Ohana, taking care of others, laughter by participating in the 2104 Gobble Jog.

#KeepLookingUp #TeamTutuTrot2014 #GobbleJog

Gratitude Journal – Day 92 – September 30, 2014

We all live….

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in a yellow submarine. The registration for an upcoming forum asked a couple of questions, no doubt to collect data to prove/disprove previous leadership studies that will be referenced during said forum.

Q. If you won a million dollars a year for the rest of your life, what would you do?
A. Help others through volunteer work & finances, write a book and…. buy a yellow submarine!

You see, myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope was a Beatles fanatic, like so many others of our generation. Whenever he played the lottery and someone would ask, “what will you do if you win?” he would answer, “I’ll buy a yellow submarine!” I’ve always thought it comical, but then again he was quite the jokester, always making people laugh.
I’ve sung along with the song at least a hundred times, but until I just printed the lyrics I didn’t understand. You see myDarlin’ would talk of the water, the ocean often and what a major role it played in his life. It was a playground, a food source, a source of life that must be respected.

In the town where I was born,
Lived a man who sailed to sea,
And he told us of his life,
In the land of submarines.

So we sailed on to the sun,
Till we found a sea of green,
And we lived beneath the waves,
In our yellow submarine.

We all live in a yellow submarine,
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine.

And our friends are all aboard,
Many more of them live next door,
And the band begins to play...

We all live in a yellow submarine,
Yellow submarine, yellow submarine.

As we live a life of ease
Every one of us has all we need
Sky of blue and sea of green
In our yellow submarine

Friends, waves, a life of ease, abundance – all of these a way of life for us. And God’s love is the yellow submarine. We can take all of what we love and reside in the protection of God’s promise.

I am filled with gratitude as I find the small red notebook that he used to record his blood pressure in. And on the cover? A yellow submarine….

#KeepLookingUp  ‪#‎YellowSubmarine‬ ‪#‎GodsPromise‬

Gratitude Journal - Day 91 – September 29, 2014

Leave your baggage…

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behind because you won’t be needing it where we’re going. There’s something to be said for traveling light. Just to be able to pick up and go when the moment arises. As I think back to this past Memorial Day when the kids were all busy after church, myDarlin’ and I put a couple of items in a bag and headed down the road for the beach. Now, if you live in close proximity to the water that may be a few minutes or an hour to the water, but here in the ATL it meant driving a good six hours to get to Navarre Beach.

As I was worshipping in church today, I close my eyes and can see myDarlin’ playing the bass, rocking from side to side and grinning ear to ear as we sing:

His love is deep, his love is wide and it covers us.
His love is fierce, his love is strong, it is furious,
His love is sweet, his love is wild and it’s waking hearts to life.

And I have to share with you the best part about His LOVE…. He paid the price and is giving it to you for FREE! No strings attached and all you have to do is ASK. And the baggage that you’ve been carrying around from your past or present, can be left behind. You won’t need much where we’re going, so just pack a heart full of love; a mindset of trust and understanding; and your slippas to protect your feet as you walk the walk.

As I watched the train today leading into the Marietta Square, I was reminded that there’s no need to drive 15 minutes or six hours to where we’re going, so:

People get ready, there's a train a comin'
You don't need no baggage, you just get on board
All you need is faith to hear the diesels hummin'
Don't need no ticket, you just thank the Lord

Today I am filled with gratitude and peace as I know that myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope is with our Lord, playing in God’s House Band. So leave your baggage behind, because you won’t be needing it where we’re going.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎PeopleGetReady‬ ‪#‎HisLoveisStrong‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 90 – September 28, 2014

Sometimes life….

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throws us a curveball or doesn’t quite seem fair. Today as I watched my young grandsons box, I just knew that they had won – but the judges saw things differently. And Elijah said to me, I know I clearly had the first and second round, but the other guy did good during the third round. I think I should have won. Maybe next time I can be in the red corner because they always seem to win.

We watched Nathan as he dominated all three rounds of his match, and the look of surprise and disappointment when the announcer declared the opposing boxer the winner. And even in the face of this news, he was humble as he left the ring for the customary check by the doctor.

And at this moment, I truly felt sorry for the boys for not receiving what I and many others perceived to be the rewards they earned. Then I watched my son, their coach, give them feedback about how to not leave any doubt next time that they earned the victory, and to also explain that everything does not always turn out to be fair.

Conversely, there was an instance a couple of years ago when Nathan won a match that should have been called for the other boxer. And my son gave him feedback that reflected reality. It so happened that former champion Holyfield was at the match, so Nathan approached him to ask for honest feedback on how to improve his skills. Yet again, I am so proud of his humble demeanor.

I reflect on conversations that myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and I had about days when he coached his daughter’s soccer teams. Just as in boxing, there were often calls made that weren’t fair, and the words he spoke were the same as I just heard my son speak today. And I realize that this is one of the universal qualities of a good coach, one that is timeless, to teach our children that life if not always fair, and that learning to deal with it will make us stronger and more resilient to be able to withstand the storms yet to come.

On the surface, it may seem that myDarlin’s passing isn’t fair; to him, to me, to our children, our family and our Ohana. And I am reminded of this verse and know that our days are numbered in the Book of Life:

They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow. Psalm 144:4
I am filled with gratitude for the days that myDarlin’ spent with us during his journey, and know that he has finally arrived at the ultimate destination. With faith and trust in the Lord, we will join him as the sun sets and our shadow fades.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 89 – September 27, 2014

Talent…..

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Pure talent! That’s what I see when I look around me. You see, tonight was the opening of the Women in Focus exhibit at the Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery along with several other artists. And though I’m proud that three of my pieces were chosen for this juried show, I am more flattered to be in the company of such wonderful women in the arts.

In a state of sleepiness, I sit here at the computer, fingers poised on the keyboard ready to catch the words coming out of my mind onto this virtual piece of paper. I think about the photos of weathered hands and wonder who they belong to; the photos of people young and old alike, and wonder what they have seen and experienced in their lifetime; the photos of abandoned buildings and imagine the laughter and life that once filled their four walls. 

Then I pause to think back to the first juried show that I entered in 2007, and how thrilled I was to have not just one, but two photographs chosen to be in the show. http://robertnsheri.blogspot.com/2007/08/oh-my-gosh.html  I can remember myDarlin’ and I walking about the show, and stopping to reflect on so many of the pieces. The photograph of the red shoe on the train track hangs in our den still today, and the fish has gone on to hang at Chelle’s as it was her fish afterall!

All of this makes me think of the God-given talent or gifts that myDarlin’ had for so many things in life. The ease at which he made friends, played music, wrote, designed, cooked and even decorated. And as we were at the store having the mats cut for the first show, he suggested having the opening on the mat cut to match the weight of the photograph which has since become my signature look. Now that is pure talent; the eye that myDarlin’ had for making the ordinary unique and pleasing to the eye. Perhaps it came from all of his years as a chef; it’s all in the presentation.

I connected with many friends whom I met as part of the Women in Focus group this evening, and met new people as well. As my friend and I wandered through the remainder of the gallery, we stopped to reflect on so many of the paintings, photographs and mixed media arts. It reminded me of laying on one’s back and staring at the clouds to see what you could see. As we paused in front of a huge piece of art, she said that part of it was the first step in ballet, and my eye went immediately to the bottom right where I saw the letters ‘U’ ‘S’.

Tonight I am filled with gratitude that myDarlin’ shared his gifts, or talents with US. And as we move forward without Robert’s physical presence, we know that his spirit remains with US.

#KeepLookingUp

Gratitude Journal – Day 88 – September 26, 2014

What would you do……

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differently now that you’ve been given a second chance? he asked myDarlin’ as we sat by his hospital bedside in March of 2013. And myDarlin’ replied that there were some people he felt he didn’t treat kindly, and that he would change that if he got the opportunity. Ironically, even though I was there and can distinctly remember the conversation, it had slipped my immediate memory.

Our friend thought to himself, if Robert Kenui Pope thinks that he needs to be kinder, then surely I do as well. I just watched the You tube video again by Chik Fila titled, ‘Every Life Has a Story’ and think about how Robert knew so many small details of people’s lives, and know the reason is that he chose to read their story. And as I wondered why this story hadn’t stuck out in my memory until just now, it is because he really did live his life like this every day and it didn’t seem out of the ordinary to me. I’ve often said the ordinary is extraordinary, and this is an example of just that.

As I gave birth to my first son, I pondered what I would do differently than my parents. What did I want my children to experience in their childhood that I had not? Was it more toys, better clothes, and fancy vacations? No, none of those things matter in the grand scheme of things. It was to tell my children every day, out loud, that I love them. I grew up knowing that I was loved, but the words were difficult to say out loud. My Mother came to visit many years ago before she passed, and I shared this story with her. She began to cry because she thought I was implying she was a bad mother. No, you are a wonderful Mother, who just happened to grow up in a family that didn’t express their affection in a verbal manner, and that is where we can change for the better.

Today I spent time really getting to know two friends a lot better, asking them about their story. And the thing that I walked away knowing is that our trials and tribulations make us a stronger person, and equip us to be there for others who may come into our lives. myDarlin’s passing affected each one of these friends in a major way, one who knew him well and the other who had not met him. And both shared that they look at life a little differently now – pausing to consider what really matters in life.

And as we came to the intersection of life and faith, Robert gently placed his hand on mine and said very tenderly, “Stop and look up, see what I am seeing.” I am grateful for Robert’s reminder to be fully present, to avoid the distractions that prevent us from seeing what is really important and seize the opportunity to be kind to one another.

Ephesians 4:32 - And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 87 – September 25, 2014

The greatest love…..

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As I pulled out of my son’s driveway this evening on my short drive home, I touched the button to turn the radio on and this song by Nat King Cole enveloped the air around me.

There was a boy
a very strange enchanted boy.
They say he wandered very far, very far,
over land and sea.
A little shy and sad of eye,
but very wise, very wise was he...

Until one day,
One lucky day he passed my way,
And while we talked of many things
Fools and kings,
This he said to me:
"The greatest thing
You’ll ever learn
Is just to love
And be loved in return.”

My mind is racing with the parallels to myDarlin’s life as I stop at the bottom of the winding road, and pause before continuing through the intersection. I see and react to my surroundings; however seem to be in a surreal autopilot state as I pull into our drive flanked by Kona flags.

There was a boy….a very strange enchanted boy…… This reminds me of myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope telling stories of how blessed he was to have been adopted by two of the most loving parents ever. He knew this was a gift from God that presented him with opportunities that would not have been possible otherwise.

Groceries in tow, I would normally have asked myDarlin’ to come help me in, but now there’s only a couple of bags. Hello myDarlin’, I’m home I say out loud and blow three kisses his way. The autograph heart pillow that he got last year at the hospital sits on a chair in the living room. It seems like forever ago, and then again just like yesterday that I wrote with a Sharpie, ‘You are my heart Darlin’ Love, Sheri’ amongst all of the other messages of love from our kids and Ohana.

I pause, and smile as I look around and see the Kona blinking heart pin that we bought for a Valentine’s Day gig this year. I can still see myDarlin’ sitting on the couch looking through the catalog, trying to decide what would be the most impactful yet economical promo item. Ink pens? …nah - Koozies?.... nah – blinking heart shaped pins? ding, ding, ding!!!! And he was like a little boy when the package came; testing each one to make sure they blinked. He looked at me and said, “Funny as it seems now, these little pins will be very important to someone one day. They’ll find it tucked away in a drawer and memories of the day they got it will come rushing back. Hopefully Kona will be part of those fond memories.”

One lucky day he passed my way…. the feeling of excitement and anticipation danced about the crisp evening air as we met all of those years ago. It was as if the missing puzzle piece to my life had just been slipped into place. And I knew, we knew – this is the real deal – Love at first sight. I often find myself telling others that there is the perfect someone for everyone, and I believe it with all of my heart and soul. All you have to do is to truly ‪#‎LetGoLetGod‬.

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return….. Yes, yes, yes. It is a truly amazing feeling and state of being to see others looking through a lens of love and understanding, and to be seen by the same lens. And through that lens, each day becomes a dance of giving and receiving. For whatever you give is returned to you ten-fold.

And he drew a big flowing open heart on her birthday card, which she recently found in a box tucked under the bed. It’s not clear what year he gave her the card, but does it really matter the year when a love is a timeless as theirs?

Today my heart is filled with gratitude as I thank God for sending the most perfect love to me, and allowing us to share our love with our children and Ohana. And yes myDarlin’, the Kona heart pin evokes memories of a special night etched in my mind for eternity.

Faith, hope, love…. The greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎AllYouNeedisLove‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 86 – September 24, 2014

Party Planning

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This would have been our Sixth Annual Toys for Tots Jam this year myDarlin’. We talked not too long ago about taking our party to the next level by partnering with Ronnie John’s this year. Unlimited parking certainly has its’ appeal. I found a notepad where you had written ‘Toys for Tots’ and began your list of bands.

In retrospect, this is yet another example of answers that you gave to us over the 16 months since you initially had your heart attack. The odds were against you that day, but God placed all of us in very strategic places to make sure that you were able to share your testimony of God’s miracles, and to tie up loose ends before you left us. You and I shared your story every chance we got, and we spent so much time spent deep in conversation for what seemed like every moment we were together. (Although sometimes, I’m sure you would have been OK if I would have taken a breath. )

I remember while getting ready for one of our parties, or even just a gig, that you would have so many things going at once, and I would ask, “What can I do for you?” It gave me great joy to help you get things done, so that we could relax and have fun quicker. ‘Work hard, Play hard’ that is our motto.

And so we begin the planning process for the holidays myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope. You would be so happy that all of the kids are coming into town and we will work to make this year and every year going forward even bigger than the last. Our children have become the multiplier of our intentions. You were the stone dropped into the water, and they are the resulting swell in the ocean that will create a huge wave of good intentions crashing onto the shore.

And we will do the usual; get the trailer ready to receive the toys, pray for good weather, enjoy our Ohana and take the family photo again this year for our Christmas card…. Then we will laugh, and eat, and play, and sing, and smile as we all look to the heavens knowing that you will be playing your favorite bass right along with our friends as they jam.

Today I am grateful as we begin the holiday planning season, knowing that when I ask, “What can I do for you?” that you would tell me to keep the tradition alive and our Ohana together. And it will give me great joy to do just that. I love you myDarlin’.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 85 – September 23, 2014

Things we said today….

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…today there would have been 3,556 days to go on our Ten Year Plan of moving to Hawaii. myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope, it is hard to believe that you have been gone for three months now. The last text I sent to you was at 9:32AM on Sunday, June 22nd as we were at church, and you were on stage practicing. It read, ‘3,646’.

You say you will love me, if I have to go.
You’ll be thinking of me, somehow I will know.
Someday when I’m lonely, wishing you weren’t so far away,
Then I will remember, the things we said today.

I play the video clip that you sent to me one morning every day. “Good morning Baby, I love you” and reply, I love you too myDarlin’. The things we said today….
I picked up your things from work myDarlin’ and went to the kitchen to say hello. I told them I was there for your Saints mug, as I knew none of them would want it. And this morning, I fixed a cup of real coffee in your honor and raised it to your memory. Who dat! Yes, things we said today.

As I left work, headed to the Aloha Open Mic, and pulled onto the ramp to the expressway – I can still hear myself saying, “I will follow you.” And if I close my eyes, I can still see you pulling the trailer towards going towards home. Wait! It would be a bad thing if I closed my eyes while driving, so I’ll just imagine… Yes, Imagine – your favorite word. Things we said today…

Today is much like any other day; except for you’re not here. And I stand in the corner where you last sat, watching the stage you were watching that day, with the songs coming one right after the other. I can’t stop loving you, Are you lonesome tonight and Blue Hawaii all sung as the life-size cardboard Elvis on a surfboard looks on. Dreams come true in Blue Hawaii.

I pull into our driveway marked by the Kona flags you had made last year, walk down the drive to check the mail, then up the path to the front door. I gently slide my key in the lock, open the door and say “Honey, I’m home!” and blow three kisses your way. Things we said today….

As the sun set today, I know surely that it will rise again tomorrow. And though I miss you more than words can express, I know that God’s plan is in motion and you are a big part of it. I am filled with gratitude that the Lord brought us together myDarlin, my soul mate, to experience a once in a lifetime love that many never get to know. I close my eyes and can hear you singing.

Follow me, everything is all right,
I'll be the one to tuck you in at night….

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 84 – September 22, 2014

Sisterhood….
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You are beautiful and deserving of being treated like a Queen. This past week there have been so many signs presenting themselves, that I feel compelled to write a letter to my fellow women…. Sisters. Far too often, women spend too much time tearing each other down, when our goal should be to build each other up. We owe it to the young girls and women of the next generation to let them know that our bodies are wonderfully made by none-other than the Master of the Universe. As a woman I just met the other day said, “God don’t make junk.”

A couple of wonderful mainstream songs; ‘Because I am a Queen’ by Indie Arie and ‘All About That Bass’ by Meghan Trainor are worth checking out and sharing with your daughters, friends, sisters and mothers. Don’t get caught up in thinking that we have to be a size 2, or 6, or 12 – get caught up in striving to eat healthy, to exercise regularly and for emotional wellness.

I remember a time in my life when I wasn’t being treated as I should have been, and the effect that it had on my self-esteem, as well as my children’s well-being. I was really good at covering it up, rationalizing the situation and blaming myself. My co-workers saw beyond the façade, and continually encouraged me to believe in myself and take the steps to change the situation I was in. Even though my situation was difficult, it was easy to stay, because I knew what to expect. And as we were on a business trip, I drifted into a semi-sleep state in the back seat of the car driving back to the hotel and heard my co-workers, my friends talking about me. She deserves better they said and wondered what more they could do to help me realize it. And when I woke, I believed it and knew that with God’s and my friend’s help that I was about to make a major change in my life.

Back to this past week, I pray for women that I have encountered in three separate instances; you my sisters, are beautiful inside and out, you deserve to be treated like a Queen, and are stronger than you know.

When I look in the mirror and the only one there is me
Every freckle on my face is where it's supposed to be
And I know my creator didn't make no mistakes on me
My feet my thighs my lips my eyes I'm loving what I see

I'm not the average girl from your video
And I ain't built like a supermodel
But I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen

Tonight I am filled with gratitude that the decision on that night long ago changed the course of my life, and eventually led me to myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope. And much to my delight, he has four beautiful daughters whom he empowered to stand up for themselves, to support their girlfriends and to grow into confident young women. And it was myDarlin’s love for me that helped me to find the person I used to be; a confident, capable woman ready to take on life’s challenges.

You are altogether beautiful, my love; there is no flaw in you. Song of Solomon 4:7

#KeepLookingUp

Gratitude Journal – Day 83 – September 21, 2014

Altered book…..

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altered reality? Serendipity continues to be a theme in my life, or maybe it is what happens when you ‪#‎LetGoLetGod‬. Thru a mutual friend, I was invited to be a part of a group for widows. It’s funny that as I have accepted that myDarlin’ has gone moved into the next realm of Heaven, that it is hard to embrace the word ‘widow’.

And so, that is my altered reality….. I am now a widow, and my husband is now my late husband. (I can tell you now he would not want to be called ‘late’ as that was one of his main pet peeves.) Every day I meet people who express their condolences, which I deeply appreciate and others fumble with words, not knowing what to say, which I understand. It is in experiencing the cycle of life that we learn how to cope with and handle life’s storms. And then, there are those who feel sorry for me, to which I would say ‘Don’t cry for me as the Holy Spirit is with me each step of the way.’ myDarlin’s last prayer was that our Lord would give me strength and understanding, and I’m here to tell you that his prayers have been answered in a big way.

There were stacks of books to choose from, and so I set about altering the book I chose for this project. It is titled ‘Cradle Role Lessons’ and I am amazed at how many of the pages fit into our lives; past, present and future. And because I choose to ‘color outside of the lines’, instead of creating my vision board/pages in the book, I made a separate page to hang on the wall to remind me every day going forward to focus on God, family/Ohana, health, home & career, and to always ‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬.

This evening I spent time with two beautiful souls, and as the band played this song, I knew it was myDarlin’ sending me a sign…. (not to be confused with, ‘Here’s your sign’ – LOL)

Well we're movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up,
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

As Christians, our ultimate goal is to be with the Father when we leave the world as we know it. And as myDarlin’ moved on up ahead of me, he sends a message:

You know where I am going, and you know the way. John 14:4

I am filled with gratitude today as I know that I will join myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope one day in the deluxe apartment in the sky. I don’t need Mapquest to show me the way, for the word of God will guide me.

#KeepLookingUp #LetGoLetGod

Gratitude Journal – Day 82 – September 20, 2014

Fifteen years ago….

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I received a letter from my oldest son, and it goes like this:

Once upon a time, not too long ago….
I was protected in your arms for this world I did not know.
So small and helpless, and so dependent upon you,
My life support, my love in everything through and through.
When I would cry out from my bed late at night,
You would pick me up in your loving arms, making sure I was alright.
And you would sing sweet lullabies to sooth the tears away,
Then dress me every morning so I could go out to play.
My protector, my guardian, from the things I knew not of.
A small baby child and all I knew was your pure love.
So blind to the world that I soon must live in.
But you guided me along as my Mother and my friend.
Unconditional love, shining bright as the sun,
You would do anything within your power just to help your little one
And as the years have passed by, I’ve turned into a man,
And I know it’s hard to think that you used to help me stand.
I know when you look at me, you still see your baby boy.
Holding your hand, walking in the store, asking if I can have that toy.
And Mom, I want you to know, that you’re still the same to me.
My guardian, my protector, my queen for eternity.
And I’m sorry I let you down by the life that I lived,
But I’m thankful to the Almighty for the love that you give.
And I know that you’ll love me regardless of what I do,
But I want to make you happy and proud of me too.
Because I owe that much at least for the things you did for me.
And one day, I’ll make you proud of the little boy I used to be.

My Protector – by Michael Lugo

Tonight I am filled with gratitude as I have watched my son Michael grow into a man that not only I am proud of, but that others admire and look up to. I remember a recent conversation that myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and I had about each one of the children, as we were sitting at a stop light on Piedmont & Canton. Each one of our seven children are distinctly unique, and each gives us so many reasons to be proud. We have been blessed with so much love and goodness from our heavenly Father; from finding each other, to bringing our families together and building relationships with Ohana every day of our lives.

Children will hold your hands for a little while, but your hearts for a lifetime.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 81 – September 19, 2014

Spam Musubi…

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is absolutely delicious! And about now, most of you are wondering, ‘what the heck is Spam Musubi?’ Well, Wikipedia describes it as follows: Spam musubi is a popular snack and lunch food in Hawaii composed of a slice of grilled Spam on top of a block of rice, wrapped together with nori dried seaweed. Inexpensive and portable, Spam musubi are commonly found near cash registers in convenience stores all over Hawaii.

In April of 2006, myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope was giving me the ‘Local Boy’ tour of Hawaii. We started in Oahu, then on to Maui and finally to Kona. And on one of our day trips, we stopped at a gas station for a fill up for the car and for us. I found it funny that people would actually go to a gas station for lunch, but as I learned there were some delectable choices amongst which was Spam Musubi and Manapua (bun filled with char su pork). So as we ordered both to go, Robert told me of soccer games of days gone by when the girls were young, where the parents took turns bringing Spam Musubi for the team snack after the game.

We ate Spam Musubi and Manapua as we sat in the car in the parking lot of the gas station. And then we saw it, a sign that could change our lives forever. (if only I could locate the photo now…) It said: Cooks/Cashiers Wanted $10.00 hour. Whoa! Robert was a Chef and I was a manager for Front End Operations – so we would make a heck of a team! We took a photo of the sign and each sent it to our respective boss with a text that read: Found a job in Hawaii – won’t be coming back. Needless to say, we came back even against our best judgement.

And back on the mainland, Spam was a mainstay in our pantry along with the mold to make the rice perfectly fit the shape of a slice of Spam. And I, who quite honestly had been a Spam snob before I met myDarlin’, grew to love that fried piece of mystery meat and found myself defending it to others who hadn’t been converted yet.

myDarlin’s love affair with Spam ended last March, when he was instructed to stick to a low sodium diet to help keep his blood pressure in check. And being the funny man that he was, he wore his Spam t-shirt to the Heart Healthy meeting just to get the doctors and dieticians going. Always finding the humor in everything that he faced in life.

And so the other day, I ordered a ‘Waikiki’ (fried Spam w/egg) at our favorite restaurant in honor of myDarlin’. I am filled with gratitude as I remember all of the wonderful Spam moments over the past eleven years.

Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me. Proverbs 30:8

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎SpamMusubi‬

Gratitude Journal – Day 80 – September 18, 2014

In my world….
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It was September 17, 2010 and myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope, Becca and I went out for dinner. The band that we expected to be playing at another venue wasn’t there, so we decided to stop in at a new restaurant Durty Kellys. As we walked in, I remember thinking how warm and inviting this pub was; friendly service, great décor and yes, wonderful live music. It didn’t take me long to get my camera out and make my way over to take a few shots. As often happens, I got a few strange looks, but I just smiled and kept shooting.

Our dinner comes, and for whatever reason I seem to remember having a shepherd’s pie. I don’t remember what Becca had (it has been four years ago after all), but can tell you that she got a ‘to go box’. I also don’t remember what myDarlin’ had, but can guarantee you that after he finished his, he asked both of us, “Gonna finish that?” The duo makes their way over and we begin to chat about, ding-ding-ding!!, yes music. We chat until it is time for them to get back up to play, making sure to invite them to our Toys for Tots party in November. We friend them on Facebook and I send over the photo below the next morning to them.

Fast forward to Leilani’s Aloha Lounge Toys for Tots Party, where we are in full swing when who should walk up but Steve and Lesli! We welcomed them Pope style, introduced them to a few folks and continued having one of the best times ever. And that my friends, was the beginning of one of the most beautiful friendships. It’s funny how God works, isn’t it? Coincidence….. not by a long shot, he knew exactly what to do.

There are places I remember all my life
Though some have changed
Some forever, not for better
Some have gone and some remain

All these places have their moments
Of lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I loved them all

And I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I loved you more

Today I am forever grateful that God placed Steve and Lesli in our lives. I can still hear them singing this song at Durty Kellys four years ago, and then again at Ronnie John’s just the other night. And I know that myDarlin’s spirit was there, laughing, playing and singing with them, grateful that God placed them into our lives and that we are all Ohana.

#KeepLookingUp  #Happy4thAnniversary #AllYouNeedisLove

Gratitude Journal – Day 79 – September 17, 2014

Good Nite Homer….

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Every evening as I leave the Store Support Center (SSC), I snap a pix on my iPhone to share on Instagram/Twitter and Facebook. ‪#‎GoodniteHomer‬‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ are the hashtags just in case you ever want to search for them. (For those of you not on social media – it’s a way to search other photos/posts with the same hashtags)

Every month our HDTV Team hosts ‪#‎FranksForum‬ and celebrates a group of associates, which happens to be the Northern Plains region this past month for outstanding performance. As I help the team ‘behind the scenes’, I reflect on how blessed I am to be a part of this big Orange Ohana for almost 28 years now. I watch the associates and see the excitement in their faces and know that this is the ultimate reward for a job well done. My favorite photo of the day is with Frank, our CEO, a man whom all of our associates, including me admire.

28 years ago, we were living in Jacksonville, Florida and my husband had just been discharged from the Navy. We both needed to find employment, and so the hunt began. I didn’t want to travel to downtown Jacksonville every day, so looked locally at retailers, hotels and other industries. Over qualified was what I kept hearing, but all I wanted/needed was a job. And so after a full day of applying and interviewing, I pulled in the parking lot of one more store, The Home Depot. I hadn’t seen it before and was amazed as I walked into a warehouse, only to be greeted by an associate at the Service Desk. I filled out an application, and the rest is history…..

Years later, I found myself relocating to the ATL as part of the Learning Department, and was amazed at the opportunities that were available. All through my career there have been wonderful co-workers who became lifelong friends, or more appropriately Ohana. The same friends/co-workers that were there when I first met myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope, who endured my teenage girl syndrome of ‘OMG he sent me a message’, were there the day we celebrated his life and the impact that he had on so many.

It is late and most have already left the SSC. I set about finding a photo fitting of Homer to share with all of you. The building, parking deck area and view is a virtual playground for a photographer. And so I snap one, put a # on it, post and leave the parking deck. Today I am grateful for a job with a company whose values mirror my own, my fellow associates who are my Ohana and that move to ATL in 2002 that
changed my life forever…..

#GoodNiteHomer #KeepLookingUp

Gratitude Journal – Day 78 – September 16, 2014

Aloha! 
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Open Mic that is…..This morning began like so many others, repeatedly hitting the snooze button on the iPhone and waking up to realize that I had clutched the cross, carved to fit perfectly in my hand, tightly all through the night. I wanted to hear his voice, so I played a video message that myDarlin’Robert Kenui Pope sent to me awhile back. “Good Morning Baby, I love you” he said, then sealed it with a kiss.

Kids are on Fall Break, so the traffic should have been very light, however as I crossed the overpass – traffic was at a standstill. I decide to pass on taking I-75 and make my way down Atlanta Road, passing so many places we’ve been before. As I pull into the parking deck in myDarlin’s truck, I pause to think about the last time that he would have rung the buzzer to come on in to pick me up.

Work is great as we are working on projects that will really make a difference in associate’s careers and even lives, most of which we will never get to know first-hand. And before you know it the lights go out, an indication that most have left for the day and it’s time to wrap it up. It’s Monday – yes! Aloha Open Mic, with a quick trip into the thrift store before I heading in to Ronnie John’s to meet up with friends old and new, Ohana. And Lesli introduced me to one of the guys playing guitar off to the side, waiting for his turn to take the stage. His name is Kuki (sp?) and he is from Samoa. Lesli shared a quick story of how the Aloha Open Mic came to be, and Kuki said that he would sing a Hawaiian song for me.

And so he took the stage, with his large Ohana looking on, and dedicated a song to me in honor of Robert. Tiny Bubbles, LOL! Robert had to be looking down chuckling to himself as Kuki went directly into a song in which the audience repeats the Hawaiian phrase he just sang. Then he sang…..

Take my hand, take my whole life too
For I can't help falling in love with you

Like a river flows surely to the sea
Darling so it goes
Some things are meant to be

….and he had no idea about the Elvis connection, coincidence?

I spoke to a couple seated inside of the restaurant as they waited for their server, recommending my favorite dish, ‘Blue Hawaii’ (tuna poke) named after myDarlin’. Later, Lesli chatted with them saying how familiar they look. And so, she said to Lesli that she wanted to hire them to play a private party at their house a couple of years ago, but they were already booked. They recommended, yep, you got it! Kona!

The memories come flooding back as I catch up with them. It was their daughter’s 18th birthday and Kona played on a small second story deck. I remember how impressed we were that she and her friends loved the classic rock. And we chatted some more, I gave her a Kona business card and wrote my email on the back to keep in touch. Small world, coincidence?

I say my goodbyes to all of my friends/Ohana for the evening and make my way home to download photos and begin writing. I turn the Bose speaker on, then the iPhone and what comes on? Elvis singing ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love’. OK, I get it! It’s no coincidence….

Tonight I am grateful that when we open ourselves up to fully experience life and love, God fills us with just that, life and love. And I know that he has just placed more people in our lives – and the Ohana grows….

#KeepLookingUp

Gratitude Journal – Day 77 – September 15, 2014

Sundays with Ohana

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As many parents of adult children may know, they come back home to live occasionally to get back on their feet. Why in fact, I did during my first marriage as we transitioned from living in Japan to Florida. When the last of our kids moved out, myDarlin' Robert Kenui Pope and I joked about the house now being ‘Boxerville’ and that it would be strongly recommended to call before coming over.

At the same time, we knew that we would miss them being here and wanted to make sure that we stayed very connected – so we started our own tradition of Sunday dinners here at the house. We would check in with the kids to see who was coming over, then plan dinner. After dinner, everyone would retire to the living room to watch football (in season only, of course).

Another tradition was band practice in our garage every week. Sounds normal right? Except for that we have a name for our garage, which has also become home for many parties over the years. Leilani’s Aloha Lounge, with the astro-turf and Hawaiian décor, (our garage) feels like walking into a Hawaii themed hole in the wall. Food, such as pizza and hummus w/crackers was often a welcome break from practice.

And so today, was the first time since myDarlin’ left us that I have hosted a get together. And as Kona and our neighbors served themselves Brunswick stew, homemade cornbread and salad, I could feel his presence, smiling ear to ear. The girls retired to the living room, and the band made its’ way to Leilani’s. If I closed my eyes and listened, it could have been any Sunday during last year’s season. The screams of with joy over a play or the sound of an acoustic song with vocals are both such welcome sounds, and hold a special place in my heart.

And so as our Ohana leaves with containers of Brunswick stew and deserts, I am filled with gratitude for another Sunday with those we love. ….. and the traditions continue myDarlin’.

‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬