Sundays with Ohana
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’.
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