Gratitude Journal – Day 150 – November 28, 2014

In Margaritaville….

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the Christmas lights still twinkle the same as they did last year, but there’s one more star in the night sky as I look out over the lake. Sitting at the table, or should I say two tables pushed together to make room for everyone with many different non-matching chairs, I drink coffee at midnight to the sound of a quiet house as our Ohana sleeps myDarlin’. Margaritaville is open air, but the memories of times gone by on this, our back porch, choose to linger rather than drift away in the breeze.

For a moment I can see you in your Leilani’s tie dye shirt in the kitchen, beach towels spread on the floor, cooking up a storm and asking everyone to stay out until you are done. And I would clean behind you, anticipating your moves as to not get in the way. And you would always say, ‘Thank you baby for cleaning up after me.’ But alas, it is a memory…. You would be so proud to see the teamwork of our family as they all coordinate kitchen times and tools to prepare a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner combining Hawaiian (fresh from Kona from your sister & family) and traditional foods.

And as we sat down to eat; we took turns saying what we are thankful for. For me, it is that eleven years ago I met you myDarlin’, my Soulmate, and it changed my life and those of all of our Ohana forever. Next, our grandson caused us to all pause to reflect a moment when he said he is thankful for life, and then followed with ‘and indoor plumbing’. Hmmmm….. not sure where that came from, LOL! Around the table, it is unanimous that we count family, friends, our homes, jobs and spending time together as blessings in our lives.

Naps and movies are on the agenda, as well as family games. And we play, we laugh, we reminisce to the iTunes sound track of Christmas music you put together last year. And amongst the laughter, I hear this song in the background…..

How'd ya like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How'd ya like to spend the holiday away across the sea?
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
You will never stray for everyday
Your Christmas dreams come true
On Christmas Island your dreams come true

I am filled with gratitude as tomorrow when we put the Christmas tree of white up with the train around the bottom that you loved so much myDarlin' Robert Kenui Pope, I will know that we celebrated each Christmas on Christmas Island in our hearts as our dreams came true. And as we remember years past, the sun’s rays shine down on us now with hope, wrapping us in the warmth of Christ’s love and knowing that we will see you again.

‪#‎KeeplookingUp‬ ‪#‎ChristmasIsland‬