Sunday, May 31, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 332 – May 30, 2015

Ticket to Paradise…
Garden, that is. Just a few weeks ago, this came across my FB feed, Journey to Paradise Garden: Finster Fest 2015. I had learned about Howard Finster just months before, and felt like I had been living under a rock not knowing who this fascinating man was. A Baptist minister, who at age 59 had a vision from God to use his art to spread The Word throughout the world, created tens of thousands of artwork pieces to do just that. Not only did visiting during Finster Fest (annual celebration and fund raising campaign) intrigue me, there was an opportunity NOT to have to drive. (if you know me, you’ll understand)
And we arrived early at the Jim Thompson Fabrics Showroom to board the bus for a two hour ride to Summerville, Ga. Our hosts were so gracious, and accommodating making all of us feel right at home with lei’s made from hand-cut silk flowers and a champagne toast. I should have guessed that there would be a lot of photographers going with, and it’s safe to say at least 50% of us were. A little photo nerd talk before we got going was great! Lunch and beverages on the way, with our gracious hostess giving us an overview of what our itinerary for the day would be and what goodies we could expect was next on the agenda. And waiting for us on the seats of the bus were handmade silk gift bags, with a handmade souvenir from Finster’s Paradise Garden and a jar of pepper jelly homemade by a member of the Summerville city council!
Just when we thought this would be an ordinary bus ride, Summer informed us that we were going to do an art project. I would be fibbing if I told you there weren’t a couple of groans, but they quickly went away when she handed out the 9x12 silk prayer flags and markers to decorate them with names of loved ones, quotes, scripture or art. And for 45 minutes, one could almost hear a pin drop as each one of us got to work. Summer would stay behind on the bus to string our flags together so that they could be hung as an Atlanta crew art installation at Finster’s Paradise Garden.
And I made flags for my Ohana to send prayers to our Lord in Heaven. (I made a special one just for you myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope)
We stepped off the bus onto a gravel road, and were in the midst of a couple hundred folks who had made the trip from down the street or afar to walk through the paradise gardens. As one may expect with photographers, we went our own way exploring through the lens. The paths wound around the structures, some grand, some very simple – but all fascinating. God is all around us, Howard was a preacher after all. Scriptures painted on signs, next to art made from the most ordinary of items, most of which could be considered rubbish until combined in such a way that makes one pause to ponder the hidden meaning. Walkways with mirrors, marbles, glass and other various items embedded lead one from building to building… enticing us to explore more, but alas it is time to install the prayer flags before heading over to the park for a folk art and music festival.
We walked about, picking up some treasures along the way, ate some good southern food, including fried Oreos and caramel corn, then made our way over to the train depot to listen to Atomic Boogie, a wonderful Rockabilly band. A full day with friends exploring Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden.
“My garden is a way for me to get my message out all over the world, and that’s my responsibility. Someday, someday, people on this planet are going to realize that they need what Howard Finster’s got, whether it’s religion, whether it’s art or whether it’s building a Garden.” Howard Finster
Today I am grateful that I have been blessed with being able to explore the gardens of a fellow Christian, and that he found a lasting way to make an impact with art and God’s word. I think I may start a garden of my very own, whadya think Howard?

Posted by at No comments:

Gratitude Journal – Day 331 – May 29, 2015

The letter…
lying on the table next to an orange highlighter amongst other items caught his eye as he walked to the kitchen for the first cup of coffee. What was it? It wasn’t there last night. Curios, he picked it up and read a heartfelt, honest letter filled with raw love and emotion from a young boy, his son, my grandson to the man he knew as his Tutu Chef, myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope.
He took a photo and sent it to me in a text. I took a moment to read this letter, and tears began to fall over my cheeks onto my phone. My son and I talked about a child’s perspective, as he remembers well the feelings when his very own father left this world. He said, all children look up to adults from the physical perspective because they are small and we are tall, but when that is compounded with love and admiration, looking up takes on a completely different perspective.
myDarlin’ was the only Grandpa, ahem Tutu Chef, that they have ever known. He was the one who would stay with the kids when everyone had to work, who would leave work to go pick them up from school if they were sick when no one else could, who played ‘Who would win’ ‘Batman or Superman’, played music with them and so on, and so on. He didn’t give in and give the boys candy, or let them play computer games all day. And he loved all of his grandchildren, all the same.
...a love that cannot be measured – or can it?
He ended the letter with ‘Love Always, Elijah’. ‘Love Always’; a common phrase for many of us, but not so for him. For he is 8, and simply loves being 8 because rolled over sideways, it is the symbol for infinity. And he wants his name to be ‘Infinity Boy’. Me too Elijah, me too, but you need to grow up to ‘Make the world a better place.’ ‪#‎MTWABP‬
He wants to send this letter to his Tutu Chef in heaven, just to see how’s he’s doing, to see if he’s still playing in the band and having parties. And dear Elijah while you write your letter, when your cousins blow kisses to Tutu in heaven, and your brother claims Hawaiian as his heritage – your Tutu is with all of you, watching over you, encouraging you and praying for you.
myLord, today I am grateful for the love, care and positive influence myDarlin’ had for our grandsons. And myDarlin’, your legacy lives with your grandsons’ determination, loyalty, hard work, inquisitive nature and kind spirit. And I know you’ve read the letter already and know that all of us love you – ALWAYS.

Posted by at No comments:

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 330 – May 28, 2015

Technology…
where would we be without it? Working late this evening, my text alerts began to go off. AMEX charge for $xxx, then $xx,– what the heck? So I got on the phone to call AMEX, when another text came in from them asking me to verify if the charges were mine or to press 2 to connect with a representative.
Within 30 minutes, we resolved that the charges were not mine, reversed the two fraudulent charges, then stopped another attempt for $xxx - Not so FAST dishonest human (DH) – you have been shut down. I stopped to say a little prayer for you DH, as I have no idea what your circumstances are. Chances are you are just a pawn in the game of a bigger fish, who will give you up to save him/herself. Trust me, it’s really so much easier in life to work hard at an honest living.
And one of the kieki said tonight, we could all just convert to Dad’s way of banking. Cash in da shoe! I hadn’t thought about that in such a long time, but myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope used to cash his checks every payday, not trusting banks or cards…. And one benefit for sure, if you only deal in cash – you can’t spend more than you make. And doesn’t it figure that when he finally ‘gave in’ and opened up an account - with direct deposit no less - that he became fast friends with everyone at the bank. Yep, that was myDarlin’ – spreading Aloha like guava jelly on a piece of King’s Hawaiian rolls wherever he went.
Tonight, I am grateful for companies that really protect their customer’s interests, and memories of ‘Cash in da shoe!’. Sending prayers of safety for all, and of intervention for those who do harm in the name of greed and love of money.

Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 329 – May 27, 2105

Summer nite…
open jam with myDarlin’…. my idea of the perfect evening. And I found myself sitting at the table we used to sit at, right up front so that I could get a clear view of the band. And so many of the old faces were there… The front and back doors were open, inviting the gentle breeze to dance with the sweet sound of Europa drifting from the stage to permeating every soul with even the slightest opening.
Europa = Earth’s cry, Heaven’s smile
And when I close my eyes, it’s as if the hands of time turned back years and I could hear you still playing bass with that big grin on your face. And our trip home would have been short for we lived right across the street. Yes, myDarlin’ we have a good life, I said to you as I lay my head on your shoulder.
I am grateful tonight that even though we cry here on earth, that heaven is smiling as myDarlin’ joined God’s House Band and helps to keep a steady beat for so many. He told me many times that it is the bass line that makes people want to dance, and I couldn’t agree more. My heart danced for joy the day I met him, and every day since. Aloha till we dance together again myDarlin’.

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, May 26, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 328 – May 26, 2015



Late night musings…
I sit at the same spot I did before you left myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope late at night, processing photos while you crushed candies, played guitar or watched the history channel trying to wind down from a busy day. I marveled at the amount of information that swirled about in your head, and it seemed no matter what the topic, you had some exposure to it.
And tonight I struggled with figuring out why my computer kept crashing and I can hear you as clear as day. “I can see you’re frustrated Baby, can I help?” So, I take a deep breath, remove the frustration and look up the remedy which seems to be working. Thank you myDarlin’.
Our grandchildren – God knows you loved them. There’s something special about these small people that grow too quickly. And one of our grandsons (on my side) was telling us that his ethnicity is Hispanic, white, Indian and Hawaiian….I have to laugh a little, but then again – the spirit of Aloha crosses all boundaries and is a way of living.
ITunes plays on the iPhone (I know how much you like technology) next to me and this song came on.
When I saw the break of day
I wished that I could fly away
Instead of kneeling in the sand
Catching teardrops in my hand
My heart is drenched in wine
But you'll be on my mind
Forever
Yes myDarlin’, forever is where you will live, both in heaven and in my heart.
“Are you coming to bed?” you said, to which I replied, “I’ll be right there.” And you count 1001, 1002, 1003, wishing that you could fall asleep before the snoring commences. I can still hear you say, “I love you baby, we have a good life, don’t we?” Yes, we do myDarlin’, yes we do.
Tonight I am grateful for random sweet memories of myDarlin’ and thank our Lord that he is safe in his arms. And as I climb into bed, I look up at the night sky through my window and say a little prayer for him, for you and for me.

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, May 25, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 327 – May 25, 2015

It was one year ago…
today that we would be on the road returning from what would be our last road trip together. After church on Sunday, May 25, 2014, everyone was busy doing their own thing, so we looked at each other and said, ‘ROADTRIP!’ Now some may think that is a cray thing to do, but spending time together is what we enjoyed most, so what is a six and a half hour drive?
We made reservations on the way down to Navarre, which is a bit trickier than one may think on a holiday weekend. Check in, then off to dinner as the sunset against the aqua waters of the Gulf. We stopped by our new friends place only to find they were closed for a well-deserved break during the holiday, and vowed to see them soon. An early morning rise to hit the beach and wiggle our toes in the sand and surf. We filled our well-worn Tony Stewart cooler with ‘Ice’ drinks and water from the stand on the beach, then carried our chairs, Hawaii beach towels, Bose and Kona beach ball to the shore.
I can still hear the sounds of the waves lightly splashing on the shore to the sound of Bob Marley’s ‘Three Little Birds’ as myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Popeblew up the Kona beach ball for a foot rest. Before we left, he took one last swim in the Gulf with a huge smile on his face. He gave the beach ball to a young boy on the beach and we headed to the car. There were kites that day – so many of them in the windy sky dancing about as if the day had no worries…. and indeed, we were reminded, ‘Don’t worry bout a thing, cause every little thing’s gonna be alright.’
A stop at the diner, then to the store to get his ‘replacement Indiana Jones’ hat and we headed back home. I stayed awake the entire drive both ways, which is unusual – but in retrospect God knew that we needed every single moment to share every single word that we did on that spontaneous trip. The bottom of the paper cup filled with tiny seashells gave out, filling the cup holder with sand and there that sand will remain.
Tonight I am grateful for the memory of that delightful weekend with myDarlin’, where our words and love danced about like the waves gently crashing to the sandy shores of the beach. And we will visit the beach again myDarlin’…

Posted by at No comments:

Gratitude Journal – Day 326 – May 24, 2015

Tradition…
and so the short vacation comes to a close as so many began and ended with myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope at the Waffle House. When I think of WH, the word Ohana automatically comes to mind as they have become just that to our Ohana. Regular people, leading regular lives – where every day is an opportunity to make the ordinary extraordinary – hmmm…. just like you and me!
We recounted the past four days, which will add to the chronicles of memorable moments to be inserted in conversation at will for the remainder of our days here on earth. Remember the time…. In fact, some of those very times we remember were at a Waffle House.
And we said our goodbyes, then climbed into our vehicles and hit the long and winding road home. With everyone safely home and in their beds, I closed my eyes and said a prayer of thanks to our Lord for the safe journey.
Tonight, I am filled with gratitude for the time we spent together knowing that myDarlin’ was and is with each of us every step of the way.
‪#‎KeepLookingUp‬ ‪#‎WaffleHouseOhana‬

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, May 24, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 325 – May 23, 2015

Gifts
…the weather forecast called for rain this week into the weekend, which would normally have all of us saying, ‘It’s only water.’ This week rain meant the difference between the entire Ohana coming to see Kawika graduate at the stadium vs. only two family members As the day went on, it looked as if we were going to get the gift we were all praying for. 
- Gift #1 – clear skies
We carried the leis in a large box to the ceremony, and were dismayed to see that the parking anywhere near the stadium was virtually non-existent. I’m not even sure why we pulled into the parking lot, but right as were approaching the entrance, a vehicle pulled out.
- Gift #2- Perfeck parking spot
As we finished our party prep, he showed us in a tangible way that he is with us.
- Gift #3 – Double rainbow, followed by a spectacular sunset
Party day arrives, and it couldn’t have gone any better even if God had orchestrated it himself. We all miss myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope, but feel his presence all around us. Soccer balls, playing cards and conversation flew lightly through the air today with intermittent laughter as we enjoyed our comfort food and cake.
- Gift #4 - To love and be loved in return
As the day and the trip come to an end, I know that he is with us. I see him in the eyes of his kieki, in our party planning & prep abilities and in the love that we share. I am filled with gratitude that the conversation we had just a year ago as we were driving down Bob Bettis Road has come true. I hope that when we are gone our legacy will be that we knew how to ‘Work hard and Play hard’. I hope that they will remember the parties we threw to not only have fun but do good for others. I hope that they will remember that in life we must always put in the hard work before playing, and that it makes play that much sweeter when we do.
- Gift #5 – His legacy lives on through all of us

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, May 23, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 324 – May 22. 2015



Party Prep
As we left for the evening, pork shoulder with Leilani’s Aloha Lounge rub in the roaster and the house nice and clean, I look back at the team work of the day and am immensely proud. I can still hear myDarlin’ say ‘this is what we do’! We divide and conquer in cleaning and shopping, but laugh, love and play together. (Oh yes, and I should also add, eat!)
Today I am grateful for our Ohana, who is a team through thick and thin. And as we enjoy the party, we will look up, knowing it is myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope that brought us all here to this point in time. Mahalo nui myDarlin’, you are the best role model our Ohana could ever have wished or hoped for, and we know that you are here with us.

Posted by at No comments:

Friday, May 22, 2015

Gratitude Journal - Day 323 - May 21, 2015

Malama Pono
Tonight I am grateful for Kawika, and know that myDarlin' Robert Kenui Popewas right there with us to celebrate the beginning of a new journey.


Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 322 – May 20, 2015

Road Trip….
This morning brought memories flooding back of so many times before as we prepared for the road trip; making a list of items to pack, staying up late the night before and filling every possible space in the truck. And a road trip wouldn’t be complete without myDarlin’s hat on the dash. As we pulled out of the drive, I thought about how proud he would be that we left within 15 minutes of our target time.
Siri was busy today, leading Ohana from the north and the south to converge in Arkansas to celebrate his graduation from high school, from childhood into the next adventure of his life. I chuckled to myself as we turned Siri off for a few moments as we detoured from her recommended route due to traffic, thinking back to the time when she said to myDarlin’. “It’s all about you Robert Kenui Pope.”
Memories of truck stop adventures, buying books on tape or CD, coffee cups and power strips that fit the cigarette lighter. Laughing at the fact that they sell blown glass flowers, cowboy hats, NASCAR jackets and underwear all in the same locations. And so we stocked up on snacks and a new power strip for the trip, knowing that he would approve.
We shared the driving, which makes the load easy – from driver’s seat to passenger to back seat, each represents a different roles for different legs of the journey of life. Taking charge of where you are going (driver), following the lead of those you love (passenger), and finally resting (back seat).
As we get closer, the anticipation builds and I know that myDarlin’ would have been
just as excited as us, and possibly even more as this his baby boy, ahem I mean young man, will be graduating tomorrow. The last of his kieki graduates and a new phase begins for all of us.
Tonight, I am grateful for this road trip of life. And as I took that back seat to rest, I felt the presence of myDarlin’ who is resting in the arms of our Lord, confident that our kieki have listened well all of these years and are ready to climb into the driver’s seat. Malama pono and left turns sweet Ohana!

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 321 – May 19, 2015

Somewhere…
over the rainbow…. I can hear myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope singing as he strums the ukulele on the beach at Kona. The year is 2006, a pivotal one for both of us as we traveled to Hawaii, lost my mother, gained two grandsons, lost my job, got married and secured a different job with the same company. And we sat on the beach with our Ohana and realized just how good life really is, and how blessed we are.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dream of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow
Skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream
Really do come true
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me
Somewhere over the rainbow
Bluebirds fly
Birds fly, over the rainbow
Oh why, oh why can't I?
Tonight I am grateful as I look at this photo and can hear this island boy singing as he remembers times gone by and dreams of those yet to be. Malama pono dear Ohana.

Posted by at No comments:

Monday, May 18, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 320 – May 18, 2015

You are welcome...
in our house and HIS house. In searching to find an original file of a photograph, I took out a hard drive full of photographs and found a folder called ‘Taking Kawika Home – Jan 2012’ and the memories came flooding back. Ironically enough, the girls and I will be taking this same trek that myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and I did three years ago and will travel the same roads and pass the same landmarks. And we will pass the home of Elvis where this shot was taken.
You are welcome….
And a friend posted this on my wall today written by a man so long ago, but yet only yesterday. It so accurately paints the picture of how our loved ones are a part of who we are, and remain with us in our hearts forever.
Death is nothing at all. It does not count. I have only slipped away into the next room. Nothing has happened. Everything remains exactly as it was. I am I, and you are you, and the old life that we lived so fondly together is untouched, unchanged. Whatever we were to each other, that we are still. Call me by the old familiar name. Speak of me in the easy way which you always used. Put no difference into your tone. Wear no forced air of solemnity of sorrow. Laugh as we always laughed at the little joke that we enjoyed together. Play, smile, think of me, pray for me. Let my name be ever the household word that it always was. Let it be spoken without an effort, with the ghost of a shadow upon it. Life means all that it ever meant. It is the same as it ever was. There is absolute and unbroken continuity. What is this death but a negligible accident? Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? I am but waiting for you, for an interval, somewhere very near, just round the corner. All is well. – Henry Scott Holland (1/27/1847-3/17/1918)
Tonight, I am grateful knowing that myDarlin’ has gone to HIS house, where we are always welcome and will one day again join him just around the corner.

Posted by at No comments:

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 319 – May 17, 2015

The journey home….
As myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and I traveled life’s wonderful journey over the past 11 and a half years, he accumulated a variety of instruments. And it was these very instruments that allowed him to realize his dreams of playing music.
I imagine him with his father as he learned to play ukulele, then learning to play piano, then brass and woodwinds. I often marveled at his stories and how music has always been a part of his life – and more recently his dreams or has it always been?
And these instruments will never be together in one physical location again, as beginning with his acoustic bass traveling to Arkansas last June – the journey for each of his instruments begins. And his keiki will know when they wrap their hands around the neck and feel the strings against their fingertips that they are holding the very dream of their father in their hands and heart.
This photograph, although taken long before I ever knew myDarlin’, captures the dream. The faraway look in his eyes imagines what could be and what music would be in his life.
Today I am grateful for the gift of music and those who spend their lives creating it for all of us to enjoy. And just as myDarlin’ has made his journey home, each of his instruments will also make a journey to honor the universal language of love, peace and understanding.

Posted by at No comments:

Gratitude Journal – Day 318 – May 16, 2015

The list….
so many things to do, during the weekend, the week, the month, our life. It feels as if we are in a constant state of preparation, but when one pauses the realization is that there are things, events, moments we are not prepared for. And it is times like these that we must trust that the safety net we so carefully wove will hold us.
And this weekend is no different than the others. The list of things to do is big as we prepare for a celebration for the youngest of the Pope keiki to graduate from high school. And the list will include the normal party items that myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and I would normally gather, but this time I will be bringing quilts of love made from his shirts and guitars for the kids.
Aloha shirts and music…. with the list beginning with God, love and music. Yep, that pretty much sums up the list of our lives.
And when our daily list includes God, we never need worry that when we are presented with unplanned circumstances that he is by our side to guide us, and even carries us when we cannot do it on our own.
Today, I am filled with gratitude for the love and care our Lord showers upon us, and that we have a safety net that is ours for the asking.

Posted by at No comments:

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 317 – May15, 2015

The place you are in….
Needs you today. As I remember all of the wonderful yesterdays and hopeful tomorrows, I am reminded that I must be fully present today. As I look back over the past months, I know that our Lord has kept true to his promise of always being there for me. And it is he who has propelled me, pushed me to the limits to continue living in the present when the past seems so comfortable.
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away.
And our circle, our Ohana, grows day by day in ways that only he can orchestrate. And in the circle are those who have lost loved ones, or should I say that heaven has gained many angels. And we are so very sad that we will not have them with us every day, but be reassured that we will indeed see them again.
This little light of mine….
do not hide the beauty that is your life under a bushel, but rather carry on the joy that you knew with your loved one. It is their legacy and you have been entrusted with this precious gift to share with others. Your children, your family, your friends need you as much as you need them. Yes, the place you are in needs YOU today.
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” (Dr. Suess)
Today, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of life our Lord has given us. For whether here on this big blue and green ball we call home or in the heavens above; it is still the gift of life. Malama pono.

Posted by at No comments:

Gratitude Journal – Day 316 – May 14, 2015

A little help…
from my friends has always been a way of life for myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope and me, as we are not personally equipped to do everything on our own. For we are all gifted with different talents and cultivate others as we grow. And when we help others, the boomerang of kindness and favor comes right back at us with a more fierce intensity than we sent out into the world.
And as I sit here thinking about myDarlin, this Beatles song echoes in my mind.
What do I do when my love’s gone away.
(Does it worry you to be alone)
How do I feel by the end of the day
(Are you sad because you're on your own)
No, I get by with a little help from myLord,
Mmm, get by with a little help from my friends,
Mmm, gonna to try with a little help from my friends
And I visited my friend for dinner, we talked and did shop, Photoshop that is, and life in general. We spoke of perfections and imperfections, and how the mix of both makes up our perception of reality or authenticity.
Tonight I am filled with gratitude for the help from my Ohana knowing that together we form a net to catch each other if we fall.

Posted by at No comments:

Wednesday, May 13, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 315 – May 13, 2015



The whole family…
wins read the sign on the wall at the shoe store. The day, just two weeks before myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope left us, was spent in much the same way as any other Sunday. He played the upright at church that morning, then we headed on over to Ronnie John’s Sunset Grille for a lunch of tuna poke and mac salad while we listened to the sweet tunes of Mandi on the patio.
It was a beautiful summer afternoon, so one would think that an outdoor activity would be in order, but he desperately needed a new pair of shoes… so, I sacrificed and agreed to go to the outlet mall. (had you didn’t I?!) Ironically I think that he and I went to the mall together more in the short time it was open than I’ve been shopping in the past year. First stop? The Bose Store. The sales staff would run to open the door for him when they saw him; after all he had become a very loyal customer, who also sent many a musician their way.
We checked out a couple of other stores before winding up at the shoe store. I swear we laughed the entire time we were at the store. He really didn’t like shopping for shoes, but as I stated above he was in desperate need as his were ‘leaking’ and walking in the rain left him with a sinking feeling. He tried one on and said, ‘OK, it fits, let’s go!’ And being the mother figure I am, I made him try on both shoes and walk down the aisle and back to make sure they were comfortable for him. I will never forget the picture of him walking like he was on the cat walk in his too long, rolled up jeans, his 4X silky Aloha shirt (he got in Florida even though it was two sizes too big), his Kona bracelet and his Indiana Jones hat. He kept on going until I said, ‘come back’ and which point, he pivoted and you can see the pose I caught. I really didn’t notice at the time, but the sign above him says, ‘the whole FAMILY wins’ and I believe it to be true. Our entire family, our Ohana are all winners and better off for having had him in our lives.
We put his old shoes in the box and proceeded to the checkout, but he kept the clear plastic feet molds out and with his hands walked them across the counter, all the while his chuckles and smile permeated the air. The cashier thought us a bit odd, but one could tell from her slight smile that she wished she could hang out with us to have some fun! We stopped at Dairy Queen (because we deserved it after all of that strenuous shopping…) then headed home for the day. Another ordinary extraordinary day in the life of myDarlin’ and me.
Today I am grateful for memories of new shoes, too big silky Aloha shirts, Indiana Jones hats and ordinary days in love with myDarlin’. Yes, the whole Ohana wins when we remember his laughter, his love of our Lord and us, and the example he shared through his daily walk.

Posted by at No comments:

Gratitude Journal – Day 314 – May 12, 2015

This day…
the first day we spent in Oahu in 2006 is but a distant memory, but as I popped the CD of photos into my laptop they came rushing back to me. An overcast day, a windy day, a day of exploring the island with myDarlin’Robert Kenui Pope. As the photographs take me from the ocean to the city to the majestic mountains, I remember how I felt listening to him tell stories of days gone by, and wonder why he or anyone for that matter would ever leave this paradise.
And then I realized that destiny is the undertow of our lives, and that it was the calling of what was yet to be – the meeting and joining of our hearts in a land far from his native home.
Today I am grateful for the day in this photograph, as well as those spent with myDarlin’ before and after as I turn through the pages of our lives.

Posted by at No comments:

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Gratitude Journal – Day 313 – May 11, 2015

The first…

retirement, a little over three years before myDarlin’ Robert Kenui Pope​ left us, is captured on the Flip recorder that has been tucked away in the glove box of Tacoma ever since.  Blurry and wobbly at times, it is some of the best video I remember seeing in a very long time.  For these videos (all 35 of them) capture his spirit, his laugh, his quirky one liners. 

 And as the day of our son’s graduation draws near, I can’t help but think of the videos that will never be as I imagine myDarlin’ making his rounds at his latest job saying Aloha to all of his co-workers. 

 Tonight I am filled with gratitude for the joy that myDarlin’s first retirement brought to him, to be able to work his schedule around his music instead of visa versa.  Just hearing his laughter is enough to bring sonshine to my soul.

 #KeepLookingUp #theSoundofhisVoice

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)