If you are traveling to Laie on kam Hwy. just after passing Kahuku elementary school, look up towards the ko'olau mountain range. On the third ridge (from left to right) sits a huge banyan tree. I noticed this at a young age when traveling to town on the way to doctor appointments. It never ever anything much while growing up, only that I would look that way way each time the trek was made through my life and it still continues to this day. For me that tree signifies something that is so ordinary and simple that it is just 'there' and overlooked by many and yet has a significant impact in someway as to how I view our surroundings past and present.
Men like President Kimball, whose raspy voice still gives me chicken skin when I hear it. My Mentor who prepped me in mind and body for the challenges that I would encounter threw out life since the condition of my body, for their warm love and support for our family in helping make the conversion to the church easier for my mother. Ralph which last name escapes me but use to live behind the Toelupe's on the corner. No matter what kind of day it was, his simple act of kindly gestures like wandering and smiling went a long way. Sam Choy who allowed us and many like us to continue to put food on our table when their was none and kept tabs with his IOU black book.
With Christmas at BYU Hawaii gone and another year quickly to follow, I just wanted to share my gratitude from elders before me what have taught me well the values of the Gospel and the truthfulness that it stands for, also for the upbringing of family values and their solid foundations like that of the root of this tree on that ridge. I do not know how to write these sort of stuff but I do know that I am extremely grateful for their examples. Some are still here and continue to grace me with their examples, others though have passed on and their memories live on through examples I have picked up on while living in Laie, Hawaii.
Then there are those who are still here that has done just as well for me and our Town of Laie . My Aunt who is always last to sleep and first to wake ~ always there no matter what, she's the greatest! Emma Ernestburg for her long diligent service to the scouting program ~ the makahiki's were awesome. Sister Shumway, my old piano teacher (yes, the kid has skills) she always made me feel comfortable and confident when recitals approached. The Yakuza, need help of any kind … he is The Man! I learned so much from him as he did his daily jobs. Everyone knows if you need something to be fixed-he got whatever you need …. bikes, truck rack, generator, bucket, strainers! President Feinga (squeeze his son), as a young man I had my hands continuously crushed by this guy with the Barry White voice. Deacons at the time, we would sit up as he made his way to shake our hands and we would try our best to squuuuuuuuuueze back which bought a little grin to his face as if to say is that all you got. Mrs. Enos, Mrs. Au, Mrs. Almadova, Ms. Au, Mr. Enos the best school teachers on this earth! the librarian and his huge dog driving around in his small MG car.
Walter Wong, with their little shack at laie school and BYU-H and all of uncle walter's tiki carvings, and then there was his awesome dog who climbed the coconut tree about 15ft and bought the coconut down and peeled it ~ I think his name was loop. Norman Thompson Sr. the man with the largest umu pit in the land, he smoke out the whole town but he makes the best kalua pig. Junior Ah You, this man is one of the most giving persons I know of, his time and knowledge shared with the community plans for all to be involved comes from the love he has for Laie!
Lilo Galeai, another great man who speaks softly but still is heard everywhere he goes … want to know the history of the Samoans coming to Hawaii to start a new life, he is the most qualified to do so, ask'em, we did, just make sure not 11:30 or he going turn the lights off! So much knowledge and wisdom by all our older generation to share with us, and they want to but we just do not ask too often. Even the younger generations I have learned from, and it is not the fact that they do what we ask of them because they are too scared, but because they do it out of respect and love (sometimes a little love tap helps!) .. .you too I have learned from.
Where is this leading … duh! I told you I do not know how to write this kinda stuff. but I just wanted to share my appreciation for everything that I have been blessed with. My healthy Family on Oahu and on the North Shore, the brotherhood with the boys, this place which we call home, the leaders of the church and community, the everyday ordinary people, this site and the admins that allows us to keep it real! Thank you one and all for coming into my life and leaving a positive influence with me, and rest assured I will in turn pass it on to those I meet. Be like that tree that sits on that ridge, and leave something behind that will leave a lasting impression on us all. Have a great 2008 … and if you ever need tickets to Polynesian Cultural Center , do not forget Davids sister Ano and Sam & Goo store's mom also works there too! In the copy cat words of one of the best OG on this earth …. "My love to you all".
