"You spend all this money to live here, and you don't even have time to enjoy it." he said.
We had just finished a nice ramen dinner together, my father and I, and we were sitting outside the restaurant still talking because it had been years since I had time like this with my dad and I was holding on to every moment.
"Up at the crack of dawn and home after it's dark..." he continued...
I looked at this amazing man as he talked and thought about how he had worked so hard every day of my life to give me a home here. I was filled with such sadness - not because he was sad, but because in that moment I felt like I had suddenly realize the greatness of the sacrifices he had made just so we could call Hawaii home.
It got me thinking about how grateful I am for my parents and made me burn inside with a passion to retire them and give my dad all the time in the world to help friends and family and go fishing.
It also got me thinking about my own life. Am I enjoying it? Am I granting myself moments to take in all the beauty around me whether it be the land, my children, or my close relationships?
It got me thinking of those things and then it got me thinking of you. I know you're working hard! There's no other way to live in Hawaii than by working hard. I just want you to know that you are part of the beauty of this place I call home and I appreciate the fact that you are still here!
I hope you feel like it's worth it. I'm sure there are days when you may question that. After my conversation with my dad - I questioned it a little too, but this is home! It is not just home for me and my kids, but for my ancestors too!
I hope and pray that there is always a place for us here in Hawaii.
Some pictures from my week last week:
sneak peak at something coming!!!
Outing to target with Pili!
Trial and error! I tried to make these pants from this pattern and failed the first time around.
Have a great rest of your week everyone!