June 27, 2018 We spent the day as tourists. We walked through the Iolani Palace and listened to the audio tour. The tour ends in the room where the last Queen, Lili'uokalni, was improsioned. It is a meaningful room and such a sad way for the demise of the Royal Monarchy. After spending time reading… Continue reading Iolani Palace
Tag: #adoption
My tour guide
June 26, 2018 One of my brothers touched my heart immediately. He is capable of eliciting joyful tears with just a few words via text. His thoughtful and meaningful messages began the morning after we met. He began sending family pictures and serving as the family storyteller. He has ALWAYS been inclusive. He never uses… Continue reading My tour guide
I can help
June 25, 2018 My brother currently serves in the Hawaii legislature. He is running for a higher office. He is a true public servant - he rings door bells everyday and he sign waves five days a week, each for several hours. He campaigns while serving as a current public official. He campaigns with a… Continue reading I can help
Safe
June 24, 2018 My daughter and I spent the afternoon at the beach with my Dad. It was a really peaceful afternoon without the pressure of competing conversations or an audience watching the dynamic between the two of us. My Dad shared that he had a wild past...I mean a seriously wild past! My lack… Continue reading Safe
Lunch
June 23, 2018 We had no plans today. The beach, the sunshine and the palm trees were calling but we have no plans today. I felt off a bit this morning after last night's dinner. My sister, my mom and my bestie have texted me to ask how it's going. I am not sure how… Continue reading Lunch
Three Brothers
June 22, 2018 We arrived on Hawaii yesterday and met my family for dinner tonight. It was wonderful to see everyone again and it felt a little more comfortable but it was still nerve-wracking. We were greeted with beautiful, fragrant smelling lei's and kisses on our cheecks. I noticed at dinner as my three brothers… Continue reading Three Brothers
T-Minus 6 Hours
June 21, 2018 11:14 a.m. Our flight has just left Oregon headed for Honolulu, Hawaii. My daughter and I are both writing in our journals. It seems as though I have been waiting for this day for so long. I have a mix of emotions ranging from nerves to joy, to excitement to fear. I… Continue reading T-Minus 6 Hours
Father’s Day
June 17, 2018 Father’s Day has always been a date on the calendar I dread. A day when I am reminded I did not grow up in a picturesque home with a loving father. In fact, my experience was quite the opposite. My adopted father wasn’t a good person, he was abusive. As I have… Continue reading Father’s Day
An open invitation
I spoke to my dad yesterday. He received the photo book I sent to him for Father's Day. He was appreciative. Here's how the conversation went: Dad: You had a good life. I want to make sure your parents (he called them my "step" parents) have an open invitation to visit me in Hawaii. Me:… Continue reading An open invitation
Mother’s Day
May 13, 2018 I woke up to torrential rain pounding above my head on my roof. I was breathless and I vividly remember the dream I was having before I woke. I was caught in a tornado. The sky was black, the winds were vicious and I couldn't find my family. I was searching for… Continue reading Mother’s Day
