Forgiveness. “Just let it go, then forgive, it’s the better way to live. A grudge is like a cancer, true, it might just be the death of you. Forgive. Forget. Set it free. Let the wind carry it out to sea.”
 (Anonymous)

Hawaii.  It is simplicity with a tropical twist.  Warm tropical days, white sand beaches, green lush jungles, turquoise oceans, saffron sunsets, mellow star filled nights.  Ah, yes, glad to be back home.

Our plans changed mid stream and we ended up in Mexico, then C*ba, then back in Hawaii.  It is said you can never go home again, but once a few wrinkles were ironed out we were embraced by the warm welcoming arms of Hawaii once more.  Once 'kamaaina' always 'kamaaina'.  Family is family. Love runs deep.  The hardest part of being a world nomad for me is, at times, being so far from family.  In a subconscious effort to ease that pain and to help me along my spiritual path, (dealing with detachment) our family hit a bump in the road.  But Love prevailed, as it often does, tears were cried, hugs given, actions forgiven, anger dissolved.  "Let that stuff go!"  And the visit of one week stretched into several months.  Wonderful to be able to spend a longer time with family and friends.

Hawaiians have been practicing Ho'oponopono, a type of mediation with families, for generations.  Families and relationships can be the most challenging areas of our lives.  History builds up and unless we make an effort to let go of problems in the past, forgive and forget, we end up with family or relationship issues and dramas.  Ho'oponopono is very effective; I used it when working as a counselor in Hawaiian schools in the 90's, after meeting Dr Len for lunch in Kona.  Now I practice the internal form of Ho'oponopono.  Stuck on something in your life, give this a try. (see below)

Our dear grandchildren, Kayla, 6, and Kaimana, 3, got up in the morning fresh, lively and anticipating what wonders the day would present.  They didn't carry around the burdens of yesterday, let alone last year or last decade.  They were caught up in the curiosity and wonders of the day right NOW! There is so much we, as adults , can learn from babies, toddlers and children.  We cherished each time we were allowed to have the children with us, to play with them, to go on adventures together, to visit Gami in the seniors center, to cook or bake, to play "come find me", to go for walk and roll down hills or swing, to sneak some vegan chocolate ice cream bars, to seek out miniature horses or llamas in pajamas.  Basically we just played and played and cherished every moment.  Love you guys!

After a week in Kona we explored the Hamakua Coast of the Big Island.  Staying in an old plantation home, complete with all it's creaks and holes and neighboring fighting cocks, we were immediately thrown into 'da kine' local island life.  We loved it.  We knew it was our kind of place with a great kitchen, a back porch overlooking the ocean and pillow cases on our bed that said, "My Side"  "Also My Side!".  The house was almost enchanted, echoing with the voices of the many families who had enjoyed the views.  Something quirky was always happening.  A funny thing happened on the way to the bathroom one morning!  I saw a piece of dryer lint on the floor. When I picked it up, it moved!!  Scared the 'b'jebers' out of me! A little frog had found his way into the house via the dryer exhaust. Being a sticky little guy he was so covered by lint he couldn't move. I gave him a bath, put him to sleep (my kids know how to do that) then returned him outside!  I'll bet he didn't try sneaking in again!

The town of Pa'auhau hasn't changed much from the sugar cane plantation days, in fact most people living in the little houses were elderly former cane field workers or their descendents.  Quiet.  Laid back.  Simple.  No worries Brah.  While swinging in the park one day a local boy rode by.  Would you like to pet my chicken?  He was taking his chicken for a ride on his bike.  Kids still ran in the park and rode bikes and played outside, not glued to cell phones or computer screens or TV's inside. 

Only 5 minutes from my Mom, Gami, in the nursing home, our days included visits to spend valuable time with her, strolls around the small town, walks in the park near our little house or drives to hike in the magnificent forests of Kalopa State Park. The Hamakua Coast, on a sunny day was crisp, clear, with green pastures painted with azure skies, white fluffy clouds and rugged coasts with waves crashing on rocky shores far below.  Just one of the 22 climate zones boasted on the Big Island of Hawaii. 

It didn't take us long to slip on our slippahs and slide into island life once again. Weekends were spent visiting family and friends in Kona. We took in May Day at Kayla's school, Hawaiian style; maypole, royal court, hula, and ukulele music. We celebrated Joseph's birthday at the home of Priscilla and Rob, took in many farmer's markets and fairs, shared family dinners, had catch up teas or lunches with friends, enjoyed beach days, and explored just about every corner of this massive Island.

Glad it all worked out. Isn't forgiveness wonderful?  Life is too short to hold on to the past.  Move on.  Who are you going to forgive today?