aloha

It might seem strange that aloha is the Hawaiian word for hello and also goodbye; at the same time it is so easy to understand. I spent a few days on Lanai and my home on Kauai. Seeing familiar faces and places made a trip home exactly that...a trip "home."

So many changes. There were new houses, new roads, new people. But the things that mattered the most to me were still there and thriving. The mountains, the ocean, the trees all seemed bigger. The rain and chickens were there to greet me. And, just like the fragrant flowers, my family is growing.

   It's a continuous cycle; the rain continues to fall on the mountains, little trees grow tall where tall trees have fallen, trade winds blow, waves crash on sandy beaches, and every time I return I feel blessed.

   As the time to leave quickly approached I had in my mind already begun to plot ways to work out my next visit. I was ready to get back to San Diego and felt anxious to get back to school and work. Even before my bags were packed, I started to feel lonely again. I choked back the tears as my family gathered to see me off. I didn't say goodbye...

I said aloha.