Sharing is Caring

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For years my mother dreamed about going to the South Pacific and seeing the sites. I could never remember whether it was Fiji or Tahiti, but Mom would always remark that she wanted to see the South Pacific. She thought it was patently unfair that I'd been to Hawaii three times and she hadn't been once.

At the time of my first trip to Honolulu, my parents embarked on a nearly four-week tour of the Western States. They drove from Los Angeles to Seattle, where they boarded their 7-day Alaskan cruise. Upon returning, they slowly made their way down through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Utah and Nevada before finally returning to Los Angeles. For most of the trip, they avoided the Interstate highways and took the scenic routes.

So when I came back out here three weeks ago I called and asked whether they would be interested in using the extra bed in my hotel room. I told them if they wanted to see the most western state, they would be welcome. They were hardly back in Los Angeles a few days before they were on a plane to Honolulu.

When they arrived, I met them with a traditional Hawaiian greeting - a lei, and a kiss on each cheek. Then I laughed as I told my mom, "I've always dreamed of sending you and Baba to Tahiti or Fiji. Well, I got you halfway there and you have to share a room with me. I know it's half of your dream, but it's the best I could do." They laughed and said that they were just happy to see me and spend time with me.

The next two days, Saturday and Sunday, we rented a car and drove around the entire island, taking in all the usual sites. It was so refreshing to see my parents and enjoy the time with them. We stopped at different places for pictures, lunch, snacks and memories. All in all, it was a wonderful weekend.

The rest of the week while I was at the office, my parents went out and explored the city - `Iolani Palace, the original Missionary Houses, Ala Moana Beach. Each evening we'd meet up for dinner and recount the day's adventure. One evening, I came back to the room to find that my parents had brought back a "buffet": Three different entrees and a salad were arranged and offered to me buffet style. I laughed, remembering that I had remarked I was tired of always having to figure out what to eat. So they took it upon themselves to set up a buffet in the room.

My parents taught me that "Sharing is Caring". And it is. This past week was by far the best week I've ever had on the road. Being able to share this beautiful place with the two people responsible for my existence was a blessing for me. And to see the joy in their lives for being able to enjoy this island was an extra bonus.

Pictures are posted here, including a picture of the buffet. :-)

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