What happens when the shock and disbelief wears off? People who have been there for you might drift away, thinking you should be “over it” by now. Those who were steadfast are golden.

Some folks think that the second year of grieving is more challenging. I am sure that is … Read the rest

A love letter from those who have passed on…
Take the love you have for me
And radiate it outwards
Allowing it to touch and impact others

Take the memory you have of me
And use it as a source of inspiration
To live fully, meaningfully, and intentionally

Take the … Read the rest

This year, we put up our Christmas tree super early. My daughter Keili read an article about how putting your tree up early brings you joy. So she was searching for a tree. I got our decorations out and sorted them for her so she could have the ornaments we … Read the rest

It is that time of year again. You may find yourself more sensitive, irritable, less patient, and sad right now. The first few years after your loss, you expect to feel poorly on birthdays and holidays, mainly because others have warned you. If you feel out of sorts more than … Read the rest

This past week has been one for lots of prayer. I am a former news producer and purposely do not watch the news on a regular basis. I scan my phone when I get up and the house is quiet. Lately I have been appalled by the stories I have … Read the rest

I know I just posted about the fire relief and grief, but Danyelle brought up a frightening truth I struggle with. The winds were so destructive the morning of the fires, and power was out in different parts of the island. Keiki were not in school as a result. Were … Read the rest

This past week has been difficult for my Lahaina Town community, ‘ohana, and dear friends. I am so grateful that my daughter Brie miraculously escaped with her inhalers and Epipen. No time for anything else. Her harrowing tale of navigating streets with downed power lines and trees, cars jammed together … Read the rest

There is no timetable for grief. No rules. No typical length of time. You are basically at the mercy of your deepest emotion. That doesn’t mean you cannot just crawl in a hole and wait it out. I have found that with grief, it’s best to face it head-on. Feel … Read the rest

I don’t usually watch regular television. We are streamers. I do like to vege out on YouTube, though, and I ran across the audition of Iam Tongi on American Idol. OMG, this kid from Kahuku, Hawaii, is fantastic. I cried right along with the judges. His dad passed, and he … Read the rest