On The Road with Dave

As some of my readers know, I lost my Dad back in 2001. He was 89. Dad had spent many years in "The Hawaiian Islands" during World War II and was a survivor of Pearl Harbor. The "Islands" always held a special place in Dad's memory. In 1977, at the age of 65, Dad traveled back to Honolulu to visit his memories. He brought back the photo at the right taken shortly after the traditional lei greeting.

In my current job, my supervisor is also from Hawaii. Our team cubicles are decorated with plastic lei and "island" references are used to motivate us or describe our team. I'm reminded often about Dad's passion for all things Polynesian.

As Christmas approaches, I can't help but think about Dad and Mom not being around anymore, but looking on this picture always makes me smile. Dad always looks like a kid opening a present on Christmas morning. (And the pretty wahine probably has something to do with it)

So, for Dad; Mele Kalikimaka me ka Hau'oli Makahiki Hou

Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say
On a bright Hawaiian Christmas Day
That's the island greeting that we send to you
From the land where palm trees sway
Here we know that Christmas will be green and bright
The sun to shine by day and all the stars at night
Mele Kalikimaka is Hawaii's way
To say "Merry Christmas to you".

Labels: Christmas, Family