Anonymous Angels For Our Kupuna
Hi Pamela,
On the way to UHManoa field to give a lei to graduate Puna Choo, one of our friends, my 94-year-young mom slid out of her wheelchair to the ground when I tried to get her over a curb near the lower campus parking lot and tennis courts. She apparently had unfastened her seat belt during our walk. Angels Karen and Gavin helped me get my mom back into her wheelchair, and a security guard told me the best route to get to the field with the wheelchair.
Then, at the UH law school graduation for my daughter, a steady and heavy rain poured down. There wasn’t a Plan B, since it hadn’t rained on their grad day in 39 years. We moved from Andrews Amphitheater back to the law school, where we were earlier for a reception, then to Orvis Auditorium and back to the Amphitheater, when they realized Orvis couldn’t hold half the people there.
There were soooo many angels who helped to get my mom over curbs and through wet grass uphill — especially carrying her in the wheelchair down a set of stairs with five or six steps! I wish I had gotten everyone’s names, but they know who they are, and I hope they know what a blessing they were to us that day.
My daughter Mari and her friends danced the hula beautifully, and the graduation ceremony, although delayed, went well with light rain that stopped soon after the ceremony began.
We were thankful to all the family members and friends who stayed for the ceremony and/or came by afterward to congratulate all the graduates, despite the inclement weather. They, too, are angels for all the love and support they’ve shown throughout the years.
Carol Sakai-Feiteira
Kaneohe
Dear Pamela,
On Mother’s Day, I secretly wished I had thought to buy myself a lei to wear for this special day. I felt weepy as my older son has not contacted me in three years, so I decided to treat myself by going to Kamehameha Bakery.
While waiting, I remarked to the beautiful young woman standing next to me that she was wearing a very pretty lei. She asked me where I was from, and I told her my sons are back in Pennsylvania. She then proceeded to remove her lei and present me with it! I was so touched by that kindness I cried like a baby all the way to the bus stop.
Her name is Alma. I then felt badly that the handsome young man with her was probably the one who bought it for Alma, and she gave it to me. I thank them both for their generosity.
May their lives be rewarded greatly for being so kind to this aging mother!
Linda Carleton
Waikiki
Aloha Pamela,
A few weeks ago, this senior citizen went for dinner alone at Zippy’s in Kailua. I do that occasionally, taking along a book for company. Imagine my surprise when the waitress said that someone had already paid my bill.
To the unknown benefactor: I will try to pay forward your act of kindness. That is one of the ways living in Hawaii is so special.
Mary Makai
Kailua
Dear Pamela,
So many angels out there helping regular people like me. I was picking up lunch when it started to rain. This must have been when I dropped my wallet. This young lady (her name is Tamara) found it. I got a call from her saying she had found my wallet (I didn’t know I’d lost it). Many thanks to her. I hope she shows this article to her parents. She deserve APPLAUSE. Also, I forgot to mention she did not want any type of reward.
Again, thank you, Tamara, from a grateful senior.
Ann Lee
Kaneohe
Dear Carol, Linda, Mary and Ann,
Hawaii’s anonymous angels are especially gracious to our kupuna, who are truly deserving of APPLAUSE. From our elders, we learn the values of courtesy and kindness. To our children, we pass down the privilege of helping others.
If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI 96813. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.
pyoung@kitv.com
