Page 4 - MidWeek - Nov 24, 2021

4 MIDWEEK NOVEMBER 24, 2021
Comfort Animals
By Kelli Shiroma Braiotta
What’s your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
WRon is on medical leave. This column originally ran June 10, 2020.
hile we are still in uncertain times with regard to the coronavirus pandemic, I can say with much certainty that we are all creatures of
comfort. We all seek some form of solace, whether it’s being with family and loved ones, watching movies and television shows we enjoyed from the past or eating foods that brought us joy while growing up. The challenge these days is finding things that comfort you throughout what seems like endless weeks of forced endurance. In the last couple of months, we’ve come to recognize many heroes. Of course, there are the medical and health care workers, the frontline first responders, ed-
STACEY ROBINOL
Business Owner/Baker, Honolulu
“We pray and share what we’re thankful for. We spend the afternoon eating, watching football and playing games. It’s a time we value as a family.”
PAT MCFALL
Pastor, Honolulu
“My favorite Thanksgiving tradition is going to the beach and surfing before all the food and fun of the holiday.”
KRISTINE UYENO
News Anchor, Waipahu
“Going to my Aunty Wilma’s house in Waipahu to grind, drink sake, laugh and see who would fall asleep first.”
JAIRUS KIYONAGA
Graphic Designer, Honolulu
“Sneaking in bites of turkey and mashed potatoes while our family is still cooking. Have to make sure it’s seasoned, right?”
ucators, nonprofit organizations, grocery, restaurant and hardware store employees, our military and all essential workers who made life for us bearable under these trying circumstances.
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Alice Inoue
Best Practices
“Best practice” is a term commonly used in business to refer to a way of doing something that has been generally accepted as superior because it produces the best results. In our personal lives, we also have best prac- tices that we follow consciously or subconsciously. As we wind down this year, ask yourself if there are any “best practices” that used to move you for- ward that now hold you back. The moment you stop being open to improvement and get stuck on “this is how I’ve always done it” is the moment you
stagnate.
Life has changed. Make sure that what once saved
you is not stalling you.
alice@yourhappinessu.com
There are people out of the lime- light like janitors, TheBus and Han- diVan drivers, utility workers, re- fuse collectors, postal and delivery service people, plus countless others who should receive no less thanks.
B
I’d like to now include some per-
sonal heroes (besides my family and
co-workers) who don’t know it but
they’ve brought a tremendous amount of comfort to our home. I’m talking about our dogs, Buddy and Wilson. Those of you who have pets of any kind know what I’m talking about.
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Long before the appearance of COVID-19, these little guys brought us so much joy. It’s after spending much more time with them in the lockdown that I’ve come to realize this is their nature. There’s no expectation that we owe them any- thing and yet when I need to step back from the stress and anxiety of the world, they are there for me with no judgment whatsoever. They seem to sense when we need them the most and I’m amazed at the tremendous impact they have by just being there and silently communicating comfort while al- lowing me to stroke and cuddle them. So whenever I hear, “Stay strong” or “We’re in this together,” I look at Buddy and Wilson and give thanks for the example they unknowingly give to all of us.
rnagasawa@midweek.com