click on photos to enlarge!
Gabe
Gabe"True friendship is like sound health; the value of it is seldom known until it be lost." - Charles Caleb Colton
"Each friend represents a world in us, a world possibly not born until they arrive, and it is only by this meeting that a new world is born."- Anais Nin
"My friends are my estate."- Emily DickinsonHawaiian Superman: The Big Man, Gabe, has vacated his usual place of honor at the Harbor Pub to live with his grandchildren and family in Georgia. This full-blooded Hawaiian gentleman leaves a giant empty space in the lives of his many friends around the island. Grown men wiped away tears the other eve as everybody’s favorite band, Simplicity played his Aloha Party. “This pure Hawaiian, not to many left, is leaving us to move away to Georgia – where he will instantly become. . . MEXICAN!” Teased Andy the lead singer before launching into ‘Maui the Hawaiian Superman.’” “Gaaaabe, the Hawaiian superman.” They sang. Next verse: “Gaaaabe, the Mexican superman.” One time Gabe told us the story of his first childhood visit to downtown Honolulu. Young Gabe, a boy from the country of maybe 5 or 6, watched as the double doors inside da department store opened to admit the people. When the door opened again – the people were gone! “Don’t make me go in there! I don’t want to disappear!” He wailed. Gabe was walking history, a lot of mine included, come to think of it. Aloha, Big Man, Aloha `Oe. Parting is bitter; but you’ve always been really sweet. . . . You see Hawaii is not paradise because it is perfect. Rather, it is a paradise because we choose to greet life’s changes not with regret or despair, but with deep appreciation, acceptance, and aloha. . . Paradise is what you make of it, and where you find it. . . when you’re walking in Waikiki . . . .
A L O H A! Cloudia
Cloudia! This is a true tribute to your superman! Make sure he'll read it! Happy International Women's Day!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to a man who is obviously very loved! :)
ReplyDeleteTo have so many friends is indeed a blessing. Interestingly, I just passed through Georgia on my way back to Virginia. Beautiful state.
ReplyDeleteFrom Hawaii to Georgie. That's a pretty big change. Sounds like a wonderful fellow.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute, Cloudia, and though it's sad to see a friend move far away, it sounds like GA is in for a treat!!
ReplyDeleteI love this post, Cloudia.
ReplyDelete"Rather, it is a paradise because we choose to greet life’s changes not with regret or despair, but with deep appreciation, acceptance, and aloha. . . Paradise is what you make of it, and where you find it. . ."
So wise, Cloudia, and beautifully put.
Love your philosophy here.
ReplyDeleteAloha and happy IWD.
Great post. I love your sentiments about what makes Hawaii Hawaii.
ReplyDelete"Paradise is what you make of it, and where you find it..."
ReplyDeleteVery wise words, my friend, that all should adhere to.
The tribute to your friend was touching and well said.
Lovely tribute, Cloudia.
ReplyDeleteSo hard to say goodbye, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteThat is funny about his becoming Mexican and so true. My cousin, of Italian descent, moved to Florida where the Hispanics there spoke to him in rapid Spanish, expecting him to follow. He looked Hispanic to them, but spoke only English.
I hope your friend finds friends and peace in GA.