Going Back To My Roots

Exactly a week ago I was on my way home from a 5 day vacation to Hawaii with my family. It was the first vacation where both my brothers and my sister in laws came and we were all together the whole time. It was just my cure to a very stressful semester I have been having. We went for my papa's funeral which was on Saturday March 26, 2011. That was a rough day for me. I wasn't necessary a wreck because he was gone. I know it's for the better because he was suffering too much. It was more for puna. She is just such a strong woman who I admire greatly. She was still so happy just to be surrounded by all her family and friends. She was so content with life even though she was going through so much. It just killed me because she was so strong, but I just knew she was hurting badly inside. Who wouldn't be when you just lost a brother and a husband? It was so nice to be surrounded by the beauty of Hawaii. It makes you appreciate the little things like nature. I absolutely love the beauty of this earth and what it has to offer to us. I would be completely content spending the rest of my life on top of a mountain in Hawaii and just looking out at all the greenery and the ocean. Going back to where my father grew up and where my mom spent some time living was a great experience. I really feel like I belong with all the locals there and like my family just fits in. Even though I looked white from hibernating in Rexburg for the fall and winter, I have never felt more Hawaiian in my life. I love that there really is no mourning when it comes to Hawaiians. Everything is a celebration and a party. You celebrate the life that was lived and remember the happy times you had with one another. All of my aunts, uncles, and cousins haven't all been together in like 16ish years. the two youngest cousins weren't even born the last time we were together. To have everyone together again and the fun we had,  it was like we were never separated. We know we will always be family, no matter how long it's been since we've seen each other. It;s nice to just pick up where we left off like no time has ever passed. That's just the Hawaiian culture. Everyone is family and you will do anything for one another. At my papa's funeral, his classmates from years ago that he hasn't even seen in forever came to support our family. The love always stays with you even when 50 plus years pass without talking to them. If all of the world was like this, it would be so amazing at the change that could happen. I went to Hawaii when I was like 12 and didn't think it was that great of a place. Now going back at age 20, I am in love with the beauty and the culture the island has to offer. I miss being there a lot, it felt like my home. Sometimes it's needed to go back to your roots to appreciate where you came from.