Lucky We Live Hawaii. Really?

Yes. Really.

I get it. We are in the throes of a world pandemic! It’s likely to get worse before it gets better. People are scared. Things are fluid. No one seems to really know when this will end. COVID-19 is taking a toll on all of us. Emotionally and financially. And, unfortunately for some people, physically. It’s hard. Very hard.

But, this morning when I woke up, I saw blue skies. Beautiful clouds. The air was fresh and clean. I was warmed by the sun. And I’m grateful. I have family in California and Washington. My daughter went to college in New York. Her friends have become our friends. They visit frequently. Bottom line — I have loved ones in some of the hardest-hit places. What they are experiencing sounds crazy. Perhaps what we are experiencing in Hawaii will eventually become crazier? Maybe we are just on the precipice. I really don’t know.

But, I still feel lucky. Not that this is easy. I know we are in for some real struggles. Still, I can hear the birds outside my window. I can see the palm trees blowing in the wind. It’s a beautiful day. A beautiful Hawaiian day. My youngest son is heading to the surf. He promises not to break protocol. Ummm…..hopefully, he finds a deserted beach. Not hard to do on Oahu. My oldest son lives on Paiko Lagoon. I imagine he’ll hit the beach fronting the house he rents with friends. Perhaps he’ll do some stand-up. Maybe he’ll just sit. Whatever he does, he’ll be doing it in a place like no other. And, he’ll do it while practicing social distancing. My daughter lives in Kaka’ako. While my daughter snuggles with her newborn, my son-in-law will sneak off for some early morning surf. Away from the crowds. They are safe. Comfortable. Content. And, I am thankful.

Look, life is hard. It’s likely to get harder. But, if we are going to go through a crisis, for those of us who are blessed to live here, let’s be grateful that we are going through it in Hawaii. Truly we are blessed to live in this magical place. A place where people are kind. Where ohana means everything. And where we get to enjoy some of the Creator’s greatest handiwork.

Indeed, we are lucky to live Hawaii! Even during COVID-19!