Aloha, Josh!

                           

In Loving Memory

Joshua Kalai Nakata, 23

Mililani, Hawaii

 

                           

May you rest in peace.

You died doing what you loved most, surfing the North Shore's banzai pipeline.

I remember you jovially teasing Gary as Jessi walked up the path to your house carrying an Easter Basket.  I remember your Mom "borrowing" Jessi because Gary will not go to his football practice not unless Jessi was there . I can still hear you and Chaz giggling and chanting, "Gary has a girlfriend!" at the back of your Mom's van when Gary came with a Teddy Bear and flowers for Jessi when we got in a car accident.

I feel for your Mom and Dad, Belinda and Gary Senior, for I would not like to survive any of my children. I wish I could hug Gary, Chaz and Rose, your brothers and sister, for I know their hearts are breaking.

 Aloha!  Hope the surf's up always where you are.  

Live Your Dreams!

"There is nothing like dream to create the future. Utopia to-day, flesh and blood tomorrow. "

 

~Victor Hugo, Les Miserables, 1862, French dramatist, novelist, & poet (1802 - 1885)

 

             

 

To my son, an Anglophile, who can't wait to go across the universe:

 

You have my permission to explore the world whenever you decide to do so. I will miss you so much that I will be filled with anxiety for your safety and well being while you are away but I will get over it.

 

Writing this may be  premature because you promised me that you do not intend to live in England until you get your college degree.  I guess I am concerned about your plan of going on an European trip. Though I know you have a record of making good decisions, your great passion for English artifacts and culture scares the bejeesus out of me. 

 

You got it here in writing. I will never hold you back and will support your decision whatever it is. You can't take me with you but you can take my unconditional  love in your heart. I do not have to write it but I will anyway: I love you more than you'll ever know.   

 

Mom