I wouldn't mind finding an all-expense paid trip to Hawaii for the husband and me under the Christmas tree. What? You would, too?
The husband and I fantasize about one day living in Hawaii. We like it that much. Swimming in the ocean over there is heavenly. The husband says it's like floating in bathwater.
I was maybe 30 the first time I visited Hawaii. Immediately, I felt like I found home, as in this is where I finally belong. I was so close to being born there. If only.
The daddy had lived in Hawaii for almost 18 years before moving to the mainland. In the late 1920s, the daddy was among the thousands of young Filipino men who were recruited in the Philippines to work on the sugar cane plantations in Hawaii. He said his plan was to return home after he finished his contract. "Three years."
It didn't work out that way. He returned to his hometown after WWII was over, no longer a Filipino citizen. He'd served in the U.S. Army and when his sergeant had asked the daddy if he wanted to become a U.S. citizen, he had said, "Sure. You bet." Words to that effect.
So, he went home, met the mama, and instantly fell in love. They started a life together there in the Philippines, but it did not take long for the daddy to realize that opportunities would be better his family in the United States. Hence, back he came. In six months, he made enough money working long hours in the fields to book passage for the mama and the brother. The daddy and the mama never looked back.
What a ramble to introduce today's Christmas song! It's called Mele Kalikimaka! which is Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. The performers are Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters. Enjoy, and Aloha!
The husband and I fantasize about one day living in Hawaii. We like it that much. Swimming in the ocean over there is heavenly. The husband says it's like floating in bathwater.
The daddy had lived in Hawaii for almost 18 years before moving to the mainland. In the late 1920s, the daddy was among the thousands of young Filipino men who were recruited in the Philippines to work on the sugar cane plantations in Hawaii. He said his plan was to return home after he finished his contract. "Three years."
It didn't work out that way. He returned to his hometown after WWII was over, no longer a Filipino citizen. He'd served in the U.S. Army and when his sergeant had asked the daddy if he wanted to become a U.S. citizen, he had said, "Sure. You bet." Words to that effect.
So, he went home, met the mama, and instantly fell in love. They started a life together there in the Philippines, but it did not take long for the daddy to realize that opportunities would be better his family in the United States. Hence, back he came. In six months, he made enough money working long hours in the fields to book passage for the mama and the brother. The daddy and the mama never looked back.
What a ramble to introduce today's Christmas song! It's called Mele Kalikimaka! which is Merry Christmas in Hawaiian. The performers are Bing Crosby and the Andrew Sisters. Enjoy, and Aloha!
Su-sieee! Mac: Please tell me why you and the husband are not there now.
ReplyDeleteSusie-if the Daddy had stayed in Hawaii, if he hadn't met the Mama, if they hadn't come to California, you wouldn't have grown up in Hollister, you wouldn't have gone to school there, or learned how to write so beautifully there, and you wouldn't have the Husband, or me, or Charlie, or Kathy, or....
ReplyDeleteJJ, two words: the mama. I think she would love it in Hawaii, too. But, she's happy here.
ReplyDeleteEvil2win, yes, there is that. One decision difference and a whole another life.