On April 9, 2005 the lives of Lilinoe, Chelsea and Jayden had changed. They were victims in a hugely reported accident, at the fault of a wrong way intoxicated driver.
“Three passengers…a 26 year-old woman, a 9-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy - were taken to The Queen’s Medical Center. The woman was critically injured and unconscious and had to be extracted from the truck by firefighters. The girl and the young boy did not appear seriously injured.” — Honolulu Advertiser
Christmas of the same year, a kind case manager had placed them on the “Lokahi Giving Project” list. Lokahi, was created in 1985 with a simple mission: to provide a hand up to the “gap group” ineligible for other assistance and to
relieve the burden of families and individuals who suffer an unforeseen crisis. On the day of delivery, Lilinoe was overwhelmed with boxes of presents for her and the children.
This Christmas is the second year that Lilinoe has adopted a family from the “Lokahi Giving Project” in an effort to give back all that she has received. Her generosity and thoughtful soul are the biggest reasons why I love her. Although the complete story is for her and the children to tell in their own time, as an observer and a witness of their growth and happiness, this is my story to share.
Together we have tunneled through all of the typical, expected experiences that arise from a traumatic event, including friends and relatives with their hands held out on the notion that accident equals settlements or friends who are motivated by the expectations of lifelong indebtedness for their acts of kindness. But, Lilinoe has developed a keener sense of discernment with respect to herself and her children.
Chelsea, the now 11-year-old girl was recently recognized last week by her school with a “Make A Difference” award for her grade level. The teacher presenting the award could hardly hold back her tears as she spoke of Chelsea’s growth, kindness, initiative, and willingness to learn. When her name was called, her schoolmates erupted with “choo hoo’s” and hollers, as other teachers in tears came up to hug her. She is a cheerleader, basketball player, hula dancer, member of an ukulele and choir group; and the apple of my eye. She inspires me to be a better adult and parent, and makes me laugh till drool is running out of the sides of my mouth!
And, all of you are familiar with Jayden, the now 3-year-old boy who is the inspiration for many of my blog posts. I recall the first time I met
Jayden, it was almost six-months after the accident and he was an active little guy bundled in his pamper. He had a bit of fear in his eyes as he looked at me, the biggest person he probably had ever seen, and clung to his Mommy. I stuck out my hand, and said, “Trust me.” He took my hand, and has been my little opihi ever since!
My life has been enriched since our family was formed through commitment, acceptance and unconditional love.
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February 25th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
[…] fear when I walk on the third level of Ala Moana Shopping Center, but I wondered if Lilinoe’s bionic leg would sustain the landing? We arrived at Kewalo Basin and immediately located the Hawaiian Parasailing office. We were […]
July 21st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
This is the most heart-warming, lovely post I have read. It never ceases to amaze me how a traumatic event can change our lives for the better and show us in a way we never really knew before how wonderful strangers can be and how very powerful and important a community is in our lives. Thank you so much for sharing this with me tonight.