Walking Libraries

In my life, I have two beloved elders that hold a special place in my heart. My grandma, who passed away in '06, and my hanai mom, who is my grandma's partner. Growing up in a LGBTQ household, it was very different. As a child, I watched people make comments about them being together and how it was not safe for me. Their relationship was like any other; there were ups and there were downs. That didn't stop them from loving me unconditionally and teaching me. They put me in many different sports, had me attend meetings with them, taught me how to swim, do lomilomi (massage), work in a lo'i, go on marches, share testimonies with the legislation, and how to interact with everyone. Today, my hanai mom, who retired from UH Manoa, does ho'oponopono (counseling) sessions with those that need it, as well as, teach it to students who are willing to learn. She taught me about the many different ways of doing ho'oponopono and how it impacts a person's life. To this day, I am still learning from her. As a young adult with a son, I try to intake as much information from my mom or any elder as possible so I am able to pass it along to my son as he grows up.

I would want a new neighbor to understand that my hanai mom is not just some "Karen" like you see on social media. She is just sharing her thoughts and trying her best with however much time she has left to upkeep her community. Us younger generations need to realize that our elders are like walking libraries. There is so much that we can learn from them and such little time. Don't take your elders for granted and learn as much as you can before it is too late.