Page 2 - MidWeek - Dec 21, 2022

2 MIDWEEK DECEMBER 21, 2022
Angel At The Harp
“In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invin- cible summer.” — Albert Camus
Growing Up, Maybe
There was a palpable, yet subdued excite- ment as over 800 people walked into the ex- pansive sanctuary, their faces glistening in the gentle glow of candlelight, engulfed by the scent of spruce and cedar. Some greeted others with cheery smiles and hugs, as if reuniting with long-lost mem- bers of their ‘ohana.
ly members chose to ac- knowledge the sweetness of life, however brief. My eyes moved toward the source of angelic harp music stationed near the trees. The woman whose fingers graced the strings of her instrument was my mother. She had been playing for this annual cere- mony for 17 years.
rowing up can be overrated. As kids become cognizant, they often wish they could do more grown-up things — especially the seemingly
and connection she had ex- perienced that evening. By sharing her music, the angel at the harp continued to find healing for her own soul. And now my mother’s music had been part of a significant service of healing, lifting participants into a realm of renewed comfort and peace.
The Rev. Danette Kong is an ordained minister with the Hawai‘i Conference of the United Church of Christ. A re- tired health care chaplain, she previously served at facilities in Kentucky, on O‘ahu and on Maui. She currently is pianist for Keawala‘i Congregational Church on the island of Maui.
Chasing The Light is pro- duced by Robin Stephens Rohr and Lynne Johnson.
fun things — like driving and perhaps even drinking or smoking. Ironically, as people grow older, they often look back with great fondness on their hanabata days, when a sense of naivete and innocence ruled amid the confusion of youth; the world began to unfold before their very eyes.
Others were in quiet con- templation, basking in the celestial music of the harp that rippled throughout the sanctuary.
As I watched her play, I became a 10-year-old again, recalling my bewil- derment and sorrow upon the passing of my little sister. As the harpist for thousands of weddings, funerals, banquets and other occasions, Mom repeatedly remarked that this ceremony for Kapi‘olani was her favorite event.
Two weeks back, while leaving a function at Ala Moana Beach Park, I spotted an elderly gentleman rins- ing off in an outdoor shower, smiling, with his cher- ished boogie board and fins in one hand as he washed his face and body with his unencumbered hand. I imag- ined that he’d probably repeated this scenario hundreds, if not thousands, of times in his 70-plus years.
It was the occasion of the annual Memorial Tree Ser- vice of Kapi‘olani Medical Center for Women and Chil- dren. Family members joined to remember little ones whose lives had ended too early. As each child’s name was called, ‘ohana placed ornaments on
The author found that even in the aftermath of life’s challenges and losses, it’s possible to reclaim one’s radiance and keep an open heart.
While some might consider him “old,” I smiled as I pondered his probable feelings as he caught just one more wave before calling it a day, like he undoubtedly did as a kid 60 years ago — perhaps in the same loca- tion, maybe even de-sanding in the very same shower. Age might become a troubling number, but we can control our inner child’s spirit, no matter how many years or miles we’ve logged.
the branches of three trees standing stately at the podium. Seventeen family members had begun the tradition in the
hospital’s small chapel in De- cember 1988. The number of attendees grew to 45 by the following year, and 150 by the third.
Every year she added her own ornament to the tree in memory of her daughter, my little sister, Tommye-Lei.
Christmas is nigh upon us, affording us a chance to reminisce, reflect, give thanks, feel nostalgic or simply appreciate more. Maybe you reflect back to when you were little and relished — with great anticipation — the “big day.” Maybe it was that annual family feast that took hours for tūtū to prepare but mere minutes to scarf down (see Thanksgiving). Maybe it was that backyard barbecue or touch football game that nowadays brings you a sense of warmth, calmness or a holiday smile.
SPEED BUMP by Dave Coverly
New Century Schoolbook bold (scaled H 73.6)
Now, there were 800. During the holiday sea- son, a time of joy and gift giving, these fami-
After the service, as we placed the harp in her van, Mom’s eyes still shone, re- vealing the deep gratitude
with the Rev. Danette Kong
I remember getting a James Bond (Sean Connery, of course) spy briefcase that shot (safe) darts, and a “Bat- tling Betsy” model tank. Time stood still on Christmas Eve. “Go to bed!” they said. Yeah, right. The excite- ment was palpable.
We all need to decompress, relax, and relive that joie de vivre we felt when we were young, but perhaps too naive to really appreciate. At Christmas time, those warm feelings grow stronger as we age and remember when.
Christmas is a special time for many; here’s hoping you celebrate with those you love and those you miss, and breathe in pleasant thoughts of Christmases past, present and future.
Think about it.
john@thinkaboutithawaii.com