Probably the most interesting breath I ever took was in Kapiolani Hospital at 1319 Punahou Street in Honolulu. It was my first breath on earth.
This past summer, 74 years later, I returned to the land of my birth for another challenge to my lungs and body -- surfing Waikiki. No matter how beautiful another place may be, nothing compares to the feeling of being home.
The people, the island breeze, the local lifestyle and food, the familiar surroundings -- you simply can't put these things into words.
I haven't lived full-time in Hawaii since 1971 but I'm not ashamed to admit that I still miss it all these years later. When you grow up in Hawaii, leaving can feel like you're leaving something special.
Hawaii will always be home to me.
Looking back, I realize how far I've come, and how much I have to be thankful for.
God has blessed me with a beautiful family, amazing friends, a successful career, and a life filled with blessings beyond what I could have ever imagined. But it all started at Kapiolani Hospital. I'll never forget where I came from, because those roots helped make me the person I am today.
Never forget your roots.
Appreciate your past.
Always remember where you came from.