First, let me apologize for its length. Thoughts come to me like the rushing of the water on its way down the mountains, through the valleys, to the sea. Sometimes, they're short, but when from the heart, they sometimes are stories in themselves.Here is the reply I added to the topic:Women are essential to our lives. Important women don't always wear the mask of superiority or of greatness. Often, the greatest women are those who we remember in passing, those who seek not to be in the spotlight but who guide others to that spotlight.(As the song, "Wind Beneath My Wings" by Bette Midler plays softly in the background... don't worry I won't sing, but you have to admit the lyrics are really good)It's difficult to choose an important woman to my life, because there have been many, both known and unknown who have left a lasting impression on me and have encouraged me to not just be a better woman, but have been that positive example which young women need to look up to and set the correct standards of right and wrong.I love to sit at the bus stop or on a park bench and strike up conversations with our kupuna and tutu. The knowledge they freely share reminds me of what's most important. To those all I can say is, "Mahalo a nui loa e Tutu/ Aunty." The conversations may take many avenues, but it's a great way to spend time and learn things not taught in classrooms. Names are very rarely exchanged, but that's alright.In my life, I have to hold my mother, grandmother, and sister up high on my list of women. They have been my closest and often times only friends, supporting me and not letting me fall down too hard. And I'd even have to add my daughter because she's my inspiration. Her optimism and vitality make all the negativity of the world slip into the shadows.In all honesty though, where would we be without our mothers? No where. What would our fate as Pacific Islanders be with our mother, Papahanaumoku, Papatuanuku, Haumea, La`ila`i, in all of her guises. Wouldn't it then be fair to say, let's take care of our greatest mother, Mother Earth?Then there's a few teachers who guide and push us to achieve more than we thought possible. Mrs. Tokunaga from Iao Intermediate who first inspired me to write, Ms. Sue Ann Loudon from Baldwin High School and the Baldwin Theatre Guild whose free spirit ignited the curiosity and passion in her students to explore the world creatively, Lisa Kanae for showing me that Hawaiian literature is the most passionate and to look at our cousins from the Pacific Ocean for the best reading. Patricia Grace for bringing the issues facing her people in Aotearoa and into the spotlight with well written novels. In the world, Lili`uokalani, you all know why, and Princess Diana cause she was a real princess focusing on the needs of others above herself.Strength and dignity come from all those who aren't afraid to be examples and as we look to the future, it IS the strength and dignity that keep us alive.Suggestions anyone?
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