Little Ku … Not so little 
Back in 1998 – 20 years ago – WOW. Fate gave us an adorable little boy, 100% moldable in whatever manner we saw fit. He was given the name of a great man who would raise him as his own with kindness and unconditional love. This little boy, in time, learned a compassion that normally takes a lifetime to achieve.
Raised by a community, this little boy was on a level with elders and kupuna, the pillars of the community, normally reserved for people who have earned respect after many years. This little boy was held in reverence and admiration.
To give as much time with his grandparents as possible, little Ku was homeschooled from the beginning. We live in the middle of nowhere, so the question came up, more than once, what do you do all day. The only answer that appeased – I guess the only thing they could understand – you remember summer vacation as a child? Well, that is his life all day, every day. Wake up early to go fishing and sell coconuts at the Landing. Come home for lunch and do a little academics. Traveling was pretty often; never got scared in a strange airport or if separated from adults. Yup, didn’t tell mom about the time they lost this little boy in Vegas till a couple of years later.
As time went on, we all became close with a family, yes, we’re related. Over summer vacation, the other kids were all pretty excited about the upcoming school year and got him excited about going to school. So, after years of homeschooling, we enrolled little Ku in the 5th grade, and as the timing worked out, his little sister was coming into school age as well and was enrolled as a Preschooler at the same time. As school was starting, so was the application process for the same private school his grandfather had attended. Two months later, he’s hating school: the structure, the environment, the public school kids, all of it. Six months later, we find out he has been accepted to a private school. We all know it will be hard, but we have no doubt he can do it. Eight months later, we are all grateful for the distraction: his grandfather, friend, mentor, passed away.
Jaime found his own path. Over the years, his interests turned to computers and digital photography and acting. He made some friends and eventually found Sgt. Reyes. As soon as my son came of age, he enlisted in the military. Not really a surprise, but so 100% against what his high school promotes: college attendees. Junior and Senior years in high school were pretty amazing. The opportunities that were offered have been incredible. Paid internships, job offers because of community service, community service itself has been pretty amazing. From the first day of private school till graduation; these are the fastest six years of our lives. I can’t believe they’re over.
Well, Jimmy’s namesake has followed in his footsteps as a 2017 graduate of Kamehameha Schools and shipped of to Marine Corp boot camp a mere 2 weeks after graduation. *tears* He has since graduated from boot camp and has his MOS chosen and his PDS assigned. Life continues on in fast forward.
Welcome to the roller coaster…
Jimmy's Ti's & Flowers 