Many Blessings

I love watching my son sleep.

We just got Bodhi down for the night and the house is quiet. It was a lively weekend for us here in Hilo. We had our dear friend Andrea and her son Miles visiting from O‘ahu. Miles and Bodhi are like brothers. They deeply love each other, but they also very much get in each other's face. On one hand, they fight over toys, clothing items, shoes, who gets to sit where, water bottles, you name it, they'll fight over it. But on the other hand, when they are sweet to each other it'll make a cavity in the hardest tooth enamel. This weekend, for the boys, there were countless hugs, dancing on the Bay Front, jumping on the bed, running, swimming, playing and laughter,laughter, laughter. Miles even had Bodhi's back when they went to feed the ducks and he warned him that, "The ducks might bite. Be careful, OK?"

It was really great to experience our new home through their eyes. Andrea loved Bodhi's school and was thrilled with the swimming pool in Pähoa. Miles had a look of wonderment on his face seeing all the cows and horses dotting the landscape as we drove to the cabin. He seemed so at home on the land, stomping around in the grass with his blue rubber boots. It was calming and peaceful to see Andrea lying on our sofa on the open lanai of the cabin enjoying the quiet and looking out at the ‘öhi‘a forest. It was a blast to watch the boys take in the Saturday festivities on the Bay Front, checking out the chameleon in the window and the chickens on the sidewalk, dancing to the music of the sidewalk performer and running through the marine life exhibit. It was fun to hear Andrea raving about all the abundance at the Hilo Farmer's Market. It was refreshing to see mother and son in the cooling waters at Onekahakaha Beach. It was great to hear how much she enjoyed the restaurants we ate at and the beauty of the zoo we visited. Their experiences helped Kim and I appreciate what we have here more than we already did. And it helps us to truly feel content that we made the right decision to move here.

It was also wonderful to see Kim get refreshed and rejuvenated from spending time with one of her dearest friends.

What a great chance meeting we had a few years ago at Nu‘uanu Park. I was pushing Bodhi on the swings and next to us was Andrea pushing Miles. I being far, far less sociable than Kim, was just minding my own business when she struck up a conversation with me. I think I exchanged a few niceties and was getting ready to get Bodhi interested in something else. Lucky for us, Kim came along and picked up the conversation. Kim and Andrea immediately hit it off. From there they've had play dates with the boys, baby swaps, dinners together, and just loads and loads of fun. Bonding between people happens quickly when there is an intense shared experience. Raising two toddlers together has definitely been that kind of experience. I know Kim deeply loves Andrea and I do too. I think she is one of the most generous and authentic persons I know. We attract people into our lives based on what our consciousness is sending out. We must be doing something right to have brought someone like Andrea into our realm of experience.

The house is quiet. There is just so much to appreciate.