Born and raised in Hawaii, I’m a proud kamaaina. I’ve weathered storms, but Hurricane Lane seemed too scary. A recently widowed senior, I sought shelter with my dogs — a daunting first. Friends and their pets joined me there. We brought our own water, food and supplies.

This was no party. The building offered security, but hard floors, and people swearing and staring at us and our supplies, allowed for little rest.

However, another evacuee let others play his guitars. Chords picked softly — something so simple, but soothing to frayed nerves. My neighbor and his son dropped by with a goodie bag, to be sure we were okay.

Our taxes do funnel back to us. Red Cross volunteers, nurses and city parks and recreation staff also had their own ohana to worry about. We appreciate their kokua.

Among the many sheltering lessons: Aloha has long arms with which to hug us all.

We survived the “CAT 5”!

Merrie Carol Grain-Norris

Honolulu