On Thanksgiving Day, it seems fitting that Kokua Line devotes its space to readers’ expressions of gratitude, which usually appear intermittently at the end of the column. Each “mahalo” reveals a slice of life in Hawaii today, a moment in time when a person in need was not left wanting. That so many helpful people routinely emerge to save the day, seeking nothing in return, is surely worth celebrating — on this holiday and every day. Happy Thanksgiving!
Mahalo
Mahalo to Brian Nagamine, who works at Kuakini hospital. On Nov. 13 we went to visit our friend at the hospital but found out he was at Hale Pulama Mau instead (elsewhere on the Kuakini campus). Brian volunteered to drive us there. With the fruit basket in my hand, I forgot my umbrella in the car. I couldn’t remember where I left it, but then here comes Brian with my umbrella. We thanked him over and over, but we feel he needs to be recognized for his fine deeds. — Appreciative seniors
Mahalo
Many thanks to the checkout lady whose kindness, compassion and sense of humor kept a bad day from getting worse. My kids were acting up in the grocery line, slowing everybody down, but she was so funny and distracted them so that I could get my stuff together. Everybody else waiting in line relaxed because of her too. I was so embarrassed that I rushed out without thanking her enough. I want her to know that she made a big difference that day. — Stressed-out mom
Mahalo
I fell in early November in a Kaneohe Bay shopping area as I put the shopping cart in the stall. A pregnant woman, two other ladies and a man helped me. I couldn’t get up by myself. They called 911 and my son. My son took me to the hospital. All X-rays, etc. were OK and I’m recovering thanks to all the angels of mercy. I wanted to let them know that I will be OK. May they all be blessed with love and care. — A grateful senior of seniors
Mahalo
A heartfelt mahalo to the bus drivers who assisted me on Nov. 10 to retrieve my purse, which I left on the No. 2, bus 70, when I got off in Waikiki. The driver was Ken. Since I could not catch up with the bus, I got on the No. 8 bus — the driver was Augie or August — who continued on to the Kapahulu fire station, where Ken was waiting so I could retrieve my purse. I am sure that both drivers missed their rest periods so that they could help me. I am truly grateful and want people to know that they went out of their way to help my situation. Ken and Augie, thank you so much for being so nice. — N.B.
Mahalo
My auto was parked at Market City and was damaged on the rear fender. Sean was my angel for his assistance in getting the information I needed about the responsible party. The damage totaled $1,500. This old lady would have been devastated if she had to pay for that damage. … Sean went out of his way to help me and I am most grateful for his kindness. Thank you, Sean, and may God bless you. — B.F.
Mahalo
A sincere thank you to Larry for going beyond the call of duty on a recent green-waste run in Kahaluu. A neighbor’s car had died in your turnaround. It also blocked six containers — and in Kahaluu, we need to have green waste collected! You not only tried to help with the car but you helped move those six containers and more so you could collect them as you backed out of our street. You’re a good man, Larry, and a good community worker. — Thanks from your Kahaluu run
Mahalo
I would like to thank two kind and caring gentlemen who helped me when I fell on Kuakini Street on Nov. 9. They helped me up and took care of my bleeding. They called 911 and stayed with me until help arrived. Unfortunately, I did not get their names. I will be forever grateful to them. — Gratefully, June O.
Mahalo
I want to say a special mahalo to Babes M. of Na Mea Kupono. His mission statement is “helping you helps me to help us perpetuate aloha in Hawaii.” … I was stuck at Costco with a TV I could not get into my car and he came to offer his help. We said no, we didn’t need it, but he stuck around … because he saw that we had a problem. … He took my TV in the back of his truck and followed me home and then he unloaded it for me when we got there. … I know you can’t always trust people in that situation, but he gave us all the information we needed and he went out of his way for us. He’s especially nice and he really represents the aloha spirit in Hawaii. — E.F.
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