Picture Perfect In a Time Of Grief
Wednesday - May 07, 2008
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Del.icio.usAloha Pamela,
I lost my grandfather last month and was frantically trying to get things together for his funeral service. One of my tasks was to find a picture of him and have it enlarged to be used at the service. I searched online, in the yellow pages and went to several print shops to see if they could help me take a 20-year-old 4-by-6 picture and have it enlarged while still maintaining a decent quality.
I went to Longs Mililani and was assisted by a very kind, patient and understanding photo department clerk by the name of Elaine. She guided me through the whole process. Elaine also took the time to let me vent and offered compassion for my family and my stressful situation. Please let Elaine know that I am ever so grateful for her kind heart and her helpful hand.
Summer Martin
Mililani
Dear Summer,
Mililani Longs photo manager Elaine Nakahara says any of the people in the department would have done the same. “We all experience the death of a loved one eventually. It seemed that so much was falling on her shoulders; she had so much to do. It was only natural of try to ease her burden.”
Dear Pamela,
I wrote to you recently about the goodwill of sensei James Kerr of Karate Kids following the termination of Aloha Airlines. I must give APPLAUSE to more kind people.
My son takes ukulele lessons from Akamai Music and Enrichment. Last night, I received an unexpected phone call from my son’s instructor, who was very concerned about my son having to stop his lessons. I was lost for words again as I was comforted to know that my son will not need to stop his lessons.
I would like to give our heart-felt thanks to Dave and Dulcie Dunaway of Akamai Music and Enrichment, instructor Shepherd Kawakami and Nora Lai.
Audrey Kanemori
Aina Haina
Dear Audrey,
Nora Lai writes: “Shepherd heard the news about Aloha Airlines shutting down when we were vacationing in Tokyo. The first thought was of Micah’s dad, who is a pilot for Aloha. He said that as soon as we get back home we have to reassure the family that they wouldn’t have to worry about the cost of Micah’s lessons. Shepherd made sure we spoke to Dave and Dulcie Dunaway, who own Akamai Music and Enrichment Studios. Dulcie replied that she was already thinking about the situation. With Dave and Dulcie, it is always about the kids. This is one of the many silent gestures Shepherd does in his everyday life.”
Dear Pamela,
After delivering some potted plants to a flower shop in Ala Moana Center, my husband and I started walking back to my car. Suddenly he had a low-blood-sugar episode. His legs gave way and he fell to the pavement. Kazu Yokoyama from the maintenance department offered help, and remained with my husband until I was able to get my car. Also, Laurie Furutani went to buy my husband a can of organic tangerine juice. He was steady enough to get to the car. I would like Mr. Yokoyama and Ms. Furutani know that Charles is fine and healthy! Much APPLAUSE to these kind angels!
Eiko Hew Len
Kaimuki
Dear Eiko,
Francis Cofran, general manager of Ala Moana Center, has praise for Kazu as well.
“Charles Yokoyama, ‘Kazu,’ senior maintenance mechanic, is a valued Ala Moana Center employee of 30 years,” he says. “His quick thinking and assistance enabled Mrs. Hew Len to seek medical attention for her husband during this emergency. Kazu truly exemplifies the Aloha Spirit as his actions went above and beyond the call of duty, and I am proud to have him as a part of our team.”
(If you know someone who deserves some Applause, send your letters to Pamela Young, MidWeek Applause, KITV, 801 S. King St., Honolulu, HI, 96813 or e-mail pyoung@kitv.com. Include your name, phone number and, if possible, the phone number of your “applaudee” so we can contact him or her.)
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