Sweet Kaya

Sweet Kaya,

How I loved seeing you and your parents in Hawaii last fall.  Not only did I love seeing your mom (since we have been friends since we were 5 years old!), but I also loved seeing you again. (You were just a baby when I last saw you).  I enjoyed watching you and your Dad in Hawaii too .... such a special relationship.  You had just been playing and exploring for 2-3 days with him as your mom studied hard to learn new things at a conference.

When we went to the volcano, you two (you and your Dad) were always off together - exploring the volcano crater steam, telling us to be quiet as you looked for birds, and just laughing together...  It was so sweet to watch.

 I am thankful that I took a photo of the picture you made for us there - You drew it while sitting next to your dad.  I find it interesting that if you take a close look, you gave everyone of us our names and for your dad, well, you drew him first and wrote "Dad" instead of Craig.  I love it - sort of symbolic of the closeness that I saw between you during that time.

I am also thankful to have known your dad.  Even though we did not spend much time together, I knew him.  He had a special way of connecting with others - truly looking at you with those bright, wide eyes and being present, interested, sincere, and playful.  He allowed people to see the beauty of his soul.   I am thankful that you will carry this within... and as you grow, I look forward to witnessing the two of you still together.

So much love,
Nora Rodli