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| This blog is dedicated to my dear friend John Rogers. this blog is all about his recent visit to the Cosmic Garden Island of Kaua'i. That's John on the left and yours truly on the right. This blog also ran as my column the Garden Island News on 10-07-13 http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/always-treasure-life-s-true-friends/article_b7584a82-2fa0-11e3-ba43-001a4bcf887a.html  Enjoy! |
True Friends
My father always told me, "your lucky if you can go through life and count your true and loyal friends on one hand."
This past week I received a blast from the past, a friend I haven't seen in approximately 30 plus years besides on a brief layover flight 10 years ago. He traveled from L.A. to Mau'i for the honor of being the best man at a friends wedding. He was on a whirlwind vacation consisting of 4 days, with two days totally dedicated to the wedding, rehearsal , rehearsal dinner, the wedding and reception.
He called and said he was coming to Kaua'i for 5 hours. He had to change planes in Honolulu with a 2 hour layover for a flight Kaua'i bound. I am thinking to myself, why is he doing this for only 5 hours? Would I do the same?
He was scheduled to come in at 1:10, however he did not arrive until 1:35. He finally arrives and the first thing he says is, he needs to be back to the airport to catch a 5:00 o'clock flight back-- which means we'd have to back at 4:00 P.M. That would enable me enough time to present him with a home made braided Ti-leaf lei, drive to Costco and order a deluxe pizza, talk story, then drive him back to the airport.
I did a little Google research before he arrived and found a later flight out. I advised my friend to change his flight. There was a flight that departs at 8:44 P.M. This way I could at least show him some of the awesome Cosmic Garden island, I call home. After much hoopla and talking to Hawai'ian airlines reps in the Philippine's he was able to change his flight to the later time with a $55.00 penalty fee.
My friend went with it, he didn't fight the extra charge. He smiled and went with the flow of who cares, it's only money.
We now had time to go back to my place, collect my bike , my spare bike, my dog 'Obama' and cruise the awesome Kapa'a -Kealia leg of the Pedestrian trail. My buddy had not been on a bike for years and said it was one of the best days ever for him.
We capped off our day with an Awesome burger and fries at my favorite Kapa'a restaurant, Burger King, the best burger franchise on the Island.The manager made our burgers special to order, double toasted with extra tomatoes, onions and mayo on the side, delivered to our tables with aloha and the biggest smile I ever saw.
We only had 6 hours to recap 30 years. We did it right. We talked about our ailments, relationships, kids and how time really does fly. We talked about small things, but it is the small things that seem to matter in the long run.
My friend John is definitely one of the true and loyal friends I can count on one hand. He spent approximately $500.00 to come see me for 6 hours.
A visit from the past, like talking and being with someone from beyond, true friends are a treasure. I am honored and privileged to have such a true friend!
Although not a trip you could book through a travel agent, this was a trip that only two true friends could appreciate, Costco deluxe Pizza, a bike ride with Obama Da dog and Whoppers-- life doesn't get much better.
http://thegardenisland.com/news/opinion/guest/always-treasure-life-s-true-friends/article_b7584a82-2fa0-11e3-ba43-001a4bcf887a.html
