Those who know my dad, can attest to his love for "talking story." He can talk to anyone, anywhere, anytime. Just as long as you give him a listening ear, and your full attention. His topics range from what barely happened to him 5 minutes before you saw him (LOL), the lives of his six children, the forgetfulness and "craziness" of his wife (ok...I added the "crazy" part), or whatever else is on his mind. Whatever it may be, just plan on it being extended to the half hour version. LOL. Whatever it may be, these are the times I treasure most with my father.
Well, tonight, after picking he and my mom up from town after spending nearly a week in Waikiki for their 37th wedding anniversary, father and I had a great conversation. Instigated by an earlier post by a cousin of mine, I wondered what it must have been like for my dad to grow up in Hawaii before it became a state. Long story short, here are some of the things I NEVER knew about my dad and his family:
1 - His mother spoke very little English. Hawaiian was her first language. Unfortunately, my grandfather only spoke "broken english," so my dad could only understand a little, so he and his siblings would reply in English.
2 - My dad and his older brother were the "black sheep" in the family...according to my grandfather at least. My grandpa would make my dad wash the car EVERY DAY!!! Now, when I say wash the car...I mean...WASH. THE. CAR. Inside AND out. He said even if it was dark outside, grandpa would make them wash the car with a flashlight, and if they missed a spot, they would get dirty lickings. This explains his infatuation with the cleanliness of any car he drives. Even if it isn't his own car, if he's driving it, he makes sure its clean.
3 - He grew up with very little money, and wasn't able to enjoy simple luxuries like breakfast. When he was in elementary, they didn't have money for breakfast. Grandpa would drop them off at school so early that they would get there before the milkman made his delivery to the school cafeteria. So my dad and his siblings would help themselves to the milk that would be sitting right outside the cafeteria door. LOL.
4 - He got caught switching his "sardine" sandwich, with some other girls bologna sandwich. Hahahahahaha. He got whacked with the ruler when he got caught for that one, and he said that was the first and the last time he ever got lickings in school from the teacher.
This last one is my favorite.
5 - My dad was the first in his family....EVER to graduate from high school. According to him, the highest level of education that his father and all his uncles and aunty's were able to achieve was the 5th grade! I know things were a lot more difficult for them back then, but I was so proud of my dad when he told me that. It just makes me appreciate him even more for all the sacrifices that he made to ensure his own children get the best education possible.
*sigh* I never realized before that my dad was the first to graduate. Not only that, but he was the first in his family to become converted and remain an active member of the church. He is quite the pioneer. And how grateful am I to be his daughter.
13 comments:
omg UI lucky you got all this info, I mean, how often do we really sit down and find out more about our parents' past? i love it!
Great tribute to your dad, thanks for sharing!
I love your dad! He really is a loveable person. . . and I do like talking story with him when I can. Your dad was my bishop through out most of my growing up years in Hauula. He'll always have a special place in my heart. Thanks Ui for sharing!
you rock!
i remember your grandfather. when i was little, one day he was getting ready to clean fish. leone and aaron called me and russ to come over to see him clean the fish. we were always so excited to see this amazing feat, being that he was BLIND.
next time you are in charge of having family home evening -- do a family history night starring your PARENTS. have questions set-up for the grandkids to interview. i can email you a questionnaire. you will be so AMAZED at the answers they give. and remember to VIDEO TAPE it!!
I have such a huge smile after reading ur blog Ui! What a sweet moment =) I can't wait to see you all in May =) I LOVE THE KEO FAMILY!!! =)
Cute! My dad was also a pioneer in a lot of ways in his family AND he had to do all on his own because his parents were too poor to support him financially. That's why he can't understand why me and my brothers and sisters don't JUMP at the opportunity to go to school non-stop until we all become Ph.D. holders, since they're totally willing and capable of supporting us financially.
I guess we just take things for granted since we have it easier than our parents did.
Love hearing those stories...everytime we go home, and Uncle Ruben Pukahi sees us, he hele's on over to my moms house, gets a chair & starts talking story...all his stories, but nonetheless...we know them all by heart cuz we hear 'em all da time. haha! Love it!
And Coreen, I like a copy of the interview list for my posterity's sake!
Hey...dang your mom them have been married that long!? That means One is that old! LOL. Tell her I'm kidding...anyway I love your blog! Love ya!
You are right Ui, I did love this post. Your Dad is a pioneer!
I loved reading this. It makes me want to go interview my parents! You're a pioneer like yo' fadda!
Hearing those kinds of stories makes me so grateful to have such amazing parents who would do anything for their children. Your dad sounds like an awesome guy.
aahh cute post. now you have to take it one step further and graduate from college. then you can tell your kids about it. =)
awesome ui :D :D :D my dad has gotten to the point where he repeats stories. HAHAHA. even my mom ;) ;) comes with old age i guess. HAHAHA
Post a Comment