Kokua Line

By June Watanabe

Thursday, December 25, 1997

Kindness, good deeds
brighten the holidays

Merry Christmas to all! On this day, we celebrate the holiday spirit, island-style:

Mahalo

To all who helped when I fell and broke my ankle while hiking on the Aiea Loop Trail the day after Thanksgiving. I had to crawl until I was too tired to go on. Then Steve came by on a bicycle. He gave me water, comforted me and said he'd go to the trail head to call 911. Before he left, Mark came along and used his phone to call 911. I told them to go ahead. Shortly after came Jeff and his wife, Amy. Jeff gave me water, took my name and said he would confirm the call. He came back a few moments later and gave me a long straight stick to use. (My eyes still pool up when I think of the poignant beauty of that gesture.)

He left again and when I heard the fire rescue helicopter, I saw him guiding the pilot to where I was. The last sight I had was of Jeff holding my backpack, looking up. When I came out of the hospital X-ray room, my backpack was waiting for me. I didn't get any of their last names, but hope they all see this and understand how much I appreciate the kindness they showed to a stranger. -- Willie Brigham

To Linda. On Nov. 16, we were showing our niece from Minnesota our lovely island. We stopped at a Kahuku fruit stand to buy bananas and coconuts. I asked Linda, behind the stand, if we could take a few pictures. As we were leaving, she gave us starfruit, oranges, cut pineapples and more bananas! Many blessings to Linda, for her kindness and generosity. -- The Websters

To Elsie who owns a four-door maroon Corolla, for an early Christmas present. May you have a blessed and joyous Christmas. -- Grateful senior, V.

To Castle High students for pushing our stalled car out of a busy intersection to a side street. Also to the nice lady from Kenny's Coffee House in Kalihi for stopping and insisting on taking us home. -- Masao Fujii

To two precious citizens who helped me when I had a flat tire, 10 a.m. Dec. 12. One said she would inform police and the other let me use her cell phone. If not for them, I would have waited several hours. Mahalo also to Officers J. Louis-Kahanu, Yamada, Gonsalves and J. Hebert. -- Sharon Chang

To Glenn and Laura and Kent Nakachi for their help when my van broke down during rush hour Nov. 12 on the H-2: Glenn, who let me plug in my cellular phone, Laura, who stayed with me until my husband and neighbor, Kent, arrived. Special thanks to Kent, who stayed with us until a tow truck took our van away.

To Mr. Nishi, of Nishi's Service Station, for fixing my car engine at 5:45 p.m. Dec. 8 on Kamehameha Highway. His station was already closed. I offered to pay him, but he refused. What a nice man. -- Ann Tamashiro

To Collin, who is in real estate, for helping me when I fell at Waialae and Koko Head on Dec. 2, then took me to my Kapahulu home. May God keep you in good health always. -- Senior citizen

To Mr. and Mrs. Harold Nakai, who found my jewelry and returned every piece.

To the doctor, staff and security guards at Queen's Hospital for their efficiency, professionalism and quiet good humor. I was showering when I fell and cracked my head at 11:45 a.m. Dec. 9. I got to the hospital by 12:15 p.m., was examined within 15 minutes and left at 1:30 p.m, with 10 staples in my head. -- Mike Brown

To the Honolulu Symphony for its coffee-hour concerts. It's perfect for seniors like me who have to be home by dark. -- Ruth Turner

To the crew of the Kaimuki Fire Station for your annual gift to the community. As a "ridge dweller," I am treated to a nightly display of city lights. But at Christmas time, green lights forming a Christmas tree suddenly appear atop the darkened hill behind the station. "The tree is back," I happily announce. -- Barbara Campbell