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The Goddess Speaks Jessica Lani Rich |
‘Ellie’ showed
how one could
build communityWhat if everyone treated their neighbors like family? The world would be a much better place.
My mother, Ellamae Kupau, lived at the DE Thompson Village, a low-income senior housing complex, in Ewa Beach. When she first moved into "The Village" in 1991, she noticed many of the senior citizens were lonely and some ran out of food money at the end of the month. My mother came from a large Hawaiian family in Kalihi and it was customary for family or friends to drop by unannounced, so she did what came naturally. She put a dining table with fresh flowers and six chairs in front of her apartment. She invited neighbors to stop by, any time, to talk story or to have a bite to eat.
Her table became known as "Ellie's Deli" and she often entertained a dozen or so visitors. "No one is ever alone when Ellie is around," one neighbor said. Ellie loved to cook and even when she was in a wheelchair, she continued cooking for others. Her TV set was always on the Food Network.
She sometimes brought her sewing machine outside to help neighbors mend their clothes. If they didn't have quarters for the laundry machine or detergent, they'd show up at Ellie's apartment, knowing she would help. Her neighbors loved her positive attitude, huge smile and generosity.
MY MOTHER started the residents' organization DE Thompson Village Association. She arranged for Meals on Wheels to provide daily lunches. At Christmas, she organized a dinner and party, ensuring every senior citizen received a hot meal and a gift. She organized transportation so her elderly neighbors could have outings and reliable rides to the doctor's office.
No matter what holiday it was, Ellie decorated her building to bring joy to "The Village." She often sacrificed her needs to share with her neighbors. She remembered each birthday with a gift and a cake.
Once, a Korean couple who spoke little English moved to The Village. My mother found a translator to introduce her, and they became fast friends. The couple came to her for help to fill out forms and were grateful for her hospitality. In little time, the couple did not feel like outsiders, they felt like family.
In a world where many don't talk to their neighbors, or even know their names, this was not the case at DE Thompson Village, where neighbors described Ellamae Kupau as the village's heart and soul.
My mom was not rich or famous, but made her small corner of the world a loving place. Ellie died from congestive heart failure earlier this year. My heart was broken along with many of her family, friends and neighbors. But she left a legacy to all she knew, that no matter who you are or how little you have, love and kindness are things everyone has to share.
Jessica Lani Rich is host of her own radio show "Jessica's Journal," on KUMU 94.7 FM and The Big Kahuna 105.9 FM, and is the author of "The Gift of Hawai'i, Island Inspirations."
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