[ MOTHER'S DAY ]
Aunty Mamo has every
quality that makes
a great mom
In Hawaii, calling someone Aunty can mean a lot of things. Aunty can be the lady at the lunch wagon or a friend's mom. In high school the kitchen ladies were all aunties. However, the term aunty doesn't seem adequate when it comes to people like my Aunty Mamo David.
Last year, I heard Pastor Wayne Cordeiro, of New Hope Chapel, speak about "dream releasers," people whose presence in our lives have enabled us to realize our potential and pursue our dreams. For me that person is my Aunty Mamo. Without her in my life, I would not have been able to grow, heal and forgive.
On this Mother's Day, I would like to say thank you to this amazing woman, who has every endearing quality that makes a great mom. Although I call her Aunty, she is more than that. She is also my hanai mom and has been the solid foundation in my life since I was 12.
Mamo David and "numba 3 son" Aaron Aina Akamu.
I was born and raised in Naalehu, Kau, on the Big Island, and I attended Naalehu Elementary until the sixth grade. I was accepted into Kamehameha Schools as a boarder on a full scholarship for the seventh grade and moved to Honolulu. I left behind my family, friends and the little, isolated town I knew to be home.
I became friends with a day student who was in my orchestra class, Kai Mana. One day he asked his mom, Aunty Mamo, if he could invite me on a camping trip with them to Bellows. Since then, I've been a part of the family.
Moving away from Naalehu was a secret blessing. Not only did I get a great education, but I also separated myself from the abuse and neglect I had endured growing up and the struggles that come along with being poor in a tiny plantation town. It was upon meeting Aunty Mamo that my wounds began to heal and I started to realize the transforming power of true, motherly love.
For a kid who grew up misunderstood and troubled, Aunty Mamo was comfort. Without knowing or trying, she provided me the solace I needed to grow into a confident, independent man. Whenever I left for the Big Island for Christmas break, Aunty Mamo always made me a lei from the plumerias in her yard. When I came back, I always got another lei and a bag full of musubi, cookies, carrot sticks and, usually, a can of kidney beans. She always said that beans were good for me. I never ever ate them, though.
AFTER I LEFT for college in New Hampshire, I stayed in touch with Aunty Mamo. I returned home only during Christmas breaks. Even though Kai Mana was not home yet, I would stay at his house, going home only for a few days between Christmas and New Year's. I had begun to realize that in Aunty Mamo's house, I truly felt at home.
While in college, Aunty Mamo sent me postcards from every trip she and my uncle would take. To this day, I still have the postcards she sent from Alaska, Mexico, Disney World and Las Vegas, and the hula girl postcards from home. They are taped to my wall, reminding me that I was never forgotten.
After college, I worked on the mainland and just recently moved home. The best thing about being home is seeing Aunty Mamo regularly. I sometimes pick her up from work, and we'll go shopping or eat at Genki Sushi or run errands.
To the dismay of my uncle, I encourage her to buy more bowls from Ross, sparkly costume jewelry from the swap meet or funky shoes. Along the way, I tell her all about my life, from workplace drama to dating. She listens, laughs and counsels.
Lately, she's been lecturing me about taking care of myself, advising me to relax more, work less, eat regularly and take my glucosamine. Whenever I'm down, she somehow gets me to tell her what's weighing on my heart. I always feel better afterward, and we usually end up laughing so hard, we cry.
Aunty Mamo didn't have to love me. She already has two sons. She didn't have to open up her home and family to include me. But she did. Aunty Mamo calls me "numba 3 son." I love it when she calls me that, because even without saying it, she has always treated me that way.
I hope this is better than the CD I made for you last year, Aunty. Happy Mother's Day!
Aaron Aina Akamu is program manager for the Gear Up Scholars Program at the University of Hawaii-Manoa College of Business Administration.
Click for online
calendars and events.
