"Seeing death as the end of life is like seeing the horizon as the end of the ocean." -David Searls

On July 5, 2001 we bid farewell to Maraea Nahaku Kaioelawea Lua Kamae. Every year we make several trips up to visit her but always especially on the 5th. 10 years went by very quickly. Miss her still, glad for the things she taught us and the impression that she left on our lives.

Gone but never forgotten -Remembering on Father's Day

June 2011
Father's Day

This year, we spent father's day taking the kids to honor their grandfathers that have passed on. We visited the grave of "Papa Booth". Mr B's grandfather and Great Grandpa to JT and Hea Bug. He was very important in our lives and I'm grateful for the time that we were able to spend with him. I'm grateful that my children knew and loved him well.

We also took them to see "Grandpa Jack" for whom JT is named. It was their first visit and we try to come often enough that they will remember to honor those that are no longer with us and what they gave us. I never got the opportunity to meet Grandpa Jack since he died when Mr. B was only 10. I feel like I know the man that he was through stories though and us B's try to pass that on to our own children.

I worried that Mr. B might feel left out considering we weren't making a huge deal about him. But he enjoyed talking to the kids about their Grandfathers, the men that they were and the things that they did for him and taught him. It's not always an easy thing to pop up and say, "let's go to the grave site today" but I think he was glad that we got to do that for them and for the kids.

Unable are the loved to die, for love is Imortality- Emily Dickinson

Dawn March 17, 1982 - Twilight March 20, 2010

Justin Alexander had a larger than large spirit.
But even fighting the good fight, he lost the battle to cancer. We were so honored to attend his memorial service last Saturday. The tone throughout the service was one of celebration. The large church and over flow areas were packed to the hilt full of people that this amazing man had touched. Some people we knew and many we didn't but we were all there, together, bound by the esteem in which we held him and the love that we had for this man.

He and Mr. B were tight in school. Stage crew guys just had this thing that knitted them together. Justin had Mr. B's back when he got jumped after the Indian show, countless midnight Denny's excursions, late night BBQ's in Anaheim after football games... The night before their HS graduation, they took bolt cutters to the gate at the football field and attempted to bleach 2000 in the grass. It didn't show up until a few days after grad ;) They worked with each other at Mendenhall for a bit a few years ago and I'm sure at times gave in to "boys being boys" and got in their fair share of mischief. There's so much more between the two of them that I can't attempt to have Mr. B relive for me right now. He's got a life time to think back privately and remember his friend. I was proud to call him my friend too. He was Uncle Justin to our son JT (who still talks about his Uncle that used to let him "drive" the forklift).

He stood up at our wedding. Wearing Blue Chucks, just like everyone else, since he was such a good sport. We laugh still when we remember how he had taped the soles and lined the insides with plastic so he could return them to the store. He'd never wear 'em again.



January 26, 2002 - Our Wedding, David Starr Jordan High School Theatre


2004 Las Vegas, Kamae Family Reunion
I regret us not being more present for him near the end. We both do. There are simply no excuses. Raising a family and starting a business might make you feel like your hands are full but in retrospect... your hands are never too full to hold the hand of a friend.
An amazing spirit was called home to a Heavenly Father who loves him and knows him by name.
Justin Alexander was the epitome of what a friend is. He was a very good man and this world isn't the same without him although the stars seem brighter now.

March 17th 2010 -28 years old

The Funeral

just a handful of the ohana <3

We drove out to Mesa, AZ to attend my Auntie Nani's funeral services and support our Brandow Ohana. Because we had our annual River Trip planned for the next day and we had two boats to tow out, we decided that it would be best to drive out to Mesa early in the morning and then drive home directly following the service. We rented a 14 passenger van and left our house at 4am on Saturday the 16th with Myself, Robert, Brina, Jack and Nohea. We headed up to Ontario where we picked up Cissy, Craig, Mara and Kurt, got ourselves some donuts and started our 5 1/2 hour trek. Brina made sure to catch lots of pictures of us sleeping ;)

We made it into Mesa about 10ish and thank goodness for google maps on our blackberries! Finally made it to the Chapel and quickly changed clothes so that we could go in and join the family. There was a special viewing before the service for the family members in the Relief Society room where we could all say our special goodbyes. Auntie looked very peaceful and beautiful. In the chapel we were able to reflect and remember Auntie Nani through stories and loving words spoken by her family. Nohea was quite comfy in the sling and hardly made a peep! I was so proud of her. Jack found a seat with his cousins.
After the service, we headed to the cultural hall for some onolicious Hawaiian food and visiting. It was so nice getting to see everyone and talk story and listen to the kids all playing together. We drove home later on that afternoon and made it back in time to turn in the rental car 5 minutes before it was due! Alohas to our family <3