The R.S.P. is a collection of stories of struggle, struggles that are on-going, or have passed, from heartbreak to loss, from death to hope. Through this collection I hope present for you something that we all can relate to, and find comfort from an absolute or relative stranger.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Aloha House - Room One (July, 2009)

(I Will Feed The Fighting Wolves Love, Room 1 - Aloha House, Maui, 2009)

(I Will Feed The Fighting Wolves Peace, Room 1 - Aloha House, Maui, 2009)


Room 1

What an honor to be in #1! I am here because my son was brutally attacked, not once but twice. Once by someone who has no business being here on Maui. The other by a young Hawai'ian man who misinterpreted my son's intentions as an outsider. I am Alone -without my family and friends. I am an emotional island on this beautiful island. I am afraid for myself and my son. Since arriving at the perfect respite spot - The Aloha Hose - I have received great blessings. Everything from polite young men (who would not be here if not damaged in some way) and allowed me to eat before they did; young women, overweight and skinny with beautiful smiles - toothless and grand glistening teeth who opened their troubled hearts to a total stranger. All of us islands, discounnected from the safe haven of our continents. We are all broken, those of us who found this "aloha". Aloha means hello, goodbye, and love! I have been gifted with the hello and love. I will be sorry to say goodbye. Hello was without comments about money or the ability to pay. Love is everywhere and present in all who walk within these walls. Love seems to be the guiding paradigm. Love is demonstrated through every word spoken by staff. Love is demonstrated through the delicious food prepared and presented by those under treatment with the support of kind and noble staff. Love is demonstrated by lack of outside sensory pollution (no bad movies, no bad words, no bad behaviour, no violence, no substance abuse). These are the rules. All seem to follow the fules. My goals are simple. Be safe here and return to my home safely. This island will return to her continent. I will be better for the time here. I will be sad to leave. The story on the walls of my room says EVERYTHING. I WILL feed the fighting wolves - love, forgiveness, and peace. Because of this room and this place I'll withhold anger and hatred. My heart can and will rise above the bad and evil. My soul will sing a new song of ALOHA!

-Unsigned guest, July 2009

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