A commentary on freedom and an affirmation for harmonizing our daily living...

Freedom...from Pain
Contemplation and an Affirmation...

On July 4th, most U. S. citizens celebrate the concept, if not the actuality, of freedom. Today, many non-whites, non-citizens, and those who may be ill or recovering from illness, are experiencing mixed emotions about the word.

For me, this is a day to celebrate freedom from pain. Throughout my adult life I suffered from endometriosis. Eventually the condition led to an eight-day stay in Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu for an emergency hysterectomy that lasted over seven hours. On a bright Island summer Sunday morning on the Fourth of July, I walked out onto the back lānai for a breath of fresh air and view of the city prior to being released. I may have been moving slowly, but I will never forget being escorted by my husband John from our car to the wonderful bed, bath, and food of our windward townhome!

While most of my writing is fiction [the award-winning Natalie Seachrist Hawaiian Mysteries] or historical non-fiction [articles and the planned publication of Conversations with Auntie Carol: Seven Oral History Interviews with Caroline Kuliaikanu`ukapu Wilcox DeLima Farias], I sometimes write short affirmative pieces for individuals facing personal or professional challenges. Perhaps the following piece will bring you a measure of peace in the life challenges you are facing...