Ohana is the Hawaiian term for family. It can refer to not only relations but loved ones as well. Quite a few of our Ohana gathered on the North Shore of Oahu this month for the wedding of my eldest son JR and his beloved Jeralyn. Held at a pristine hidden beach a couple of miles west of Turtle Bay, the ceremony and reception were perfect in every way. Aunts, uncles, mothers and fathers, brothers, sisters, cousins and friends gathered early to help prepare and take part in a day that not many of us will ever forget.
JR & Jeralyn have been planning this event for over a year and it would be hard to find a detail that wasn't attended to. I think a good word to describe their wedding day would be inclusive. Each and every person who accepted their invitation was acknowledged and made to feel welcome and appreciated. I'd never seen anything like it. The kids kept the wedding itself simple and elegant. It seemed most of their effort went into making sure everyone in attendance felt a part of our newly expanded ohana. The setting was gorgeous and that beauty seemed to be reflected in the spirit of the celebrants throughout the evening.
My wife and I could not have been prouder. Our son usually makes good choices and this may be the culmination of one of his best. Jeralyn is a beautiful person and although we have considered her and her family to be part of our own for quite some time, this makes it official. Ohana.
The day was truly blessed.
Aloha
Kai 'Elua - Harry Koizumi 1997
