Aloha

~~~ ALOHA PUNABOY ~~~

It’s easy to be an amazing person when you are on the top of life; But the true measure of a man, is the attitude he takes when he is pushed to the bottom.

It wasn’t the death of my friend that moved me. All though it did. It was the life my friend lead or the state of mind he chose to have, everyday. He had a genetic disease that took his ability to walk, when he was a young adult. Up to that point, he was a little surfin “Punaboy”, living it up on the island, happy & free.

He had every right to be bitter, his paralysis was just the beginning of this disease rearing its ugly head. He had seen its work, on his mother & multiple family members. He knew the out come and the journey through the rest of his life. It would be filled with multiple painful & dangerous, surgeries, that would or could take away more and more of his body, sight, mind and eventually his life. The wheel chair was just the beginning.

Everyone of his siblings & their children, diagnosed positive. All, Just waiting for this debilitating disorder to change their fate. His mom & his uncle, all lost the battle much to early. The road ahead was not going to be easy for anyone.

I won’t give this disease anymore spotlight, because it deserves none. After all why should I dwell, He NEVER did. He was the brightest spot of sunshine in anyone’s day. He made friends with everyone. You never once heard him complain of pain. He never dwelled on his disease or talked about the multiple surgeries or physical challenges he had in his life. Only his closest friends ever knew his struggles. In fact, unless you asked him. The subject of his disabilities, would never come up. He never let it have power over his life.

He was one of the happiest people I ever knew. He was peaceful and kind. In all the years I knew him; I never heard a negative word or attitude come from his lips. He was an amazing & beautiful man, who lived a simple, carefree life. He chose to embrace every day & enjoy life to the very last minute. He was a true example of how to live a positive life.

He chose to rise above it, everyday. He refused to give it power or dwell on a negative existence. Instead he chose to shine. He was living proof, that a good life isn’t something your given, it’s something you take.

Aloha Punaboy!!! The world is a better place because you were in it. May you forever surf the perfect wave!!! You will be forever remembered as an amazing man.

Debbie Smalley ( Deb’e)