Today, I looked at the calendar and saw, Monday, January 27, 2025. And it struck me that I left home 38 years ago today to move to Los Angeles from Hawaii. I knew I wasn't going to be in Hawaii forever. I was quite curious and ambitious to see the world. My first stop was California, a direct flight. I visited Southern California before and have seen other friends make the move to leave the islands.
I decided to make that transition in my life. I told my parents, siblings I was going to move and realizing my parents had to make the hard decision to leave their home as well, so they pretty much understood my decision. My Mother wasn't too keen on the idea, but my Dad nodded and even helped me pack. All I had was a medium size luggage, and one box which my Dad helped rope tie the box so contents would be secure.
My flight was a one way ticket on Hawaiian Airlines on a red eye. It was so surreal, but I knew something was about happen to me. I know I could always come home anytime. It's not like I'm moving halfway across the globe. Direct flights home will work.
My friends at the time were encouraged by my move. For someone who was leaving before their 21st birthday was pretty bold. Below is the photo I took of my friends who saw me off that night. Some are still with me today, others have moved on in their lives. But I thank them for the energy they brought in my decision to move to California.
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| (left to right) Alberta, Helen, Baby Ryan, Raymond, Alicyn, Becky, and her Boyfriend |
This date is always profound for me as it reflects my decision to take flight and venture. Sometimes things work out and sometimes not. But as I reflect on the years I've been living in California. I'm totally struck by the fact, I've done quite a few things I never would have accomplished if I still lived in Hawaii. That, I believe is my true joy that I made that one decision and I've never looked back since.
Here's to more years to celebrate my decision to find more adventure!
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