A Hui Hou, Molokai

My internship at the Dispatch is over and, with a heavy heart, I am on to the next. You are an extraordinary community of people leading exemplary lives. Mahalo for sharing them with me, and for teaching me so very much during my time here.

What have I learned in six short months? Far too much, and far too nuanced and complex, to fit in the columns of a newspaper, for sure. But most of it has to do with listening, respect, community and aloha.

What will I miss? Everything. People I met or talked to or who became my friends, and simple things like waving at them whenever we drive past each other. Keiki, too, and their big smiles. Besides the people, maybe most of all I will miss the drive between Kaunakakai and Maunaloa, and the colors along the way: red dirt, green grass, blue sky, and the road’s yellow stripes.

When people ask me about Molokai, what will I tell them? I have no idea. I will try to get these points across: it’s unlike anywhere I’ve ever been, I believe it’s an important place to protect, and I know its community does that very well.

A heartfelt mahalo to the entire Dispatch `ohana: Todd and Noe for opening their hearts and home; Kanoe for being an inspirational thinker, doer and leader; and Aunty Gladys, Aunty Maria and the ever-funny Uncle Glenn for being some of the best aunties and uncle a gal could ask for. A special shout-out to the babies, Kauluwai and Ku, and the big kids, too: Mili, Ko`i and Nahoni. Megan, even if for only a month, I’m so glad I got to meet you, as well.

And last, but certainly not least, the four people with whom I shared most of my experience, day in and day out: Mahalo to Jessica, Joey and Catherine—each of you is strong, talented and big-hearted, and I am so excited to see all the big things you will do—and the extra special Aunty Kapua, a free spirit unlike any other. Love ya lots. I will miss you all dearly.

In “On the Road,” Jack Kerouac wrote: “What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people, and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing?—it’s the too huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-by. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.”

Mahalo nui loa, Molokai. A hui hou.

Maggie Cassidy