Share Your Story

A week ago, we returned from our ten-day vacation in Kauai. The first time we came here was in 1991, and like many others, we were quickly seduced into buying a timeshare. Over the years, we returned many times and also exchanged through RCI which allowed us to visit many wonderful destinations around the world. Lately, however, Kauai has become our winter home away from home.

One of the reasons this trip felt especially meaningful is that our older daughter and her husband joined us, turning it into a true family vacation. Kauai is, of course, a remarkable place to relax the body and soul—but it is also a place to explore, to discover, and to meet new people.

One of our favorite new discoveries this time was a Japanese restaurant called Mora Basics in Koloa  village. Alongside excellent food and very reasonable prices, we received an unexpected bonus: meeting the remarkable owner.

Usually, owners of Japanese restaurants come from the same cultural background as the cuisine. In this case, he is a white Caucasian man whose journey into Japanese cooking began years ago while serving as a Mormon missionary. That early impression eventually led to his own culinary masterpiece. But what stayed with me even more were his life stories. After hearing them, I encouraged him to write them down and share them with the next generation.

We all carry stories in our hearts.

Write them down—or dictate them to ChatGPT. The world needs to know who you are and the life you’ve lived.

My next book, 42 Petals of Wisdom, will be ready in January. Until then, enjoy these three images of the hibiscuses — the official flower of Hawaii.