Dorothy from "The Wizard Of Oz" said it best: There's no place like home. I was born and raised in Honolulu but have been living on the mainland since 1996. I fly home as often as possible these days -- usually 2 - 3 times a year. Early retirement after nearly 30 years in retail has given me that freedom and flexibility to do so and at the same time cause envy and jealousy amongst my former co-workers. I know my flight is almost home when I can see Diamond Head out the airplane window.

Ahhhh... Joy and childhood memories always come flooding back when I see that landmark. We weren't a wealthy family growing up in 1960s Honolulu -- we didn't even own a car! In my mind, I can still see Mama and Daddy packing up the fishing gear, a picnic lunch, towels, beach toys, and whatever else we needed for a day at the beach. We lived in Kaimuki back then and we'd catch the bus -- I want to say that it was the Saint Louis Heights bus -- and ride through Kahala and our stop to get off was located near the Diamond Head Lighthouse. There was a road leading down to the beach back then. I walked down that same road a few years ago. It's no longer long and steep but it's still there.

I always make it a point to stop at the Diamond Head Lookout when I'm home in the islands. And I always have to put my feet in the ocean and wiggle the wet sand between my toes. It doesn't matter what beach I do that at. It's my own therapy and rejuvenation.

Aloha and Mahalo for allowing me to share my story.
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