This is my post from our online class He Inoa 'Ala:
I enjoyed learning about Queen Emma. Wasn't she beautiful?! I also read somewhere that she was somewhat quiet and reserved, kind of a loner as a student at the Chiefs' School in Honolulu. I read that she didn't have too many friends from the Royal School days, however she enjoyed a close friendship with Princess Victoria Kamāmalu that lasted a lifetime. Interesting that her summer palace (a gift from her late uncle John Young 11) even had a name - Hanaiākamalama. How beautiful. Does this translates to "care for the adopted"?
The more I read about Queen Emma (1836 – 1885), the more empathy I felt for her.
I did some research on the Hawaiian Historical Society's website and found this information:
Queen Kapi‘olani (1834–1899) formally Esther Julia Kapi‘olani, was married to King David Kalākaua. Born December 31, 1834 in Hilo, she was the granddaughter of Kaumuali‘i, the last king of the island of Kaua‘i before the unification of the islands under Kamehameha I, and the stepdaughter of Queen Ka‘ahumanu. Her first marriage was to High Chief Benjamin Namakehaokalani, son of Keali‘imaika‘i, brother of Kamehameha I, and was 35 years older than Kapi‘olani. He was uncle of Queen Emma. This made Queen Kapi‘olani the widowed aunt of Queen Emma. Kapi‘olani hānai'd Prince Albert, baby of Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma. Queen Emma blamed Kapi‘olani for the child's death as he was under Kapi‘olani's care when he got sick. After the death of her child, Queen Emma would never appear at a public function that Kapi‘olani was in attendance of.
We all know that the child prince was well cared for and loved dearly, that he fell ill. It was nobody's fault when he passed away, however, it must have been so very difficult for Queen Emma to have lost her young son Prince Albert at only four years of age. This is whwn she changed her name to Kaleleokalani – which means “flight of the heavenly one”. And then she lost her husband only a year later. Queen Emma must have been heartbroken - so much sadness. I felt a hint of that very sadness myself, when I visited the Bishop museum in January and toured the royal room. I sat there amongst the belongings of our late royalty and sobbed uncontrollably. So many beloved, here one moment and gone the next, died.
It seems so unfair. Queen Emma and Kamehameha IV - Liholiho - had only been married a total of 6 or 7 years before he passed. Liholiho was only 29 when he died! I cannot imagine losing a son, and then the love of my life. This is why she changed her name to pluralize her loss - Kaleleonālani “Flight of the heavenly ones,” a name she used for the rest of her life. Not even three years later, in 1866 Queen Emma's dear friend Princess Victoria Kamāmalu dies at the age of 28, and a few months later, her adopted mother Grace Kama‘iku‘i Rooke, daughter of John Young and Ka‘o‘ana‘eha also dies at the age of 57. I read that Queen Emma lived to the age of 49 when she passed away in 1885 at her summer home. She was laid to rest with her husband and son at Mauna ‘Ala Moseleum.
In the 1800s, so many diseases were coming to the islands from visitors and our people had no immunity to these. Thousands of Hawaiians perished. This is why King Kamehameha IV and his wife Queen Emma were so passionate about starting a hospital to care for people who contracted illnesses. They worked tirelessly to raise funds, since the government had no money set aside for this kind of public service. We are blessed with this lovely hospital - Queens Hospital - the fruits of their labor, a hospital named after Queen Emma. It is interesting that Queen Kapi'olani did much charitable work herself, and in fact, raised money to lay the corner stone of her own women and children's clinic - which is today the Kapi'olani Medical Center for Women and Children.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Monday, February 7, 2011
1st day of Mo‘okū‘auhau: He Inoa ‘Ala
It is the 1st day of Hawaiiana lessons, and I am in two courses: a language course and a genealogy course as well. I am hoping to build my foundation of Hawaiiana so that my dissertation will be solid and have the mana'o (thoughts) captured as purely Hawaiian as possible. Below my posting for the discussion on 1st day of Mo‘okū‘auhau: He Inoa ‘Ala. This means Genealogy: A fragrant name.
The whole concept of inoa or name is that it is a prized possession. the Hawaiians believe that one's inoa, once spoken takes on a life of its own. Much thought went into choosing an inoa at birth. Ali'i were given inoa to signify important events in their lives...and also to show reverence and honor perhaps to an 'aumakua or kupuna. Inoa is an integral part of one's life, one's identity, and culture.
Aloha mai kakou. 'O Cami ko'u inoa.
Oh boy. I have a really long name! My formal name is Camilla Grace Fusae Kaiuhino‘onalani Wengler Vignoe. It was kind of funny to see people’s faces so astonished as they announced my name at graduation. I had it printed on my diploma because it made my mom proud to see me graduate.
In any case, I prefer to be called Cami; I am from Honolulu on the east side near ‘Āina Haina. I am the second eldest of 11 children born to Harry and Charlotte Wengler. Each one of us has a long name that tells a story: We have a first name, a middle name which is a Christian name, a Japanese name, a Hawaiian name, and our last name; in my case, I have two last names because I got married.
My first name was chosen because my mother heard it and really liked it. Camilla has a Latin base; it means “ceremonial attendant”. Camilla was also a warrior queen in Virgil’s poetry. Grace, also Latin, means “God’s favor”; it comes from my mother’s favorite prayer: “Hail Mary, full of Grace…”
Fusae was given to honor our Japanese ancestors. It refers to a beautiful and very delicate, yet sturdy ornament that hangs on a far branch of a cherry blossom tree. I recall my grandfather telling me the story a long time ago. Even after the harshest of storms, miraculously, this ornament would still be dangling, intact, on the branch of the tree. As I reflect upon his sentiment, I think it symbolizes hope when all seems to be lost.
Kaiuhino‘onalani, my Hawaiian name, is an inoa pō. My Tūtū (great-grandmother) gifted it to me. It means “one who is held in high esteem with the chiefs”. As I have studied a little bit about inoa pō, I understand that an ‘aumakua will send the name to your kupuna, perhaps in a dream, who then must give it to you.
My maiden name has its origins from Germany. They say that it is a common name there, and that the Wengler clan lived in the hills somewhere there. I would really like to visit Germany some time and research my father’s family.
My last name Vignoe was originally Vignali; it has its roots in Italy – my husband is third generation Italian. It means “of the vines”; the family used to make wine in either Naples or Sicily. Anyway, the story that the Vignoes tell us is that when Dave’s grandfather arrived from Italy, immigration people thought it was too hard to say their name, so the officials Americanized their name on the legal papers.
Learning about people’s names is fascinating. It gives us the story of where we came from (nationality), and ties us to a place so that we can trace our genealogy. It also makes us appreciate our kupuna as real people contributing to society, and dealing with real problems of their time. I am so looking forward to learning more in this papa.
The whole concept of inoa or name is that it is a prized possession. the Hawaiians believe that one's inoa, once spoken takes on a life of its own. Much thought went into choosing an inoa at birth. Ali'i were given inoa to signify important events in their lives...and also to show reverence and honor perhaps to an 'aumakua or kupuna. Inoa is an integral part of one's life, one's identity, and culture.
Aloha mai kakou. 'O Cami ko'u inoa.
Oh boy. I have a really long name! My formal name is Camilla Grace Fusae Kaiuhino‘onalani Wengler Vignoe. It was kind of funny to see people’s faces so astonished as they announced my name at graduation. I had it printed on my diploma because it made my mom proud to see me graduate.
In any case, I prefer to be called Cami; I am from Honolulu on the east side near ‘Āina Haina. I am the second eldest of 11 children born to Harry and Charlotte Wengler. Each one of us has a long name that tells a story: We have a first name, a middle name which is a Christian name, a Japanese name, a Hawaiian name, and our last name; in my case, I have two last names because I got married.
My first name was chosen because my mother heard it and really liked it. Camilla has a Latin base; it means “ceremonial attendant”. Camilla was also a warrior queen in Virgil’s poetry. Grace, also Latin, means “God’s favor”; it comes from my mother’s favorite prayer: “Hail Mary, full of Grace…”
Fusae was given to honor our Japanese ancestors. It refers to a beautiful and very delicate, yet sturdy ornament that hangs on a far branch of a cherry blossom tree. I recall my grandfather telling me the story a long time ago. Even after the harshest of storms, miraculously, this ornament would still be dangling, intact, on the branch of the tree. As I reflect upon his sentiment, I think it symbolizes hope when all seems to be lost.
Kaiuhino‘onalani, my Hawaiian name, is an inoa pō. My Tūtū (great-grandmother) gifted it to me. It means “one who is held in high esteem with the chiefs”. As I have studied a little bit about inoa pō, I understand that an ‘aumakua will send the name to your kupuna, perhaps in a dream, who then must give it to you.
My maiden name has its origins from Germany. They say that it is a common name there, and that the Wengler clan lived in the hills somewhere there. I would really like to visit Germany some time and research my father’s family.
My last name Vignoe was originally Vignali; it has its roots in Italy – my husband is third generation Italian. It means “of the vines”; the family used to make wine in either Naples or Sicily. Anyway, the story that the Vignoes tell us is that when Dave’s grandfather arrived from Italy, immigration people thought it was too hard to say their name, so the officials Americanized their name on the legal papers.
Learning about people’s names is fascinating. It gives us the story of where we came from (nationality), and ties us to a place so that we can trace our genealogy. It also makes us appreciate our kupuna as real people contributing to society, and dealing with real problems of their time. I am so looking forward to learning more in this papa.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
With Love to Our Dear Friend Henry Reed...1946 - 2011
One of my colleagues and dear friends passed away from complications of pneumonia. Last Monday he worked the 1st day of school, went home, his lung collapsed; he went into a coma & passed away two days later, on my husband Dave's birthday. Our dear friend Angie who was so close to Henry sent the text in the wee hours of Thursday am - 1:34 am. I was still up writing. This is the exact same way my mother passed away almost a year ago. Here one day, gone the next. Didn't even get to say goodbye. I am so sad.
Henry Reed was an exceptional human being. He huge heart and was just loved by all who met him. A celebration of his life was held yesterday at Santa Barbara City College where we worked, and the whole community showed up to honor him.
Henry loved Hawaii...so the theme was Aloha. How fitting for the message of Henry's life. Aloha. His family members wore leis. I met each of his four brothers and one of Henry's nephews. I had to laugh, each of them looked a bit like Henry, in their own way. I thought, how clever of God to give us that gift, when our friend is gone, he actually lives on in the faces of his 'ohana.
My hula teacher Angelita had begun teaching a new hula last week. I showed up to class Wednesday 1/26, and she says, "How are you young lady?" I told her I was really sad because our friend fell critically ill on Monday, that he was in a coma in the ICU - nobody was allowed to visit only immediate family - and things were not looking too good. I have been praying for him. She said, "I am so sorry to hear that about your friend". Then she continued to teach "In Dis Life" by Iz Kamakawiwo'ole. I got the chills. The song goes like this:
For all I've been blessed with in my life
There was an emptiness in me
I was a prisoner to the power of gold
With one kind touch you set me free
Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you...
For every mountain I have climbed
Every raging river falls
You were the treasure that I longed to find
Without your love I would be lost
Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you...
I know that I won't live forever
But forever I'll be loving you
Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you...
I went home from hula class and practices, I actually practiced for hours, meditating on the words, thinking about Henry as I danced. I felt like I was giving him energy to do whatever God's will was. Several hours later, Angie's text came. "Dear All, Our beloved Henry is no longer physically with us. Just know that he wouldn't want u to be sad but to relish life. Ang :( " January 27, 1:34 am
The next day the mood was heavy with sadness. I remember seeing my friend Jerry who works in DSPS with Henry, and I told her the story of the song Angelita was teaching, and how I meditated for Henry as I practiced. She looked at me incredulously and said, "You should dance that at his services!" I replied, "Oh, I don't know...we just learned it...I wouldn't be ready..." She said, "Just think about it. Do it for Henry". Of course, I would do anything for Henry. So I called Angelita and asked if we could dance on Friday Feb. 4th. She said, "Cami for your friend, of course."
My hula sisters (Ally, Adrienne, Jackie) Angelita & I danced this hula for Henry and his family. It was very touching, and there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. That's just what IZ does, he moves people with his beautiful voice and all his Aloha...even from beyond the grave. His Aloha is contagious...and we have the honor of dancing this hula to his beautiful music to pay tribute to Henry. I feel so humbled for the opportunity to give this gift of love to honor someone who was so kind, gentle, compassionate, funny. He inspired me & so many others. His love and zest for life...it was infectious! In fact, you often forgot that he was disabled. Henry had quadriplegia; he contracted a degenerative muscle disease in his pre-pubescent years, at the age of 13. They told him he had only 6 months to live. He was living on borrowed time, and he knew it - so he operated on a higher plane - knowing just how precious every day, every minute was. He often said he'd about used up his nine lives.
Henry lived to be almost 60 years old. He was such an amazing human being. He never let anything stand in his way. He made you believe you could achieve anything you wanted in your life. I remember I was going through a particularly hard time in my life, and I went to see him in his office. I let the tears flow..."It's so hard..." I cried. He looked at me with those great big blue eyes and said, "I know.." Of course you know. Then he said, "and I know you're going to be OK."
I remember asking him to talk to my master's level class at Antioch, where I teach Career Psychology. I said, "Henry, I don't know if this is something you might be able to help me out with...Those students don't know how to do counseling with people with disabilities. do you think you might be able to come and talk to my class?" He answered, "Sure, no problem. Just tell me where and when." Our beautiful friend and neighbor Angie brought Henry to my class. He was tired, he had worked a long day, but he gave his whole heart...and those students got it. His message: Have compassion. Treat your clients with dignity. Give them your best. Earn their trust. My goodness, I miss you, Henry.
I remember one time Henry walked me to my bike. Well, actually I walked, He rolled. Anyway, I bent over to give him a kiss goodbye and noticed, "Hey Henry, Is that a Super Man earing you're wearing?!" He smiled that impish grin, and laughed, "Yeah. You should see my matching underwear."
The last time Henry came to visit me was before Christmas. He looked up at my desk and saw my calendar. He said, "Oh, Hawaii..." He just loved the islands. He really did. He and his 'ohana went on a trip to the islands a few years ago and really had a great time. The weather was warm and his bones didn't hurt as much there. Plus he loved the warm water and the people and the aloha spirit. When I told him I was going to the islands for a month to research, he was so happy for me. He wanted to hear all about my studies when I came back. I made sure to buy him a Hawaiian calendar while I was there this past Holiday.
I meant to give him this small gift when I came back from Hawaii, but got too busy with the start of the Spring semester. For a week it was sitting right there on my desk. In my new years resolution, I decided to make time and schedule lunch with Henry once a month. Now it's too late, and I feel so selfish. I am sorry for so many things, especially for thinking that we have a hundred tomorrows. The lesson is: Don't wait! We need to show the people we love just how much they mean to us. Do it Now. It really sucks to live with regrets.
God Bless you Henry. I am glad you are not suffering anymore. You will be loved forever. Thank you for making our lives so much richer. Each person was so proud to call you their friend. Thank you for making me believe that I can achieve anything I want in my life. We all miss you so so much. Myself, my heart is broken, I miss you so much, you beautiful man. Save me the spot next to you in heaven, OK? Aloha 'oe, dear Henry.
Henry Reed was an exceptional human being. He huge heart and was just loved by all who met him. A celebration of his life was held yesterday at Santa Barbara City College where we worked, and the whole community showed up to honor him.
Henry loved Hawaii...so the theme was Aloha. How fitting for the message of Henry's life. Aloha. His family members wore leis. I met each of his four brothers and one of Henry's nephews. I had to laugh, each of them looked a bit like Henry, in their own way. I thought, how clever of God to give us that gift, when our friend is gone, he actually lives on in the faces of his 'ohana.
My hula teacher Angelita had begun teaching a new hula last week. I showed up to class Wednesday 1/26, and she says, "How are you young lady?" I told her I was really sad because our friend fell critically ill on Monday, that he was in a coma in the ICU - nobody was allowed to visit only immediate family - and things were not looking too good. I have been praying for him. She said, "I am so sorry to hear that about your friend". Then she continued to teach "In Dis Life" by Iz Kamakawiwo'ole. I got the chills. The song goes like this:
For all I've been blessed with in my life
There was an emptiness in me
I was a prisoner to the power of gold
With one kind touch you set me free
Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you...
For every mountain I have climbed
Every raging river falls
You were the treasure that I longed to find
Without your love I would be lost
Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you...
I know that I won't live forever
But forever I'll be loving you
Let the world stop turning
Let the sun stop burning
Let them tell me love's not worth going through
If it all falls apart
I will know deep in my heart
The only dream that mattered had come true
In this life, I was loved by you...
I went home from hula class and practices, I actually practiced for hours, meditating on the words, thinking about Henry as I danced. I felt like I was giving him energy to do whatever God's will was. Several hours later, Angie's text came. "Dear All, Our beloved Henry is no longer physically with us. Just know that he wouldn't want u to be sad but to relish life. Ang :( " January 27, 1:34 am
The next day the mood was heavy with sadness. I remember seeing my friend Jerry who works in DSPS with Henry, and I told her the story of the song Angelita was teaching, and how I meditated for Henry as I practiced. She looked at me incredulously and said, "You should dance that at his services!" I replied, "Oh, I don't know...we just learned it...I wouldn't be ready..." She said, "Just think about it. Do it for Henry". Of course, I would do anything for Henry. So I called Angelita and asked if we could dance on Friday Feb. 4th. She said, "Cami for your friend, of course."
My hula sisters (Ally, Adrienne, Jackie) Angelita & I danced this hula for Henry and his family. It was very touching, and there wasn't a dry eye in the crowd. That's just what IZ does, he moves people with his beautiful voice and all his Aloha...even from beyond the grave. His Aloha is contagious...and we have the honor of dancing this hula to his beautiful music to pay tribute to Henry. I feel so humbled for the opportunity to give this gift of love to honor someone who was so kind, gentle, compassionate, funny. He inspired me & so many others. His love and zest for life...it was infectious! In fact, you often forgot that he was disabled. Henry had quadriplegia; he contracted a degenerative muscle disease in his pre-pubescent years, at the age of 13. They told him he had only 6 months to live. He was living on borrowed time, and he knew it - so he operated on a higher plane - knowing just how precious every day, every minute was. He often said he'd about used up his nine lives.
Henry lived to be almost 60 years old. He was such an amazing human being. He never let anything stand in his way. He made you believe you could achieve anything you wanted in your life. I remember I was going through a particularly hard time in my life, and I went to see him in his office. I let the tears flow..."It's so hard..." I cried. He looked at me with those great big blue eyes and said, "I know.." Of course you know. Then he said, "and I know you're going to be OK."
I remember asking him to talk to my master's level class at Antioch, where I teach Career Psychology. I said, "Henry, I don't know if this is something you might be able to help me out with...Those students don't know how to do counseling with people with disabilities. do you think you might be able to come and talk to my class?" He answered, "Sure, no problem. Just tell me where and when." Our beautiful friend and neighbor Angie brought Henry to my class. He was tired, he had worked a long day, but he gave his whole heart...and those students got it. His message: Have compassion. Treat your clients with dignity. Give them your best. Earn their trust. My goodness, I miss you, Henry.
I remember one time Henry walked me to my bike. Well, actually I walked, He rolled. Anyway, I bent over to give him a kiss goodbye and noticed, "Hey Henry, Is that a Super Man earing you're wearing?!" He smiled that impish grin, and laughed, "Yeah. You should see my matching underwear."
The last time Henry came to visit me was before Christmas. He looked up at my desk and saw my calendar. He said, "Oh, Hawaii..." He just loved the islands. He really did. He and his 'ohana went on a trip to the islands a few years ago and really had a great time. The weather was warm and his bones didn't hurt as much there. Plus he loved the warm water and the people and the aloha spirit. When I told him I was going to the islands for a month to research, he was so happy for me. He wanted to hear all about my studies when I came back. I made sure to buy him a Hawaiian calendar while I was there this past Holiday.
I meant to give him this small gift when I came back from Hawaii, but got too busy with the start of the Spring semester. For a week it was sitting right there on my desk. In my new years resolution, I decided to make time and schedule lunch with Henry once a month. Now it's too late, and I feel so selfish. I am sorry for so many things, especially for thinking that we have a hundred tomorrows. The lesson is: Don't wait! We need to show the people we love just how much they mean to us. Do it Now. It really sucks to live with regrets.
God Bless you Henry. I am glad you are not suffering anymore. You will be loved forever. Thank you for making our lives so much richer. Each person was so proud to call you their friend. Thank you for making me believe that I can achieve anything I want in my life. We all miss you so so much. Myself, my heart is broken, I miss you so much, you beautiful man. Save me the spot next to you in heaven, OK? Aloha 'oe, dear Henry.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
