After a 23 year career at the University of California, now at 50, I started a new path as a science consultant working in the area of applied immunology.  The purpose was to find simple ways we could make our immune system balanced and effective.  The Western world, and advancing age, have all kinds of dysregulating influences on immunity.

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Shortly thereafter, I move to Hawai‘i so I could more fully enjoy my ocean.  I fell in love with the islands, the people, and the culture.   I began giving my time my knowledge and my passion to make a difference.   It all came to pass.   At almost 60, I was adopted by a Hawaiian family. To adopt is to Hanai.  What an honor.  My life was forever changed.  I finally had a family of sisters to teach me the Hawaiian way.

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Before COVID 19, in Hawai‘i, we would great each other most affectionately. A Hawaiian Kiss or Honi is common.  Sadly we must find another way to safely share our Aloha.  So maybe we can share words to express our connections to the heart.

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Often when we greet, someone may say, Pahea ‘ōe ?  Meaning how are you.  Such a question today has new and dramatic meaning.  And if we are good and healthy we may say, Maika‘i ( I am well and good) and if we are really good and perhaps gleeful we are healthy we may say,  Maika‘i No!.   Then as we depart company (six feet apart and masked) we might say,  Ola Pono,  meaning have the righteous health you deserve for living with Aloha.

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Aloha means so much more than hello or goodbye.  It is an expression of love.  It means to me, all that I am and all that I have I offer to you my brother or sister.,

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This pandemic alters or lives our community and our work, but it cannot alter the spirit of Aloha that joins all of us.  We are ohana (family) and we will get through this together because of ALOHA.

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It is in the spirit of Aloha I offer this information, such that you may be blessed with knowledge and the strength it provides.

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