Aloha all, especially for Beth and LC,

I was never very eloquent. I am always searching for the right words. Here are a few connected with wonderful memories.

Besides Beth and Angela, I can’t think of anyone else who was with me in school all the way through Hanahauoli and then Hawaii School for Girls. Even though Beth was a year behind, she was “standout”. Of course, our teachers at Hanahauoli recognized her academic work by publishing her poetry and stories. I always appreciated her teamwork skills on the field before and after school and at recess. She was kind to all, even the clumsiest athlete. Do you remember those white cotta we wore for the Christmas carol performance every year? Beth was the most angelic of all the cherubs. (Of course, this was also true of the more mature young women in our white choir muumuu at HSG. I think you might have been asked to sing second alto sometimes to keep me on key.). I think you helped make it through my short time on the Yearbook Committee.

Were you the valedictorian of your class? You were so beautiful that day. I think that might have been the last time we saw each other, at Stella’s. Our lives took different paths. Because of the Kellett’s, I knew you were just as successful as I always imagined you would be.

My son Will kindly shared a good thought for me. He quoted Mattis, quoting Jackie Robinson, “A life is meaningless, except for the impact it has on other lives.” And Will added, think of all the lives she has touched broadcasting into OPB.

Will just lost a friend this week, and on Tuesday’s NCIS episode this poem was shared:

Epitaph by Merrit Malloy

When I die, give what’s left of me away

To children and old people who wait to die.

If you need to cry,

Cry for your brother and sister

Walking the street beside you.

And when you need me,

Put your arms around anyone and

Give them what you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something,

Something better than words or sounds.

Look for me in the people I’ve known or loved.

If you cannot give me away,

At least let me live in your eyes,

And not in your mind.

You can love me most

By letting hands touch hands,

By letting hearts touch hearts,

And by letting go of

Spirits who need to be free.

Love does not die, bodies do.

So, when all that’s left of me is love,

Give me away.

Aloha, Liz (Elizabeth Withington is how Beth will remember me)