Aloha Friday Message – April 4, 2008

We were in Manhattan on St. Patrick's day

Once-in-a-lifetime shot!

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This is an image from our trip to Manhattan. I believe that is an adventure we will talk about for years to come. We had such a good time despite the fact that it was so very cold (well, for a couple from Tropical Hawaii, 40º F is really cold!), and I was sick for a week or more afterward. It’s all good, though, and we’re so happy Mr. Conrad – our Chorus Director – worked on this trip so hard. It took about 22 months to plan it and pull it off. He had the help of many, many people and we are very grateful for their huge contributions. Ms. Nina Saraos made a bunch of important contributions also from designing the logo for the uniforms we wore (a clever adaptation of G-clefs to look like a hibiscus blossom) to accompanist to right-hand and left-hand assistant, to just so much; without her, it would not have been possible for this trip to happen as wonderfully as it did. And of course, the students! My gosh! They were WONDERFUL! We will always feel especially close to those kids for the treasured times we shared together.

Now, this shot was taken on St. Patrick’s day on our way back from a thrilling day at the New York City Opera where the students rehearsed for their Ovations program. This is a special program NYCO runs where students learn the chorus parts from famous operas and then sing them with cast members from NYCO. It was just such a wonderful experience, and our kids made a wonderful impression on the professional with whom they interacted. We were so proud. And to top it off, an alumna from Kaua`i High School who is now working professionally in New York came to sing with us. She was flat-out amazing, and all of us recognized that she had continued to work hard and develop her considerable talent. It was an inspiring moment.

Well, one more time, back to the picture: Crucita and I of course sent out Moon Beams right as we took this shot. Hopefully one of you managed to get outside and take a quick look. Remember, two people can be hundreds – thousands – of miles apart and both be looking at the same moon at the same time.

Meanwhile . . . Tommy and Maria are moving again!! This time it is because the house they are now living in has been condemned. They have a court date this week to give testimony about the lack of heat and A/C, the bugs, the leaky pipes, the drafty walls . . . and the city inspector is testifying on their behalf. Hopefully they will get assistance with locating another place. William had his fifth birthday on 3/29 (seems impossible, but there you go), Charles is excited that he will be going to school soon, and Ana (Miranda) is making considerable progress with her physical therapist and should be starting on SSI very soon. That will help ensure she gets her medical care as she needs it without delay.

Tim will be visiting us in June, and Chanson will join him on Kaua`i toward the end of his visit. She’s just a real gem, and we are so looking forward to meeting her. A long-time friend from my days at Sacaton (AZ) will also be on Kaua`i that week with her two children. Have seen them since they were just little-ones, so that will be fun, too. OH! And our new Goddaughter, Lily Mae Glick will be arriving in June also!!

It’s the final quarter of this school year for Crucita, and once again her students are distinguishing themselves – some for being apathetic, lazy and rebellious and some for being amazingly good at learning prealgebra. One of her students is at the top of his class – a SpEd student doing better than the ‘regular-ed’ students at math. I tell you, she’s a heck of a good teacher!! Kids who will work with her learn more than most people expect them to.

Nobody left except the cats, and they’re turning 3 and 4 this year. We love’em and they are so much fun to be around. There’s lots more happening, but then that’s for future Fridays. For today, I’ll just ask you to pray for peace (and have the faith to believe your prayers will be answered) and to pray for health for our buddy Jim and his stage 4 lung cancer recovery.

I never stop praying for all of you. Pray for one another, please

chick

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About Chick Todd

American Roman Catholic reared as a "Baptiterian" in Denver Colorado. Now living on Kauaʻi. USAF Vet. Married for over 50 years. Scripture study has been my passion ever since my first "Bible talk" at age 6 in VBS.

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