My father always told me, “You’re lucky if you can go through life and count your true and loyal friends on one hand.” This past week, I received a blast from the past, a friend I haven’t seen in 30-plus
My father always told me, “You’re lucky if you can go through life and count your true and loyal friends on one hand.”
This past week, I received a blast from the past, a friend I haven’t seen in 30-plus years besides on one brief layover flight about 10 years ago. My friend, John, traveled from L.A. to Maui for the honor of being the best man at a friend’s wedding. He was on a whirlwind vacation consisting of four days, with two days totally dedicated to the wedding, rehearsal, rehearsal dinner, the wedding and reception.
My friend called and said he was coming to Kauai for five hours. He had to change planes in Honolulu, with a two-hour layover Kauai bound. I am thinking to myself, ‘Why is John doing this for only five hours? Would I do the same?’
John was scheduled to come in at 1:10 p.m., however, he did not arrive until 1:35 p.m. He finally arrived, and the first thing he says is, he needs to be back to the airport to catch a 5 p.m. flight — which means we’d have to back at 4 p.m. That would enable me enough time to present John with a home made braided Ti-leaf lei, drive to Costco, order a deluxe pizza, talk story, and then drive my friend back to the airport.
I did a little Google research before he arrived and found a later flight out. I advised my friend to change his flight. There was a flight that departs at 8:44 p.m. This way I could at least show him some of the awesome Cosmic Garden Island I call home. After much hoopla and talking to Hawaiian Airlines reps in the Philippines, John was able to change his flight to the later time with a $55 penalty fee.
My friend went with it. He didn’t fight the extra charge. He smiled and went with the flow of who cares, it’s only money. We now had time to go back to my place, collect my bike, my spare bike, my dog ‘Obama,’ and cruise the awesome Kapaa-Kealia leg of the pedestrian trail. My buddy had not been on a bike for years, and said it was one of the best days ever for him.
We capped off our day with an awesome burger and fries at my favorite Kapaa restaurant, Burger King. The manager made our burgers special to order, double toasted with extra tomatoes, onions and mayo on the side, delivered to our tables with aloha, and the biggest smile I ever saw.
We only had six hours to recap 30 years. We did it right. We talked about our ailments, relationships, kids, and how time really does fly. We talked about small things, but it is the small things that seem to matter in the long run.
My friend, John, is definitely one of the true and loyal friends I can count on one hand. He spent about $500 to come see me for six hours. A visit from the past, like talking and being with someone from beyond. True friends are a treasure. I am honored and privileged to have such a true friend!
Although not a trip you could book through a travel agent, this was a trip that only two true and loyal friends could appreciate — Costco deluxe pizza, a bike ride with Obama Da Dog, and Whoppers from Burger King. Life doesn’t get much better.
• James “Kimo” Rosen is a retired professional photographer living in Kapaa with his best friend Obama Da Dog, Rosen also blogs as a hobby www.dakinetalk.blogspot.com
