Inspiration On 10/12/11

Hawaiians have a powerful word for family: 'ohana. In 'ohana,
people matter. And they know it. As Lilo says in "Lilo and Stitch,"
'Ohana means family. Family means no one is left behind - or
forgotten." Families that value closeness work hard to keep
anyone from feeling left behind or forgotten. 

A reader in Hawaii once wrote to tell me that the CEO of
the state's largest banks was considering a run for 
governor. Since he was well-liked, he seemed to have a good
chance of winning. 

But, before filing papers, he changed his mind, stating that
he wanted to spend more time with his family. Not that
elected officials can't be family-oriented, but he reasoned
he needed more time at home than the job allowed.

Ronald A. Young, in the "Honolulu Advertiser," praised the
decision. "No matter what you accomplish in the business
world or the social world," he said, "if you fail 'ohana, then
you have not accomplished much. Failure or success does
not lie in the material wealth you provide them. It is
measured by what of yourself you give to them." 

 -- Steve Goodier