Two-Thousand-and-Seven

Posted in Accounting, Cancer, Dad, Grief, Hawaii, Life, Portland, OR, Tavel, Tragedy by garran on the December 30, 2007

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Dedicated to those who fell victim to 2007

Dear Two-Thousand-and-Seven,

When we began our relationship I saw the potential for many great things to become of our journey. We’ve shared the joyous celebrations with family and friends, deep conversations and silly interactions . With you alongside I felt stronger than others, I became smarter and faster than our competetors. Knowing you were there to support my every decision provided me that arrogant confidence and swagger and we were ready to conquer the world.

Shortly thereafter you began to let down your guard and your “true self” begain to unveil itself to me. At first it was nothing more than a frustrating inconvience, however you rapidly took an aggressive turn for the worse and outright betrayed my loyalty to you. You took something from me which can never be replaced , and for this reason alone I can never forgive you.

I wanted to desperately to leave you shortly thereafter, but I quickly realized that I needed you. I needed you beside me so I could get my bearings in my new world. I needed you there to provide the familiarity I had with my past life, to bring me comfort on the difficult nights. I needed you there to bridge the gap .

Most recently I took notice of the positive changes you’ve made and the progress we’ve made together. I’m sure we could still achieve many of our goals in time but the irreparable damage is already done. I’m confident that you will find another who can treat you better, appreciate you more and understand you completly.

In less than 36-hours I will officially bid you farewell and ceremoniously put an end to our tumultuous 365-day relationship. I will always reminice on the joyous memories we’ve shared and lessons you’ve taught me. You will never (can’t) be forgotten and will always hold a special place in my life, but I honestly do not wish to see you again.

Thank you for the memories, lessons, realizations and support.

 

Sincerely,

Garran

Citron Street Project

Posted in Hawaii by garran on the December 30, 2007

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from 12th Floor on Citron Street, Honolulu looking South

I recently stumbled upon a fellow blogger’s project which he relies on his readers to provide him with pictures of Martin Luther King boulevard from various States. I’d like to duplicate his project on a smaller scale utilizing my home-street as the “objective”. All pictures received will be credited to the appropriate photographer or source.

According to Google Earth, there are only six (6) Citron streets in the world:

  • Corona, California
  • Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Port Charlotte, Florida
  • Reno, Nevada
  • Media, Pennsylvania
  • New Smyrna Beach, Florida
  • Yalaha, Florida

Jenessa Boey Byers

Posted in Cancer, Dad, Grief, Portland, OR by garran on the December 29, 2007

 


Jenessa Boey Byers
1999-2007

The natural order of life is simple; parents pass away before their children.

 

I recently loss my Dad to cancer earlier this year and our family has yet to fully recover. I can’t begin to imagine the emotional distress of having to bury one’s son or daughter. Under no circumstances should a parent have to bury their child, it’s not supposed to work in that order!!

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Protected: Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Nakagawa

Posted in Golf, Hawaii, Sports by garran on the December 27, 2007

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Chapter 2, Page 4 — Portland, Oregon

Posted in Portland, OR, Tavel by garran on the December 27, 2007

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Tuesday, November 13, 2007

With everything that has happened this year, this trip was the best thing that could have happened to us.

I’ve realized the discovery by exploration of the personally uncharted territory was the perfect mind-cleanse and rejuvenation for myself. The lack of familiarity was also a positive which allowed me to build new memories rather than reconstruct the former. Should there ever become a need to find refuge where I can rebuild my life, I think I’ve found the city where I’d like to begin.

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Chapter 2, Page 3 — Portland, Oregon

Posted in Golf, Portland, OR, Sports, Tavel by garran on the December 26, 2007

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Monday, November 12, 2007

With less than 48-hours remaining in our inaugural winter vacationing in Portland, we I decided to squeeze the most out of the day by starting at 5am with a cup of Starbucks coffee and a bagel.
We sat in the lobby of the Benjamin Franklin Plaza watching the employees slowly straggle in from the wind and rain to find shelter in the warm office building. (more…)

Chapter 2, Page 2 — Portland, Oregon

Posted in Portland, OR, Tavel by garran on the December 26, 2007

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Saturday, November 11, 2007

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Chapter 2, Page 1 — Portland, Oregon

Posted in Portland, OR, Tavel by garran on the December 26, 2007

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Friday, November 10, 2007

We definitely needed a break from everything and everyone, and what better place to escape the realities of life than the scenic Greater Northwest.

Neither Jaimie nor myself have been to Portland before, which was part of the attraction for myself as there was no resemblance of any memories I’ve had of happier times. This vacation would be my resetting point which I could begin to build on positive memories to overwrite the still fresh negative sequence of events which transpired earlier this year.

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Last Minute Shopping

Posted in Uncategorized by garran on the December 22, 2007

IMAG0012 This Christmas I decided to move away from the commercialized gift packaging and work towards a more creative and personalized gift to show appreciation for those who’ve helped us so much along the way.

IMAG0051 Ala Moana Shopping Center wasn’t very crowded this weekend, but I guess this shouldn’t be a surprise if you’ve been listening to retailer’s concerns over the lower-than-anticipated holiday revenues.

IMAG0060 The University of Hawaii’s 12-0 season, culminating with both senior quarterback Colt Brennan and head coach June Jones in contention for the Heisman and Coach of the Year awards, respectively. Needless to say any University of Hawaii paraphernalia was a hot-commodity at the Rainbowtique.

IMAG0061 My girlfriend noticed this bright-yellow Hello Kitty car as we made our way back home.

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Perception is Everything

Posted in Dad, Grief, Life, Tragedy by garran on the December 19, 2007

Perception is key

Written: August 4, 2007

While many have mentioned how difficult of a situation I’ve been placed into, I don’t see it as such. Not only do I see it as an honor to take these responsibilites on my shoulders but also my repayment for the sacrifies he made for me.

Personally, the most difficult aspect of my Dad’s passing was the burdens he carried on his shoulders. For those left behind, we have the opportunity to control the outcome of our remaing lives. We have the opportunity to correct any wrong-doings and plan accordingly for the future. These opportunities weren’t granted to my Dad.

Imagine this: Each morning, afternoon and evening you prepared meals for your “retarded” child who is physically incapable of holding a fork to his mouth. One morning you awake only to realize you suffered a stroke in your sleep, so severe it left you unable to move nor speak.

The moment you realize your morality near it’s too late to tie up loose ends and make amends. Everything is happening so quickly. Imagine having that burden on your shoulders as you leave this world. Imagine leaving your burdens with your love ones to deal with. Imagine that burden.

Throughout this ordeal I felt helpless. There was little I could do, aside of providing support and love, but picking up his burdens with confidence to get even with the universive was something I can do. As he left this world I whispered in his ear; Don’t worry Dad, I’ll take care of everything for you. I’ll take care of Mom and the family. Don’t worry Dad.

This “burden” I carry is something I’m honored to do. This is something I want to do for him.