Yesterday, while on O‘ahu for a couple of business meetings, I made a run up to Hawai‘i Kai to get a first-hand look at the King Lunalilo Senior Care Home, and visit with some of the residents and staff. The home’s director, Peter Higgins, is eager to share the work that his dedicated team (some have been working there 30+ years!) do.
Lunalilo Home was founded in 1883, under the terms of King William Charles Lunalilo’s will.
Of course, given the economic challenges of the day, Higgins is working dutifully to make sure they’re doing everything in their power to maximize their efficiencies, while maintaining a “Hawaiian home” environment for the residents.
After meeting a few of the kupuna onsite, I joined them in their main living room area and played a few tunes on the piano. Their appreciation for song was heartwarming; looking around the room, broad smiles broke out on faces rich in life experience, joyfully swaying along to the music. It was a touching break in an otherwise hectic day in Honolulu traffic.
As I was ending my visit, I walked by one resident’s room and saw the sight below. I couldn’t help but take a snapshot of this lovely tutu’s room - her collection of posessions most dear lovingly arranged with pride. (Thank goodness for my Mobi camera phone!)
A picture does paint a million words, woudn’t you say?