2020 has been a whopper of a year: the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hurt, divisive elections. But there also was much to appreciate. In the spirit of the season, we asked readers to share uplifting messages. Here are some of them, to spread comfort and joy.

Generous garden bounties

Along Halemaumau Street in Niu Valley are four distinct points of generosity. Along the main road toward the middle school, is a four-tiered weathered bookshelf. On the shelves are FREE vegetables and plants. Participants can also “trade”; take something and then leave something else behind.

Go farther along that same route and a smaller, well-built open cabinet supplies fresh-grown eggplants, lemons or onions. Now, go around the bend to the intersection of Haleola Street and there you’ll find a daily stock of decorative succulents.

The last stop is near Waldorf School. Periodically, there is a gorgeous makeshift vegetable stand, about 2 feet tall, that provides jumbo bitter melons. Pomelos perch on stone walls at the home of two more neighbors.

It is the season of giving and “random acts of kindness” indeed. I am happy and grateful to be among compassionate neighbors who share their garden bounty in creative, thoughtful ways.

Imelda Amano

Niu Valley

L.A. transplant feels aloha

I am thankful every morning when I wake up in Hawaii, thankful that I am actually living in Hawaii, not just wishing to be here.

I moved here two years ago from L.A., and I am so thankful that I am here in this magical, beautiful land with its gentle and kind people during this challenging pandemic. I love Hawaii and it seems to love me back; I feel like I won the lottery every day of my new life.

Mahalo, Hawaii, my warmest aloha to you and your people.

Sybil Stevenson

Waikiki

Sad today, hopeful for 2021

2020 has been challenging. There are times when I am mentally exhausted. I feel guilty when I am working in the medical field and others are not. I feel for the keiki. They are being shortchanged in their education and interaction with friends and teachers. I am sad for those who have passed away and funeral services are limited.

I take a 2.5 mile walk around Ala Moana Beach Park to relieve my exhaustion. I watch a beautiful sunset. I go to the shopping center; I see a brightly lit Christmas tree in the ewa wing. I see people taking pictures and selfies.

I smile. The tree and people represent hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. Things will be all right. We are resilient.

Merry Christmas, and let’s hope 2021 will be a year of parties, merriment and glee! I could sure use it.

Robert K Soberano

Moiliili

Blessings all around us

Thanks so very much again to the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and the many readers who expressed their feelings, as they provided a wonderful avenue and reminders of the many blessings we still experience or are present in all our lives if we look carefully and appreciate them even during difficult times and conditions.

The blessings may vary but be assured they are there — whether they be personal, family-related, or manifested in our local, state and national communities — as long as thoughtfulness, compassion, kindness and dedication continue with humankind — just as the reply by a newspaper so long ago to the letter and question by a little girl whether Santa exists.

Yes, continue to keep the spirit of thanks in our hearts — and always think and do for the sake of others.

Thank you all, and may better times come soon.

Sam Hashimoto

Mililani

Much still achieved

We should be thankful for EVERYTHING — good things and bad. These are the things I appreciate and why:

Stay at home order: Gives me more time for sewing. I’ve made about 150 quilts for the Shoebox Ministry. We send gifts to kids of undeveloped countries. Also sewed over 100 masks and donated them to the Blood Bank of Hawaii and Shriners Hospital for Children. I take eight Zoom classes a week (Zumba and cooking). I’m the healthiest I’ve ever been. Lost weight, exercising more, cooking healthier food. It’s the first time in 35 years I’m close to my high school weight!

Travel ban and toilet paper shortage: Saves money. Filled my car with gas only four times since March 2020. Teaches me to conserve supplies and not waste. Shopping for only items I need. No international trips, no concerts, no movies, no parties.

Yes, I’m thankful for EVERYTHING!

Christine C. Chow

Makiki

Adapting in adversity

Season’s greetings!

The year 2020 will be a historical milestone year for all of us, encountering adversity with the COVID pandemic. Face masks became a fashionista as a necessary apparel to wear, especially when we go “holoholo” (shopping). Social distancing became essential, while expressing our aloha with fist and elbow bumps, rather than kisses and hugs, became the norm.

Courageous time for all

Outstanding ovation to the first responders for exceeding expectations with overwhelming COVID cases

Vital importance for scientists working around the clock to create a vaccine

Imperative requisite to wear a face mask as a precautionary health and safety matter.

Distance learning versus in-person learning

We are all looking forward to a bright and blissful 2021. Blessings to all for a safe, healthy and prosperous new year!

Roberta Nakamoto

Mililani

Pep talk for students

Dear students of Hawaii,

In moments of vulnerability, and when the world continues to cave in, I am inspired by many of you to continue pushing forward in the face of tribulation. Although this year seems to be against you, I want you to know that there are others out there who are waiting for you to do great things, things that are greater than this Earth.

You may be slouching away, thinking that every day is just a repetition of yesterday’s routine, and rest assured, it is a universal experience.

But if you are reading this message, and if you are unsure of the future, it is proof to me that you have not given up just yet, and you shouldn’t. There is just one last finish line, and I intend to cross it without a heavy heart. Hopefully, you will do the same with me, too.

Owen Agbayani

James Campbell High School student, class of 2021

EXPRESS YOURSELF

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