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| Dad & Uncle Elonie December 2024 |
"On New Year's Eve, I worked the day shift and had one of those days that just felt... right.
You know what I mean?
The employees and guests were in this amazing festive mood. Some of the staff were all dressed up in their New Year's get-ups - and man, they looked GREAT!
But here's where it gets really good...
At work, I had these incredible conversations with folks who were getting ready to move on to new chapters in 2025. And as I'm talking with them, I kept thinking about my dad and mom."
See, my dad's been dealing with Alzheimer's, but here's the crazy part - it's actually made him more relaxed, carefree, and happy than I've seen him in years.
On my drive home from the family reunion, I called my mom and told her something that made her day. I said, "Mom, dad remembers you. And he keeps telling me to tell you hi."
But wait... it gets even better.
Every time my dad and I look at each other now, we both just SMILE. Like we're brand new friends who somehow know we can trust each other completely. It's the most beautiful thing.
He just turned eighty-one at the beginning of the month (his younger brother, my uncle, had his birthday at the end of the month too).
And speaking of my uncle Elonie...
This guy drops some SERIOUS family history on me!
I mentioned the Orchid Ballroom on Oahu - that's where my mom's mother ran the taxi dance hall. All I remembered was crashing out on the bed in the office upstairs when I'd visit with my grandparents.
But Uncle Elonie? He tells me there was GAMBLING going on underneath the ballroom!
Who knew, right?
He's telling me about this made up card game called Lucky Sevens they played down there. And get this - he used to MARK THE CARDS!
Leave it to another Oliverio to defy the odds...
Then he mentions that grandpa was somehow connected to the Labor Union, and immigrants would come around looking for work. Plus, my uncle made sure all the lady taxi dancers got home safe after work. What a gentleman!
Even my dad chimed in that day (amazing what people with Alzheimer's can remember, right?). He said he saw tons of cash flowing in and out of the Orchid Ballroom because he'd help count the money with my grandparents at the end of the night.
"So I get home from work, change clothes, and I'm about to head to the gym when...
My son Hazen pulls up the driveway!
He shows me a couple bottles to celebrate the night. I tell him I'll be back soon after my workout.
The gym was packed, but I had a solid session. Stopped at Chipotle's afterward for a bite.
When I got home, Hazen says, "Dad, we saved you some of that steak we made."
Even though I'd already eaten? I snatched that up immediately!
I mean, come on - you can't let good steak go to waste, right?"
Here's what hit me though...
I count myself incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful son and daughter-in-law who think about their old dad during times like this.
But the BIG takeaway I'm carrying from 2024 into 2025?
Be in the moment. Cultivate that inner child we all have within us.
Because THAT'S where the real magic happens.
[Here's more family history I can dig up for you.. tap this link and grab my book for free]
Mahalo and Aloha 🤙🏽
About the Author: Ðean is a multi-disciplinary creative professional who combines artistry with automated business systems. After overcoming significant personal and financial setbacks, he now helps other creative professionals build stable income streams that provide time freedom for their passions. His approach combines the Hawaiian principles of Kokua (helping others) and Ohana (family) with proven direct response marketing strategies.
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