Sons Of A Warrior …”H-160"
If H-160 sounds like a code in the “Matrix,” then it is. However, in Sons Of A Warrior, H-160 can never be decoded. It cannot be compromised either. It is only found in a “Warrior’s Only” movie that required no producer, no director or script; where scenes are not rehearsed and the actors portrayals on screenplay is profound realism. At H-160, you could not duplicate, you had to originate. Thus, apartment H-160 is where this Fehoko reel began. The blessed disposition of H-160 on Naniloa Loop in Laie, Hawaii was hence nicknamed “(Hope)-160.” It was a new, tiny home filled with hope and aspirations. An apartment for married college students. Ours was on the smaller side, affording $275 monthly. In designing these dreams, it is here that we accelerated into overdrive. Our unequivocal hope within our home cemented rules: no complaining, no regrets, no murmur, no self-pity, no time to waste. All counterparts had to perpetuate gratefulness in this 400 sq. foot living quarters. We had no idea of poor or poverty, or what it meant. We made do with what we had and was thankful for it. This is who we are and as the cameras of life rolled, we progressed. We welcomed the second born, Tuqami to his earthly home, and provided a name that perpetuated courage in the life of a Fijian Chief from Lakeba. His name-Tuqami, only fitting today for the Son of Vili The Warrior.
Scene by scene, plot by plot, living movements developed into magical moments in our home. “Takes” were often decorated with footballs, oversized helmets, a simple face paint and decorative babies in grass skirts. The bartered Kodak colored disposable cameras became the gem that captured these simple, magical moments. Even our walls sang and danced.
Schedules were shuffled and times were juggled. The Warrior and I kept the dream alive that 27 years ago. In Vili The Warriors own words, “ we live, we live, we live, we must live better today than yesterday,” and I…. well, I echoed those sentiments without question. Perhaps at H-160, one of the most defining moments came when there was no baby formula or milk to give the babies. Our hearts pounded with the unsurety of what to do? But, agonizing over such things would not help? With a Nestle Condensed can of milk in the cupboard, I diluted the concentrated solution with boiled water, smashed and soaked day old soda crackers in the milk (until dissolved), and filled the babies’ bottles. Poor? No…Never…for poor is only a physical attribute. We considered ourselves rich, rich in our minds and spirits. We became victorious through defined innovation and invention.
Someone once said, and I quote, “you are only as great as the company you keep.” In one enormous way, here was our company of greatness, not once, but twice— a double dose: Sikaleti and Tuqami. They molded our sheer greatness momentus. That unforgettable night- we observed them sound sleep. As we did, Vili the Warrior and I clung onto each other, rightfully so. We deemed this dream scene, “TRIUMPH.” Understandably, we had too.. for the mere fact that the new day was dawning and another chance, another opportunity to live this AMERICAN DREAM..Surely, it’s ours for the taking!
Our projector keeps rolling …… (Join me tomorrow for excerpt #3 as we continue this journey of a WARRIOR’s sons’…….. a story of daily inspiration, truth, dedication, commitment and sacrifice of one Polynesian family in AMERICA..)
