Sons Of A Warrior — Magnify The Act
“What we focus on, we magnify. We’re not changing its actual size. We’re simply making it bigger in our own mind. If you stay focused on your problems, all that’s going to do is make it bigger than it really is. Focus on God’s promise, not the problem.” Without an automobile, walking was the Warrior and the Princess’ best friend. Other than that, fun bus rides, or a ride in a friends car to the check-ups was a rarity. The recollection of the big blue station wagon that picked us up one day is so vivid. I sat with the boys in the back seat and Vili in the front. When I got in, I immediately saw a hole in the floor of the station wagon, about 12 inches in diameter. I smiled to myself and used the ride to the doctor check up as a teaching moment for my toddlers. I pointed to the floor to keep the toddlers’ minds occupied; I sang “Wheels On The Bus.” As the song was sung, Sika and Tuqami visualized on the road scene from the passenger back seat. They were awed by it. It was a virtual learning moment that day and really was a shining star light for the boys…I seized the time to teach my sons and basically focussed on the act, not the problem. To be given a ride to the doctor’s office was more pleasing than anything else even if half of the floor was gone. As long as the car moved forward, it was gratifying.
With confidence, goals were met. I remained in college full-time, worked and tended to the boys, whilst being a full time mother. Vili The Warrior remained at the work site to perpetuate his cultural heritage. Alot of times, the big blue stroller bought from the Morlan’s for $5.00 assisted transportation for the three sons. It saved the day as the hefty toddlers grew. During my senior year in college, the third son was welcomed. Upon pondering a name just like the others, the answer came. As I held him tight and kissed his face, a noticeable feature became evident- the eyebrows. Alas, the name, Vili Jnr., directly after his Warrior Father was bestowed. It was a pivotal moment for the son with a Warrior’s Vision.
As the family grew, the goals increased and more “trade-offs” became eminent. We received our first White 1970 Nova after several trade-offs for yard service. That day was so clear, the joy was gratefully overwhelming. When Vili worked, everyone was around to help in any little way. It wasn’t easy as the work required the warrior to clear massive trees, climb and cut branches that was an added liability for the homeowner. This work required bus rides to the site and we made it! With endurance, this first automobile, the white Nova was earned. It was ours…What seems like an endless summer concluded with a reward. The princess and her warrior never distracted from the goals. With insurmountable pride, the White Nova was driven that night with three little inquisitive faces in the back seat looking pleasurably in delight. The rides around the community circle repetitively was more than ten times and counting…A jar found in front of the housing laundromat was cleaned and became the bank. “See a penny pick it, all day long you’ll have good luck,” was always chanted. And that was the surest way of filling gasoline in the car. Saving every penny or finding a penny, dispensed a method of assertiveness through a focal point while having appreciation. Pennies and change collected were respectfully saved and a weekly count excited the thought for possible car rides at the little and big circles. As pennies were counted at the gas station, we were laughed at often, and even received sarcasm — well, it was honored. Thats how the Warrior and his Princess saw these moments. Honest critics were even appreciated, but intrinsically it didnt matter. A confident delight was in the achievement of the white Nova. Here was another refreshing enlightenment in the American Dream. Believable? Absolutely! Vili the Warrior and his Fijian Princess breathed easier because they lived to see that day.. The satisfaction was honorable. It validated yet again, an assurance that they succeeded. Focus was on God’s promise not the immaterial problems of man…One had to keep the faith, and faith became the commonality of simple focus. For some, this experience may seem small, perhaps even overlooked. For the Fehoko reel, it was a significant moment. … an overwhelming feeling of the true measure of a parent’s self-worth.
The AMERICAN DREAM becomes so clear now….and ….obvious.
Our projector keeps rolling ……
(Join me tomorrow for excerpt #4 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..)
