Aloha 2013

Some years seem more significant than others. I won't pretend any were ever easy. If you aren't learning, you aren't growing.

Life is full of so many opportunities that inevitably we change. Nothing can really stay the same.

For me, this was a year to challenge myself. I jumped into adventure and signed myself up for the unexpected. I surprised myself! Not only did I survive it, I changed!

A dear friend once told me, that if something makes you uncomfortable, instead of running away, run towards it and embrace it. It feels like standing on the edge of a cliff and everything is screaming to turn around, but there is a whisper, and it just says, be patient.

Faith and hope can get you through anything. Courage is only realized after you've gone thru it. I wish I could say I was brave, but I was honestly terrified and doubt was always lingering in the background. I just chose to ignore it.

I have loved every moment of 2013! I have met some of the most wonderful people. I am truly grateful for every amazing person that has entered my life. I am honored to share any part of my journey with you. I wish you all many blessings in this new year!

With all my love,
Maile Mitchell-Akita
@mailemmm
HawaiiLegacyBuilders.com

Risk the Adventure

Living a grateful life takes practice. Each day is a new chance to just start your day off with a smile. Decide to be grateful and allow life to surprise you.

Wishing you many blessings always,
Maile Mitchell-Akita
@mailemmm
HawaiiLegacyBuilders.com

Warning for Parents

An unfortunate incident happened yesterday at the intersection of Kuulei Road and Kainalu Drive in front of the fire station in Kailua. A young boy on a bicycle was hit by a car.

According to my young son, who had just entered the crosswalk on his own bike, heard the collision behind him and turned to see the boy fly off his bicycle and land a few feet away.

The vehicle stopped and as he was uncertain what to do, he waited for the boy to get up, which he did. Then in a panic, as my son felt he was in danger in the crosswalk, sped home on his bike.

When he told me what had happened at home, his face was pale and he was really shooken up.

He is so young, I never thought I would have to explain what to do in an accident, but as it could have easily just have been him who got hit, I sat him down and did my best to explain what he should do and if he is witness to such a tragedy again, which I hope is never.

It's terrible enough to have to explain to kids, "watch out for strangers," and "watch for cars," "look both ways before crossing a street" (which he does, thank goodness), but to tell him what to do when something goes wrong. As a parent, I didn't want to say it or think it.

I checked the news feeds and paper and couldn't find any information on this incident, which makes me worry that this incident was never reported. I send prayers out to this unknown child, who my son described as possibly a fifth grader who may attend Kailua Elementary School and was wearing a red T-shirt. I truly hope he is in good health.

To the driver, as scary as what happened was, I hope you reported it yourself and make certain this child is okay.

Parents, we all have so much we still need to tell our kids. I wish he had known to render aid and get help. He was too scared. He didn't know. And its sad to say, but he was never too young. If he was old enough to ride a bike and be out there with the cars, I can't assume all drivers would be so respectful or cautious as I would hope.

Share your wisdom with the next generation. Give them the knowledge they need to tackle any problem.

Love and Aloha,
Maile Mitchell-Akita