It's been 20 years...

11 years would seem like a long time to get to know someone. 11 years. That's how old I was when my dad died. 11 years was a brief time. I barely got to know the person I hear stories and memories about from family, friends, and even strangers; the man posed in black and white photos.

It's been 20 years since today. Time heals all wounds some say. It doesn't. And now, 20 years later, I know this. I love my dad more than the little girl 20 years ago knew possible; death could never take that away. I miss him. I have many, many memories of him. Welcoming him home from work. Sunday's. Him sitting in front of the t.v. Bellow's. His 'uku bite. Too much cabbage in the hamburger and cabbage. Cleaning the yard. Him on the sidelines of the volleyball court. Him letting me work the gears in the Blazer...making the sound of a racing car. There are many memories that which have slipped away. What it feels like to be held by him. The sound of his voice. The smell of his pomade. I would never exchange the brief time with him for any other. If a man should die, he can live again. And very soon, death, tears, and pain will be no more.

Riley H. Pacarro

On March 3rd, 2010 at 3:40 a.m., during the dark morning hours, proud mom and dad embraced the youngest of now three daughters and The Kauhane 'Ohana welcomed the newest member of the growing family. Riley He anela hina ka lani kau i ka hano haweo i ke ko'olau Pacarro weighed 7.6 pounds and measured 19.25 inches tall, beautiful, aware, and plenty of hair. Riley is the youngest sister to Hala'i, 2 years old, and Hulali (turning 4 years old in May). These strong-willed young girls are children to Jsohnel and Jacob Pacarro.

Riley awaits the arrival of her cousins, Madison and Brianna Marie, soon to come. Tracy & Jerome Pacarro and Laura Seekins, in Tacoma, WA, are expecting their first born in May. We can't wait to meet them too!

More History...

As the first post to The Kauhane 'Ohana blog, I've decided to give a little more of our history. . . After receiving news that my mom was unable to conceive children, she and my dad adopted four children, infants at the time and raised them as their own. My eldest sister, Jarena, was adopted from my dad's sister, his biological niece. The three following, two boys, Stephen, whom we've grown up calling Peewee, and Shane and one girl, Ronnie, were adopted three years apart from one another at the local Catholic Charities organization. Nonetheless, nine years later, with four grown children, the oldest now 18 years old, my mom and dad learned of added joy. Their four would now become five. At the age of forty, my mom gave birth to me, Kana. And thus, we, biological and adopted children of Drena & Jacob Kauhane, were brought together and are one family.