Premier chapter 3
Part 5 of the Holiday Marathon
ANs in part 1
"This feels weird," Kono said. "I'm used to being the one asking the questions."
"I'll make it as painless as possible," Grace promised. "First question, if you weren't working in your current job what would you be doing instead?"
"I would be a retired pro surfer," Kono said with a small smile. "So maybe I'd have ended up following Chin into police work by now anyway."
"I'd probably be in marketing. I don't think I'd stray too far from business," Adam chuckled. "I'm definitely not as multifaceted as Kono."
Grace and Kaitlyn laughed.
"Fair enough. What's the best thing about your job?"
"Seeing ideas and proposals come to life. Watching my employees thrive in their jobs and grow with the companies they're committed to. Instituting a tuition reimbursement program and on site daycare across all our holdings is something we're particularly happy about."
"That's wonderful," Kaitlyn smiled. "My mom going back to school changed her life, and ours. I wish one of her bosses had offered daycare when we were little."
"Hopefully more companies will," Adam said with a pat to her hand. "Your mom's incredible."
Both girls nodded their agreement as Kono gave her answer.
"We get a lot of drugs, weapons and criminals off the streets. I like that being on the team gives me the ability to make my home, the place my family's called home forever, a safer place. Getting to do that with Chin, Steve and Danny started as a learning experience I'd never be able to touch anywhere else, and it's become the chance to make a real difference while working with family."
Angie jumped to her feet. "Auntie Kono helps catch all da bad guys! She calls it girl power!"
Kono held out her arms and Angie raced into them. "You got that right, sweetheart."
"Next question," Grace said. "What's your favorite thing to do for fun?"
"Surf." Kono grinned. "I'm always happy on the water. Surfing with Adam and friends and family is the best. Helping to teach Angie and DJ is so much fun, just like it was teaching you two."
"Downtime with Kono and our ohana. Traveling to scuba dive on the other islands, giant family parties. Kalakaua, Kelly, or at Steve and Catherine's."
"What's one thing you want your nieces/nephews/godkids to know?"
Adam answered first. "That I'm still and always grateful for the way I was accepted into the fold. I'll never stop appreciating being considered family."
"Aww, that's sweet," Kaitlyn said as Kono pecked Adam's cheek.
"And I want you guys and Casey and all the kids to know I will forever have your backs. No matter what. Ohana till the end, we're family," she said.
"Love you." Grace blew her a kiss from across the sofa.
"What's a favorite childhood memory?"
"My mom teaching me to surf." Kono said without hesitation. "Doing anything with Chin," she laughed. "I followed him like a puppy as a kid and he was so patient and included me all the time. I thought he was the coolest person ever." She dropped her voice to a stage whisper. "I still do."
"Spending time with my family," Adam said seriously. "When I was a little kid." Kono placed her hand over his and his face brightened and his smile returned.
"Last question," Kaitlyn said. "If you could change one thing about your life, past or present, what would it be?"
"I'd change my father's choice of business, otherwise, nothing in the present. I'm very happy and content now."
"You're probably thinking I would change blowing out my knee," Kono said with a small smile. "And I would. Not necessarily because it would change my career and life path but because that was some ugly pain and rehab and I still feel it once in a while. Otherwise there's absolutely nothing I would change."
"I wanna thank you both for your time," Grace said. "You did great."
"And you're right." Kono smiled. "It was mostly painless."
The screen went dark for just a second and when it sprang back to life Joseph and Elizabeth were smiling at the crowd.
Kono nudged Adam. "I'm glad we got to go before them instead of after. I have a feeling they'll be a hard act to follow."
"I just want to start off by saying how proud I am of both of you." Elizabeth smiled softly as Grace and Kaitlyn made final preparations for her and Joseph's interview. "You've worked very hard on this and gave up countless hours of your spare time. Something neither of you have a lot of. But you stuck with it and what you're creating is something that will be precious to our family for generations to come."
"I've only seen a few excerpts and I already know it's something I'll want to watch over and over," Joseph said.
"You're both too sweet," Grace said around a lump in her throat. "We've had such a good time doing it. We've learned so much about people we thought we already knew well."
"I'm almost sorry to see it coming to an end," Kaitlyn admitted.
"I'm sure you'll both find another project, together or separately, that you can lend your considerable talents to," Elizabeth said confidently.
Grace blinked her suddenly damp eyes and said, "I think we better ask the first question before you make me cry. If you weren't working in your current job what would you be doing instead?"
Joseph chuckled. "Well my current job is retired so I'm not sure how to answer that."
"You might be retired," Kaitlyn said, "But you still do lots of things like help at the VA and at Pearl when they ask you to. Plus there's the shelter and I know you help out at Tutor Time a lot."
Joseph looked at her and grinned. "You're right, Kaitlyn. Retirement is hard. I think maybe I need to go back to work so I can get a little rest."
Grace and Kaitlyn both giggled.
"What about you, Aunt Eizabeth?" they asked in unison.
"I can't imagine doing anything other than teaching," she replied. "I love that moment when you see the light in someone's eyes and you know they've made a connection to the material you're teaching. There's no better feeling than helping someone believe in themselves and their ability to learn. It can make all the difference in the course of someone's life."
"You can say that again," Casey called out from her seat on a blanket beside her mother. "The help Aunt Eizabeth gave me, and the study tricks she taught me, have made all the difference now that I'm taking harder college courses."
"It was my pleasure, sweetheart," Elizabeth replied.
"One thing Elizabeth and I have always tried to instill in Catherine," Joseph said onscreen, "Is that the true key to happiness is in helping others. There's no feeling like it."
Steve leaned over and kissed Catherine's cheek. "That's a lesson you learned very well."
"What's the best thing about your job?" Kaitlyn asked onscreen.
"The people. Definitely the people," Elizabeth replied with no hesitation. "The students. The tutors. The parents. They make every minute worth it."
"For me, the best thing about retirement is that I'm able to be a full-time grandpa, uncle, father, shoulder to cry on, ear to listen … you name it," Joseph said. "It's the best job I've ever had."
"Next question," Kaitlyn said. "What's your favorite thing to do for fun?"
"Hike," Elizabeth said. "Go to the movies. Explore Oahu. We've lived here for over four years and we've barely scratched the surface of learning what the island has to offer."
"Elizabeth is also very dedicated to keeping the local economy afloat." Joseph winked at the girls. "There's talk of her getting her own parking space at the mall."
Elizabeth laughed as she elbowed her husband in the ribs.
"Of course we can't forget the thing we both love to do the most." Elizabeth's eyes twinkled. "Spoil the grandchildren. And if anyone is waiting for an apology for that they'll be waiting a very long time."
"What's one thing you want your kids/grandkids/family to know?" Grace asked.
"That I will always, without question or judgement, with unconditional love and unswerving support, be their soft place to land," Elizabeth said.
"That they can come to me no matter what," Joseph added. "That I will keep their confidences, share their secrets, and stand beside them no matter what."
Elizabeth took her hand in his and squeezed it gently.
"Our love for our family is unconditional and we will always be on their side," she said.
"I need a second," Grace said as she dabbed at her cheeks.
"Me too," Mary said to the screen as she wiped at her damp eyes.
"Ok, what's a favorite childhood memory?" Grace asked after she regained her composure.
"My dad used to read us bedtime stories when we were little," Elizabeth said. "I was pretty young when he died so I treasure all my memories of him. And of course watching the Cubs games with my mom."
Ang smiled radiantly at her daughter. "Those were some of my favorite times too."
"I remember standing on the dock when I was about seven or eight watching a ship set sail and dreaming that someday I'd be on it as it set out across the ocean. It felt so exciting and like such a big adventure." Joseph smiled. "And you know what, every single time I was on a ship that set sail I remembered that moment and felt a little bit of that anticipation again."
"I think I'm starting to feel that same kind of anticipation," Dylan said. "It feels great.
"Finally, if you could change one thing about your life, past or present, what would it be?"
"It may sound like a cliche but it's true." Elizabeth smiled brightly. "I wouldn't change a thing."
"Right after I retired I grew a moustache," Joseph said. "That was a bit of a disaster. I might rethink that but otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing either."
Alyssa leaned forward and tapped Catherine on the shoulder. "After watching these interviews I've realized something."
"Is it that we have very, very similar parents?" Catherine asked.
Alyssa touched the tip of her finger to her nose. "You got it in one.
Catherine's attention was drawn back to the screen and she smiled when she realized Jenna was up next.
Kaitlyn centered the image on the screen. "Ready, Mom?"
Jenna smiled at her. "Ready. Let's see what questions you girls have for me."
"Okay, if you weren't working in your current job what would you be doing instead?"
"I would probably still be working in some kind of medical office doing admin or billing or management work. I love my job and I'm glad you and your sister and brothers encouraged me to take a chance and go for it."
"You're so wonderful at your job," Grace said. "Boris always says you're a huge asset."
"Boris is an incredible boss, and very encouraging. I love that I get to work with you and Kendra on some of our events, too," she told Grace.
"What's the best thing about your job?"
"The ability to work with great people, and seeing an event come together to make our guests happy is a terrific experience. So is having our covers in the restaurant venues tell us they had a great experience. And I've learned so much about the industry from very generous people."
"What's your favorite thing to do for fun?" Kaitlyn said with a little, knowing grin.
"Spend time with my amazing, brilliant, wonderful children."
"What's one thing you want your kids to know?" Grace smiled.
"Okay, I'm going to run long here but I'm going to start with the fact I love them all beyond words. I will be here for them always and I couldn't be more proud of them all, but here comes the long part.
"I want Cody to know I wouldn't have made it in the earlier years without his maturity, help and dedication to his siblings. You were an amazing child and you've grown into exactly the kind of man I knew you'd be. Kind, strong, respectful and responsible. You even chose a career where you're helping to change things for the better for everyone on the island. Your siblings look up to you with good reason."
Kaitlyn nodded in agreement as she smiled softly.
"Casey, my strong, smart, determined girl, you stepped up to help with your brothers and sister and are always ready to do your part. You're a terrific example and I am so happy you're having a great college experience. I know you're going to do great things. You inspired me as a younger child and you inspire me every day.
My future naval officer, Dylan, you've amazed me with your brilliance from when you were a toddler and started reading to Cody instead of the other way around," she chuckled. "You care for everyone and from the first camping trip when you were the fire marshal of the family, so determined to help Steve keep everyone safe, you'd found a joy in helping others. The way your mind works, you're definitely going far. I'm not surprised but I'm always in awe and I can't wait to see you as a midshipman.
Jacob, my no longer little boy, you have an enthusiasm that hasn't diminished one bit since you were born. You love everyone and your joy is contagious. You never fail to make me and your siblings smile, even when it's not the best day, and that's a gift. I know you're going to use it to spread joy in whatever you do in life." Jenna smiled softly and reached for Kaitlyn's hand.
"And you, my little girl who was always a little bit cautious and quiet, always had so much generosity and kindness. You've grown so, so much. From the child who'd hold my hand around Cammie to my future veterinarian. You have the softest, kindest heart, honey, and you always pick up on what makes other people…" she said with a grin, "and animals feel safe and comfortable."
Jenna sighed as Grace wiped tear tracks from her cheeks. "I'm going to add one more thing. I want all my children to know I'm honored every day to be your mom and I want all the children in my life to know I'm very, very proud of you."
"Okay, wow," Grace took a shaky breath as Kaitlyn hugged her mother tightly and whispered, "Love you, Mom."
"I don't know how I can follow that question but our last one is if you could change one thing about your life, past or present, what would it be?"
"I would've chosen more wisely when I picked who I wanted as a partner in life. Primarily because any hardship that developed from my choice was rough on my kids. Particularly the older ones. But I have the best family ever, we rose above everything, and we are stronger than ever. I can't say I would change anything else. If I ended my relationship sooner I wouldn't have my five beautiful, perfect children and they are, every one of them, like a unique star in my sky. So I wouldn't change a thing."
"Did it just get dusty in here?" Carrie asked as she dug in her bag for a tissue.
"Must have been a freak sandstrom," Mary said as she wiped her eyes.
As everyone tried to pull themselves together after Jenna's moving words the next interviewees appeared on the screen.
"Joan reminded us right before you got here to sit up straight," Alyssa said as Grace and Kaitlyn prepared to start the interview. "And also to smile."
"So if you see either one of us slouching or frowning please let us know," Paul chimed in. "We don't want to reflect badly on our niece."
Grace chuckled. "Deal. I can't give away any details but I'll tell you right now Joan set the bar high for good interviews."
"We'll try not to be too much of an embarrassment," Alyssa promised.
"I'm sure you'll do great," Kaitlyn said sincerely. "So let's get started. If you weren't working in your current job what would you be doing instead?"
"Definitely something with animals," Alyssa said with no hesitation. "Maybe a marine biologist or a dog trainer."
"It's kinda strange but I think I'd be doing something completely opposite of what I do now. I love being an architect but if I had to choose something else I think I'd be a painter. Or a musician."
Alyssa smiled. "I can see that."
"What's the best thing about your job?" Grace asked.
"I get to boop at least a dozen noses a day." Alyssa chuckled. "And sometimes a few beaks."
"I like watching things go from a seed of an idea to an actual three dimensional building and knowing I helped it happen," Paul said. "But the best part of my job is when I get to build the scale models before construction starts. It always reminds me of being eight years old building models at the dining room table after dinner."
"My brother Dylan likes building things too," Kaitlyn said. "What's your favorite thing to do for fun?"
"Spend time with family," Alyssa said. "Going to fun places like Disneyland or the zoo or just hanging out at home playing games."
"I couldn't have said it better myself," Paul said. "Though I'd also like to add that I enjoy my Thursday night basketball game in the over 30 league at the Y."
"Though it involves a lot more ice packs than the over 20 league used to," Alyssa pointed out.
"True." Paul nodded. "But it's still fun."
"What's one thing you want your kid/nieces and nephews/family to know?"
"That I love them more than anything in the world and will always be there for them," Alyssa said. "I want my son to know he can be anything he wants to be in life and I'll support him in whatever he decides to do. And that I never knew I could love anyone so much until the minute they put him in my arms."
"I want my son to know that watching him grow has been the greatest joy of my life," Paul said. "And I want my entire family to know how proud I am to know them and that I love them more than I can say."
"Ok, what's a favorite childhood memory?"
"Model building at the dining room table," Paul said with a laugh. "I became an architect because I never wanted that to end."
"Playing board games with my parents and my brother," Alyssa said. "And because my parents are who they are, it was not only fun but it served as a lesson in conflict resolution. Which was a handy thing to learn before my teen years."
"Finally," Grace said, "If you could change one thing about your life, past or present, what would it be?"
Paul and Alyssa shared a look and with matching broad smiles they looked directly at the camera and said, "Not a single thing."
# End thanks for reading
Stay tuned for part 5 of the marathon
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