Nau Wale No Leimomi

Many people, even those in Hawaii where I'm originally from, really don't understand the "Mana" of the islands.

I had a teacher, my grandfather, who was a true believer in "the spirit of the land."  The Hawaiian islands are not just trees and dirt, rocks and ocean.  It is the "Mana" of life.

The "Mana" was a gift from God before there were any formal religions.  Some say that it is commonly known as "the magic of the islands."  Some say it is the soul of the islands.

I was taught that it's what some souls are made of.  Not all, but only some possess the "Mana." And yes, my grandfather was not my only teacher. 

I remember one of the lessons that taught to me. It was from a beatiful and wonderful woman who I have known for many years.

She talked with me about the "Mana," I hope because I believed as well. Many times we'd talk story, and though I haven't seen her for awhile now -  she as always been my Aikane. 

Once during a short visit to the Big Island, she gave me a wonderful lesson that I have never forgotten. It was in Waimea, on Whites Road, and we were both in her truck.  She reached outside the window of her truck and picked a flower and gave it to me.

The smell filled my senses. Then she asked if I knew what it was? For some reason, I couldn't remember and what I thought it was - was wrong.

It bothered me that I had forgetten the name of that plant. It was very coomon. And knowing me that way she did, she looked at me and said, "Tommy, you've been away from home too long. You need to connect up to your roots."

She was right. Just like she was right about a great number of things back then. And today, I don't see Momi as changing.  She is still insightful, caring, loving, and has a a smile that would brighten my day. I've always loved her, her children, and lately I just found out that she has had a bout with cancer.

When I first heard about her illness, I really couldn't believe it. Not Momi! It can't be right. Then I went on to Facebook and send her a message asking if it was true.

Tonight, she wrote back saying it is. After radiation and a removal, she is doing better. But now, it's all about checkup and more checkup. And yes, I thank God for that!

It might seem strange to some people that I can be a Christian and believe in God the father, the son, and the Holy Spirit, while also believing in the "Mana" of old Hawaii.

Momi believes that the land has power and her soul is nourished there.  The Big Island of Hawaii was where she found that spiritual quality considered to be sacred among Hawaiians.  She is Hawaiian, and her blood is Ali'i blood.

And knowing her, I can't help but believe that the "Mana" will treat her well and replenish her soul.

The ancient Hawaiians used the la'au lapa'au, which is simply alternative medicine. The La'au is fresh water, sea water, trees, roots, shrub, plants on the land in the land, on the ocean and in the ocean, the rain water.
It's even the mist of Waipio Valley.

Ancient Hawaiians believed that it is used for healing and many sea product was used in creating la'au lapa'au medicines as well. Many of these same la'au herbs and lapa'au therapies are used today. The Lapa'au therapies have quite effective results.

I can't help but wonder if the la'au lapa'au medicine would help Momi these days?  One can never tell. 

But for now with the help of God and the "Mana," radiation therapy and other treatments including alternative medicines, I pray that she stays well.

She is too beautiful a soul to leave her family and friends so soon. 

Malama pono! Aloha au ia' oe Leimomi!   

A hui ho, my old friend!

Story by Tom Correa