Happy Thanksgiving!

I am very thankful for the blessings in my life.  

I am facing one of the biggest challenges in my life.  A month ago, I crashed my car.  I called the police and waited near my car.  I was later charged with DUI.  I take full responsibility for my mistake.  I am thankful I didn't hurt anyone or myself.  I remember seeing the cement divider before crashing.  I thought that was my last moment of life.  When I opened my eyes, I thought I was dead.  Then I felt a little pain in my palms, chest, head, and a from a cut on my elbow where I was bleeding so I knew I was alive.  I am happy I am still here with you in the physical world, and I can still play a small role in helping others and bettering our world.

I am thankful for my mom, dad, sisters Mia, Lara, and all my relatives.  I am so lucky to have such a close family.  Mia and Lara are in Hawaii for the Thanksgiving holiday.  Mia is a medical doctor, a pediatrician in Southern California and Lara is a civil engineer in the Department of Transportation for Washington State.  My mom is still enjoying teaching at Salt Lake Elementary School and my dad is topping off his career as a electrical engineer at Pearl Harbor.  I realize how lucky I am to have them as my family.  When you are physically injured or emotionally down, you feel all alone, but realize your family is always there for you.  My DUI incident reminds me of the time when I broke my ankle and of the time when I broke my leg.  You are on your own.  You want to be strong and be able to take on any challenge, but sometimes it is difficult.  I don't want to be a burden on anyone.  It is difficult for me to ask people for favors.  Despite the inconvenience, my family has always been there to help me.  These are life lessons I will always remember.  I am so lucky to have them.  As many prominent leaders tell me, you can count on one hand who will be there for you when life gets rough.

I am thankful for all my ancestors and teachers before me.  I thank my grandparents for everything they taught me.  I will make the most of my life and someday I will join them.

I am thankful for all my friends, past and present.  Many of you have contacted me recently from all over the country and even abroad.  I was touched by those of you who shared how I helped you in some way.

I am thankful for my mentors.  I want to learn all I can to better myself and someday pass the knowledge I receive to the generations following me.

I am thankful for all the constituents that approached me at the shopping mall, University of Hawaii Football games, events, and in the community.  I am going to continue to go all-out for you.

I am thankful for the support from some of you who I may have only met once, but somehow you felt touched by my words. 

I am thankful for my opponents.  I have learned to be stronger and disciplined in my quest to be more compassionate.

I love life.  I look forward to everyday.  I enjoy the white clouds in the blue sky, the ocean, sunset, everything.  I still can enjoy my family and friends.  I still get to strategize my goals for Hawaii and my country.  I still have the opportunity to strive for my personal goals and take on challenges.  I still can reach out to help others.  I am very grateful.