The Banyan Tree

It’s always a “must see” place to visit in our family on my maternal mothers side. When making our way into Haleiwa for our shaved ice and day at the beach. Watching the tourists enjoy the sun and waves. While reflecting and thinking to myself. Am I now considered a “tourist” now? Since I was uprooted at the age of 5, and planted into a small dinky little town that on I5 you pass in the blink of an eye. Then I bring myself back to the banyan tree that my great grandfather planted. I remind myself that my roots are forever solidified in the red volcanic dirt that stains anything and everything it touches. I reflect and remember all my family members who hold this location and tree, as a reminder of where are roots are planted. And I can’t help but wonder, was this my great grandfathers purpose? A place where his family can come back and be reminded of where we are from? And who we are? And no matter where we go? Home is rooted in the hearts and memories that we create. I find myself yearning to learn more about each individual and the lives they lived and the struggles and successes in every day life. As I navigate my own life. Do we have things in common more than a bloodline. Do we think the same? Do we move the same? Do we love the same? Amazing how one act by one person with purpose/intention or without. Can inspire an individual generations later. To dig deeper, question more, appreciate more. Growing up as a child. I heard stories, looked at pictures. Imagined myself in a time in which we may say is much simpler than today. Slower pace, less chaos, black and white less grey. A time that felt more protected and safe in its own way. As a middle age woman. I often find myself reflecting on who I am? Do I carry any of the same traits and thoughts as my great grandparents? The same will and resilience in life’s short comings or maybe even my own? If we could be in each others presence. What would our conversations be like? Would they value me as I value their memory and stories? Would they be proud of who I am? Since I can remember I always had a close relationship with my grandma. She is the woman whom I hold dearest to my heart. A strong woman, who took such great care of her family immediate and extended. Being the glue that held everyone together. So I always understood why she was highly regarded and respected. I can say I took a lot of her traits and teachings, she helped mold me into who I am today. When she passed away when I was 15, it felt as if my entire world and safety net disappeared and took one of the biggest parts of me that I can never get back. Her absence set the tone for many infortunate events in my life. I recently went back to Hawaii with my younger sister. Just like we used to as kids for the summer. We visited the cemetery, all the family time allowed, our favorite food spots. And of course the banyan tree. The feeling is overwhelming in a good sense. To stand in the same spot as my great grandfather did when he planted it. You almost feel his presence around and it brings a smile to my face and a warming in my heart. This is where I am rooted. This is where my story began. So thank you great grandpa Miyoshi Ideguchi, for inspiring your great grand daughter to dig a little deeper into the roots that you have planted.

Sincerely,

Your great granddaughter