On March 31, 2008, one of the oldest airline carriers in Hawaii with over 61 years of service abruptly ended operations, affecting the lives of thousands of familes. I have met and been touched by many of their "angels" . It is clear this was more than a job for them. These are people who truly cared for the comfort and safety of their passengers--you and I, in the same way a physician cares for his patients. They also deeply care for each other. The love one feels in their presence is overwhelming. This was more than an airlines to them. They exemplify the word Aloha as a way of life:
Aloha is being a part of all, and all being a part of me. When there is pain - it is my pain. When there is joy - it is also mine. I respect all that is as part of the Creator and part of me. I will not willfully harm anyone or anything. When food is needed I will take only my need and explain why it is being taken. The earth, the sky, the sea are mine to care for, to cherish and to protect. This is Hawaiian - this is Aloha!
As the child grew, the need for a fundamental code of ethics was taught. This code is found within a deeper layer of the meaning of the word Aloha. The code is derived from one of the acronymic meanings of Aloha.
A, ala, watchful, alertness
L, lokahi, working with unity
O, oia'i'o, truthful honesty
H, ha'aha'a, humility
A, ahonui, patient perseverance
The kahuna David Bray interprets this code as "Come forward, be in unity and harmony with your real self, God, and mankind. Be honest, truthful, patient, kind to all life forms, and humble." He also stated that to the Hawaiian of old, Aloha meant "God in us."
( http://www.huna.org/html/deeper.html Curby Rule on "The Deeper Meaning of Aloha")
Here are words and comments from some I have been honoured to meet.
Doc:
I read of your wonderfully generous offer to our out of work Aloha Airlines employees to provide office visits for a $25 charge. As a fellow airline employee (and union rep) with Northwest Airlines I can appreciate the devastation that has occured to these folks. Your contribution at this critical time is "life -saving" !!
You clearly represent the Aloha spirit.....on behalf of all airline employees around the world....a big Mahalo !
All the best,
Scott D. Woll
NWA Flight Attendant
LEC Vice President
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA
Council 96 (SEA)
GOD BLESS YOU !!!! I FEEL BLESSED TO HAVE SUCH A DOWN TO EARTH AND CARING PHYSCIAN. THANK YOU!!
J.G.
Dr Williams,
this is why you are a incredible person! More should set example such as yourself.
