January 10, 2007

Carmine and Kathy went to the Shogun Restaurant for breakfast. It had a buffet of asian foods as well as american. The view is a lagoon with real water and mountains painted on the wall. Maria and Sueann went for coffee and a muffin; they sat on the beach for their breakfast time. Justin came over early with his cap and gown; he had rehersal for graduation at 9am. We sat and talked a bit til he had to go.Today we walked down to the International Market, a courtyard filled with stands. Each stand has jewlery, mostly shell necklaces and rings of every sort. We went into one of the shops further up the road because we noticed a tunnel going through an aquarium. It was like you were under the water with the fish. The pink hotel, The Royal Hawaiian, Kathy and Maria remembered from the trip with their mom. She used to sit with Kathy in the lobby while Maria and Jessica went to the beach. We sat at the beach side bar and sipped a pina colata while Maria went inside to get a picture of the place. When she came out she joined us with a MiTi. After our drink we walked along the shore. The waiter came running after us; we had forgotten to pay. Kathy gave him a nice tip.

Back at our hotel we relaxed. Kathy and Sue went to the pool area to sit in the lounge chairs, Maria went to the beach and Carmine sat on the lani. About 3pm we met up back in the room to change for lunch. Justin called and met us for lunch at the Sheraton. We sat near the water eating club sandwiches and sipping ice water. By the time we got back to the hotel we had just a few minutes to freshen up. It was time to walk to the Shell for the graduation ceremony. We were almost there and Justin had to meet up with the class so hurried ahead. Sueann presented him with a lei to wear for the ceremony; he would get the others after. We had seats near he stage, there was also seating on the grass. justin called Sueann's cellphone; he wanted his mum at the front gate. Kathy went out and he gave her a big hug; he was glad she was there. He introduced her to Eric. They did a few pictures then Kathy returned to the seats. Justin joined his classmates.

Commencement ceremonies began with the processional of professors and students into the dome shaped arena. The Hawaiian Chant sounded like Hawaiian yoddeling. The Sea Warrior Band played the Star Spangled Banner, Hawaii Ponoi and the Alma Mater. After the Invocation was the President's welcome. The Valedictory speakers representing the three areas of the university; military, nursing and BS. We listened to Dr. Alissa Arp, a new professor to the university tell her life's story and give advise to the students who sat along the front mostly text messaging and talking on their cell phones. Then came the moment we all waited for, presentation of the candidates. Justin had said he would be with his friends, they were not coming out in abc order. First were all the BA degrees, then they announced the BS students. The first name was Gabe, a friend of Justin's, so Kathy said, "cameras ready". Justin was next! Kathy blew the Pittsburgh Here We Go Fog Whistle and "the aunts" yelled, "Justin". Cameras clicked. The family behind said, "Way to go Mom" and the moment was over. Names droned on for about an hour or so more with families yelling or cheering. Students each had there moment and thank yous were announced. It was over. We met Justin back along the fence where the sign hung with alphabet letters. We saw Melissa walk by and yelled, but she didn't hear us. We saw her later after she made her rounds. Justin was grinning fully as he walked up. We presented him with our leis which filled up his neck. We took lots of pictures then walked over to Lulu's, a local bar. Jamie and Melissa joined us and we got a table. Other graduated were seated circled by their parents and friends also. We toasted to Justin's accomplishment. After chatting and enjoying sharing in Justin's celebration we left him to his friends and walked back slowly with shopping pitstops to our hotel.