Family matters arrived with the return from a marvelous vacation by part of the clan. It looked like it had been fun with a visit to the golden islands of the Mid-Pacific to show the grandchildren where some of their parents had been born with the unique title of “Kama-ainias.” That term is Hawaiian for “Children of the Land,” a distinctive term of pride for those whose first glimpse of this marvelous world is tinged by the delicious scent of flowers and the bright light of a tropical dawn.

So there was a shock of recognition with the images that came with the trip, and the rich vibrant coast of the rugged Maui shore in bright blue and white foam and the memory of the sound of the relentless tide against the lava rocks of the shore. The trip had been intended to show the grandchildren a bit of their heritage, but as with all things in our world there was a note of “timing” to it all. We have all marked these last two years with the scourge of Covid. It directly affected some of us in the initial grades, but this year has been declared to be done and back to normal.

The trip to the mid-Pacific was symbolic on several levels. One was the demonstration that travel by air is once again common and routine. Another was that school, in person, would resume on the Monday approaching us next week. Preparations were in order, and a visit to the quaint brick building devoted to Elementary Education was required. Parents were engaged in that enterprise, and sent along the image for those of us who were starting Kindergarten, the first step in the curriculum that molds us to life in our society. That program has been a matter of some controversy, as you might have heard.

It is also a matter of memory. Some of us recall the same sort of ritual in the very same town, which through a curious coincidence, is the very same one in which some of us participated in the mid-1950s. To open a picture displaying the shirt with class-year for a kindergartner was a bit of a shock. It was not the name of the elementary school, but rather the high school and year in the future from which this young student would graduate from High School. The rich bright maroon colors were same, as is the name of the structure hich may survive across the years. This year’s shirt reads “Seaholm High School,” and the year of graduation is “2035.” That now seems just around the corner, and will also commemorate the elimination of the gasoline-powered automobile in California.

At least that is the story this year. We will see if it turns out that way as we write our history. Looking back on shirts rom the past- the ones we were assigned back then- we read “Seaholm High School- 1969.” It is remarkable to see both years. We look forward to this coming ride, and the excitement that will go along with it. And wonder that this generation’s young eyes will share some of the same sights on the journey forward! It is only a half century in difference, right?

– Vic

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