A Hawaiian wahine many years ago gifted me with an interpretation of aloha which I will forever cherish. The word is of two parts - alo: to bring forward, or give; ha: my breath, my soul. So simple, so whole.
Daniel Inouye lived the meaning of aloha. He was gutsy, gentle, generous, gallant and genuine. Danny was a guide and a guardian.
Voltaire said, "I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend your right to say it with my life." This willingness to hold a respectful conversation with those who disagree, a precious and rare commodity, personified the ano (the nature) of Daniel Inouye.
Heroic to the last breath, this classic man of small stature was a giant.
Alain Mei
Kihei
