Nicole was my student for 4 years...Her entire High School career. In class she was known as "Rosalina;" which can be translated from Spanish to "Beautiful Rose." That was Nicole, an elegant, colorful, resilient and beautiful flower.
Nicole was always a very determined young woman. During all the years of knowing her, she never ran away from a challenge. She always put others before herself. Even with me as her teacher....When I lost one of my beloved sons ("pets"); Nicole said little. Instead, she gave me what I needed the most at a moment of complete despair. She gave me a big "fairy dust" hug and a poem. We held each other while we cried and shared a moment of pain. Since then, I have kept this poem in my heart. Framed, it seats on a special place where I read it ever day. It has kept me going during times I felt I had no purpose. Now with her gone, her poem once again keeps me standing, and I hope it can do the same for many who are missing Nicole. Here's a taste of the kind of angel Nicole is..
"It's gonna to be okay"
By Nicole Nohealani Kahoopii
Some others may call you a pet,
An animal companion meant to keep one company,
While I don't call you a pet.
You are my child, my family, keeping my life filled with bliss,
Some others may feed you and walk you regularly,
While I spoil you with those special scratches you love behind your ears.
I love you as I would love my own family.
And I know you love me just as much.
I see it when you make me feel guilty for leaving you behind,
In those forever-lasting sad puppy dog eyes.
I see it on your face and your tail when I come home,
In those full-bodied wags of happiness and contentment.
And I feel it in those times you comfort me the way no one else can,
A simple gesture of placing your head upon my shoulder or lap,
An understanding look telling me that it's gonna be okay.
I can depend on that look no matter how bad it gets,
And it lets me know that there are more important things,
Such as family, love, and life itself.
Some others say they love their dogs,
While I know the truth.
You love me way more than any human is capable of,
And that's how I know,
It's gonna be okay.
