The phone rang and I answered to a “she’s here, come on down”. It was my brother Happy calling us to inform us that his wife just gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. Both excited and anxious, my mom & I quickly hopped in her car and drove to Kapiolani Medical Center to see the new gift our family was given. As we entered the hospital, our hearts were beating rapidly as we couldn’t wait to meet her. I trotted down the hall and quickly opened the door to the hospital room; there stood my brother with a smile that went from ear to ear holding his daughter tight in his arms. You could see it was love at first sight for him. He turned to us and asked, “isn’t she beautiful?” I put on my little hospital gown, washed my hands and grabbed her for the first time. I was just a teenager at the time but I knew how special she would be. After spending a few minutes holding her, I passed her onto my mother. [Yes, I held her before my mom did. I know, I'm a little selfish when it comes to that!] I asked, what’s her name? He then grabs my hand and pulls me to the corner of the hospital room. He reaches for a piece of paper, grabs a nearby pen and writes one letter… G. My brother is deciding to play a game, since this is what my family does, it’s always fun and games in my household. The only thing I could come up with was Gina. He then writes an A. I’m thinking he better not have named her after himself and called her Gabriella. [My brother's legal first name is Gabriel]. He chuckles and then writes a Y. Now, I’m confused. Before I have a chance to answer he writes an L. The little paper now has GAYL. My response was” no way! You didn’t”. Because I’m thinking Gayla! haha. He stands there for a few more seconds smiling and then quickly writes YNN, so the name reads GAYLYNN. He then softly says I named her after you. I was so touched and instantly hugged him as tight as I could. I was honored, he then says I want you to be her Godmother. I couldn’t believe it, I was speechless. It was a moment I will never forget and remember every detail.
It has been over 20 years since that happened and I remember it like it was yesterday. After graduating from high school, she flew up to live with me in California for a little over a year. She worked for me and spent a lot of time learning as much as she could before returning back to the islands to finish school. She just bought her first brand new car a few months ago. I can’t believe how grown up she is and how fast time flew past me AGAIN.
Needless to say, when I got a text from her last week telling me she’s going to see me, I was thrilled! It’s my family, I love them and always love the moments I spend with them. She flew in for the U2 concert in Pasadena, part of the 360 Tour. My Gaylynn is here in LA. [yeah, yeah, yeah] and I get to see her tonight! [oh baby, baby]
Here is a pic of her and her baby brother Ken at Waikiki Beach. I shot this years ago, but this is how I remember my little niece, who is now all grown up! My monday is starting out great since I know I’m seeing my little baby today!
by gayla
show hide 3 comments
link to this post email a friend