Cell 2 Soul: The Humane Health Care Blog

Birds of Kauai (2011)

An Eden for Rare Birds in Hawaii. New York Times

"Rare birds aren’t a rarity in Hawaii, which leads the nation with 35 birds on the endangered species list. The green, tranquil island of Kauai has lost almost half of its native forest bird species. Only eight of the island’s original 13 forest birds still exist, six of which can be found only on Kauai. They include the akekee, the akikiki, and the puaiohi, three species that are on the brink of blinking out."

This is a fine introduction to Kauai's indigenous wildlife.

Iiwi - Birds of Kauai by Jim Denny

Melodies of Healing and Caring

Recently, I was visiting Kauai, that magical Pacific island, and some friends took me to their favorite Indian restaurant in Kapaa town.  There, I chanced to meet my old friend, Tim Lee, an ophthalmologist and an accomplished pianist.  During our brief conversation, he told me about work he’s been doing with other physician-musicians in Hawaii, particularly, his partner on Kauai, Dr. Jean Shein, and Honolulu ophthalmic surgeon Dr. Jorge Camara. 

If you want to read more about music and medicine please:  Download The Music of Healing. Your comments will be appreciated.

  Drs. Jorge Camara, Jean Shein and Tim Lee

Moonlight of Clear Mind

Mark White: Poipu, Moonrise, March 18, 2011

Na Wahine o Kaua'i

Kauai, Hawaii:  far from the madding (and maddening) crowd, on this rock in the vast Pacific, amazing people spend their days.  The backdrop is (mostly) blue sky with fluffy clouds, whispering trade winds, all-encircling blue ocean, and the constant crowing of the feral jungle fowl.  The larger world is far-removed.

In this paradise, for many decades, a woman lived who was held dear by many.  She passed away, a month shy of 60, recently and her friends held a memorial service to celebrate her life.  One wrote the poem which follows.  Please spend a moment to honor the life of Jessei Jardin:

What is a Life?

What is a life?

Who is to say how it should be spent?

God gives us the spark

And we are the keepers of the flame.

 

We can smile and light up a room

Or we can quietly teach by example.

 

We can walk or sway to the beat

Of our own drum.

 

We can sew glorious costumes

Or sow seeds of friendship wherever we go.

 

We can force others to bend to our will

Or let them learn at their own speed.

 

We can allow others their illogical way

Or walk away without judgment.

It is up to us.

Jessi you have always had all your “ors” in the water.

You are a wonderful example of God’s Spark.

I am glad to have called you friend.

You were a wonderful example of God’s love

And a special blessing in my life.

 

Written June 7, 2010 for Jessi Jardin by Stormy Cozad