Update On Joanne

Before the birth of my daughter, Hanalei, I found a beautiful and inspirational book to give to my unborn daughter. The thoughts in these pages are not about roles and titles, they are about spirit and heart and courage. I read this book aloud to her regularly even though she is only 7 months old. I realized the other night that this book was written about Joanne.
It is simply entitled, she

she . . .

She affects all others around her.
Quietly touching one heart, who in turn touches another.
Reaching out to ends further than she would ever know.

She loves life and it loves her right back.
Celebrate her passion.

She listens to her heart above all the other voices.
Celebrate her wisdom.

She pursues big dreams instead of small realities.
Celebrate her priorities.

She sees every ending as a new beginning.
Celebrate her resiliency.

She discovered her real measurements had nothing to do with numbers.
Celebrate her self-esteem.

She is kind, loving and patient . . . with herself.
Celebrate her tenderness.

She wakes up each day and throws away all of her excuses.
Celebrate her accountability.

She turns her can'ts into cans, and her dreams into plans.
Celebrate her goals.

She ignores people who say it can't be done.
Celebrate her spirit.

She has a way of turning obstacles into opportunities.
Celebrate her magic.

She went out on a limb, had it break off behind her,
and discovered she could fly.
Celebrate her faith.

She adds so much beauty to being human.
Celebrate her presence.

She walks in when everyone else walks out.
Celebrate her friendship.

She just has this way of brightening the day.
Celebrate her radiance.

She makes the whole world feel like home.
Celebrate her warmth.

She decides to enjoy more and endure less.
Celebrate her choices.

She colours her thoughts with only the brightest hues.
Celebrate her optimism.

She is an artist and her life is her canvas.
Celebrate her brilliance.

She runs ahead where there is no path.
Celebrate her bravery.

She holds her head high and looks the world straight in the eye.
Celebrate her strength.

She sees a light at the end of the tunnel, she becomes that light for others.
Celebrate her compassion.

She designs a life she loves.
Celebrate her joy.

She takes leaps and builds her wings on the way down.
Celebrate her daring.

She remains true to herself.
Celebrate her authenticity.

She makes the world a better place.
Celebrate her.

by Kobi Yamada
Published in book format
Compendium Publishing

Love Melissa