Mahalo...Hawaiian Thank You
By Teri Burgos-Gutierrez
 In this time and age where people are so engrossed with a lot of concerns that are both work-related and home-based, people are slowly beginning to forget the importance of saying "thank you" to people who have gifted them with even the littlest or the minutest thing in life. One hardly hears these two magic words nor even recognize any form of nonverbal communication strategies in appreciating the value of kind words, a simple tap on the shoulder, the essence of time, or simply knowing that someone is out there willing to give a hand.
The busy world we are in has dominated each and every one's time that simple acts of good deeds are slowly fading away. Decades ago, good manners and right conduct were taught initially at home and followed extensively in schools. Parents and school administrators were so adamant that the young children, during their formative years, were taught the value of being appreciative to anything done or given to them. These were carried on and practiced up their age of maturity.
What could have gone wrong? Has the age of information technology, the advancement of mass media, or the era of globalization so affected the lives and values of several people including the many people in various workplaces? In the same manner that what could have gone wrong that nature's wrath is now being felt in different parts of the world like the super typhoons in the Philippines, earthquakes in Indonesia, and the tsunami in Samoa?
Looking back at the end of each and every day, we can count the many blessings that continue to come our way. Indeed, there are gifts that we receive that we refuse to see and abundance that we fail to acknowledge. What we need now is to be more grateful with all that we receive no matter how small. The gift of life, family, and loved ones can actually be our source of happiness.
Being in the beautiful island of Hawaii to accompany my husband to his annual convention at the American Dental Association, I truly appreciate this bountiful blessing that has come my way. Hawaii is such a peaceful yet exotic place inhabited by such hospitable and friendly people. This place has been blessed with abundance and prosperity. To its people who have welcomed us so warmly, I say, "thank you," "maraming salamat," or simply "mahalo."
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