Here is your tip for the day. When someone gives you an excuse to go to Hawaii, YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN AND GO!!! Here is one reason why:

But I digress. This post is about a dear friend of ours, Dr. Ryon Nakasone, who is now a full-time hematology/oncology physician back home in his home of Hawai'i. 

Within the first few minutes of meeting Ryon you find out a few things: 1). He is a PHENOMENAL story teller 2). He is from Hawai'i and 3). He couldn't wait to be done with his Fellowship so he could go back home. The first time I met Ryon was at one of the hospital's social functions. My husband introduced him to me and with other friends we sat at a table and initially made small talk. This quickly turned into story hour for Ryon and before we knew it the place was closing. I couldn't remember the last time I had laughed so much for so long. The other thing you learn about being around Ryon is that you leave feeling better than when you started. He has one of the kindest souls. Naturally, when he invited us to his graduation party back home in Kailua, HI we had to say HELL YES!!! 

We landed in Hawaii on the day of the party and what a way it was to start our trip. Upon arrival at St. John Vianney where the party was being held we were given beautiful orchid leis to welcome us since were from the mainland. Ryon had 3 leis when I first saw him at the party. By the end of the night they would have been over his head if had not been taken some off to make room. Being there we quickly learned that the running joke was how many graduation parties he had had: high school, college, medical school, residency, and now fellowship. Did I miss any? Many more jokes were made at Ryon's expense as his family and friends graciously put together a roast in his honor (my husband even took part)! 

However, despite all the jokes about how many parties he has had he has also deserved every single one of them, especially this one. This one marks the end of his official medical training and the beginning of him becoming a full-time physician in complete charge of patient care. It was a long, long road (as it is for any physician, especially those that specialize) but he did and he made it back home.

So Dr. Nakasone, a heartfelt congratulations and welcome home!!!!! Your patients are lucky to have not just a knowledgable and smart doctor, but one that truly cares for their well-being and quality of life.

Ryon had an impressive display of leis. In fact, he received so many he had to take some off in order to receive the new ones from arriving guests.