I used to see him hanging around at the intersection of King and Keeaumoku. He would stand in the hot sun all day long, talking to himself. I used to try to stay clear of him. He scared me.
I never imagined that he had a daughter who cared about him. Who would often drive around the area looking for him. Who would stop and visit with him trying to break through the barrier of his mental illness.
photo by Diana Kim
Here is Diana Kim's dad today. You can read their story here: NBC News
photo by Diana Kim
Thanks for sharing, Shun Wah!
15 comments:
Oh wow! That's amazing! People forget that the homeless aren't all there because they choose to be. Just moving them from one location to another doesn't make the problem go away. How wonderful that Diana's father got help at last.
Kay, isn't the story just amazing! I wish them both well.
Gosh, I was so touched by this story when I read it a few months ago. Glad it's getting national attention and so glad the outcome is so positive. So great the daughter never gave up.
Jenny, I think Diana is an an amazing person. I've included her website on my sidebar. Hope you get to check it out if you haven't yet.
crazy!! I used to stay away from him too. I was scared he was gonna yell at me...
Me too, Les!
I think I just saw the story in Honolulu magazine(back issue), wow!
Honolulu Magazine, Kat! Wow!
There are a lot of homeless around where I work and they've become like neighbors who we never talk to or make eye contact. When I read the article and recognized where he was hanging out, I kinda recall seeing him. I'm really glad that he and his family finally found hope and happiness.
I'm glad too, Shun Wah.
Whoa, that was powerful. His heart attack actually saved him. What is the solution to the homeless problem? Dunno, I keep thinking and thinking about it. Some, like Diane Kim's father are in need of medication and diagnosis. Some, like the Truk people by UH medical school are just camping out. Glad that I am not the mayor.
What a heart warming story Jalna. I'm so glad her Father made it out! Every day that I ride my bike on the Pacific Beach boardwalk in San Diego, I can't tell you how many homeless people that I see. I always wonder if they have a family that is worried about them. Some of them I even recognize from 30 years ago! Even though I have moved back and forth from Hawaii in that time. Seriously! But they are dying off now. Because I have not seen many of the old timers lately. And they will always ask me for money or food. Just looking at them and hearing them talk, I know there is a mental illness involved. But rather then just giving them money, I will go buy them food and bring it back to them. Like a burrito from Taco Bell or something quick. It's very depressing to see! Very sad! I talk to them.....I know.
It really is a very moving story yah, Aunty.
I always wonder about the families too, Mark.
Wow! So wonderful! Two homeless people helped me last week in Hawaii (the pic is in my blog). I felt like they are angel...anyway, the story was incredibly heartwarming.
I read that on your blog, Akemi!
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