Creating Family One Stitch at a Time
Written By SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel
Surfers around the world are heading to the beach to celebrate the spirit of Ohana – family – and to give thanks to Mother Earth for all of her gifts.
On Ohana Day, April 14th, which always falls near Earth Day, the Surfrider Foundation hosts beach cleanups, environmental education activities, surfing lessons, paddleboarding, kayaking, games, music and more.
“It’s about giving back to the community and the environment and recognizing the common bonds that we all share,” says Tony Soriano, Surfrider Foundation Huntington/Seal Beach Chapter chair.
This is one of SurfWriter Girls Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel’s favorite times of the year because it brings everyone together and reminds us of the importance of family and friendship.
The Hawaiian concept of family is one that embraces everyone, not just relatives.
Like Lilo and Stitch discover in the heartfelt Disney movie, your family isn’t just the one you’re born into. It’s the one you choose…even one with a little girl and an alien from another galaxy.
Celebrating Ohana Day
Come together, enjoy the sea, be with family.
Share a hug, give a smile, stop and chat awhile.
Plant a tree, lend a hand, picnic on the sand.
Protect the land and the surf, celebrate Mother Earth!
Just like Lilo and Stitch learned, from the galaxies beyond to the seas below, love of family and Mother Earth makes all things possible.
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Sunny Magdaug and Patti Kishel hold the exclusive rights to this copyrighted material. Publications wishing to reprint it may contact them at surfwriter.girls@gmail.com Individuals and non-profit groups are welcome to post it on social media sites as long as credit is given.