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    Garden of Sugar and Pineapples
    Garden of Sugar and Pineapples
    Garden of Sugar and Pineapples
    Ebook61 pages53 minutes

    Garden of Sugar and Pineapples

    By Sam Tabalno

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    About this ebook

    This story takes you, the reader, through the humble beginnings of the author’s family to the miracle of his almost tragic birth. Let this story inspire you with the courage of a family seeking a new life while giving you a good laugh as you are taken back to your own hijinks as a kid.

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSam Tabalno
    Release dateJan 6, 2012
    ISBN9781465927491
    Garden of Sugar and Pineapples
    Author

    Sam Tabalno

    Pineapple Sam is the character that embodies the life and stories of Sam Tabalno, who grew up on the shores of the Hawaiian Islands and later ventured outward in the world to embark on many fascinating adventures. Pineapple Sam loved to “talk story” as they say on the islands and decided to write his stories. Now many of his friends, family, and readers like you, can share in his adventures.

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      Book preview

      Garden of Sugar and Pineapples - Sam Tabalno

      Introduction

      I am known as Pineapple Sam. Having adventures in life was easy. Writing is difficult, but I promised myself that I would leave stories behind so people can enjoy them and so that my loved ones can have some idea of Pineapple Sam’s life. My adolescent and teenage years were exciting times in my life, but things got just as interesting in my adult life. Many people tell me they enjoy hearing my stories so I am glad to share chapters of my life’s journey as long as I can. I am sure your own life was just as exciting or perhaps your future years will be just as colorful.

      As the youngest child in a large family of four sisters, three brothers and my parents, I observed my siblings and learned a lot from them. However, as the brat of the family, I had more freedom to investigate things further and gain many of my own experiences. If you are like me, you know what I am talking about.

      When I give you a brief glimpse of the events that occurred in my life, maybe you'll see some of the same themes that happened in your own growing years. If you are just beginning your personal journey of teenage dilemmas that lead into adult life, then this may be a reminder of what could occur in your life too. After all, my stories are based on actual events, as I remembered and wrote them. Some people might call this a book of fiction; others will categorize it as creative nonfiction. Like we say in the islands, Go figa. Okay, enough of the rambling. Let’s get to the adventures!

      Kauai

      Garden of Sugar and Pineapples

      The First Adventure

      At the bus stop, Januaria took several deep breaths of cool, clean mountain air. The people nearby smiled at her when they noticed her huge belly. A plantation worker offered her his seat on the bench where they were waiting. She thanked him and slowly sat down, releasing a sigh.

      Januaria crossed her arms over her bulging belly and smiled as the baby moved vigorously inside. Her small, wicker bag hung from her right arm. She closed her eyes and wiped away the tears that tried to escape from their corners.

      The days began early in Hawaii. Her husband, Segundo, left at four thirty in the morning to catch the plantation trucks at the crossing. Her children left for school at seven a.m. Once her family was gone for the day, Januaria busied herself with light chores in the morning, waiting for the right moment to leave for Wilcox Hospital in Lihue. At eleven thirty, she decided it was time to walk to the bus stop with her identification and a few necessities packed neatly in her wicker bag.

      A squeal of airbrakes startled her, and she looked up to see that the bus had arrived. People began disembarking as soon as the bus door opened, tromping down the stairs.

      Let me help you, nana. A young, petite Filipino lady offered Januaria her hand and a smile and helped her up from the bench.

      Oh, thank you, my ading. You are so kind. Her voice was weak but grateful to her fellow passenger.

      You are ready to have baby, nana. You look really big, no?

      Yes, ading. I am going to the hospital now. It is time.

      Nobody going with you to the hospital, nana?

      No, but it is okay. I left a note for my children and tata. They will come to the hospital after work and school.

      Oh. Good then.

      The last person to board the bus was a farmer. He waited for Januaria to climb the steps and helped her to an open chair behind the driver. Nana, give me your hand. Let me help you. The farmer gently grabbed her hand and guided her to a seat.

      Oh, thank you, barrock.

      This baby would be her eighth. She was a loving mother and was, she thought, quite experienced at giving birth. She continued her breathing exercises as she maintained her seated position, trying not to let the bouncing of the bus jar the baby too much. Each labor pain brought tightness to her belly and a grimace to her face until it finally ebbed away. It was an agonizing forty minutes before the bus finally pulled up in

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