EVERY morning, I shuffle my pack of "Angel Meditations" cards, close my eyes, pick one out and read it for guidance and inspiration. On Monday, when Alana Dung passed away, I picked The Angel of Purpose card. Yes, that certainly describes Alana. Alana helped us
to remember compassionShe was only 3 years old when she died, but she accomplished more in her short existence than most of us could hope to achieve. If the meaning of life is to leave this world better than we found it, this feisty tyke accomplished her mission in record time.
Of all 50 states, Hawaii is certainly high on the list when it comes to pleasant weather and good-looking scenery. But, like everywhere else, there has been a degradation of community.
It's OK to know your neighbors but be wary about getting too friendly, since anything that goes wrong is always somebody else's fault. Litigiousness rules; taking responsibility drools.
It's usually all right to help a stranger in distress, but watch out -- it could be a ruse. That female in need may be a devil woman who wants to rob you. That guy lying on the sidewalk is probably high on drugs or booze, so why get involved?
Alana Dung changed our cynical mindset, at least for a moment. And boy, did it feel good.
When the call went out that the toddler had a rare form of leukemia and needed a bone marrow transplant, thousands of islanders came forward and literally rolled up their sleeves. Each braved a needle poke in the arm and gave a couple vials of blood. They went out of their way to perform a selfless act for a stranger.
Maybe it was empathy for Alana's parents. Lord knows, watching one's own child suffer is an unbearable torment.
Maybe it was Alana's impish grin, bursting forth despite her obvious discomfort and illness.
But perhaps it was something more. Maybe the request for help was a convenient excuse for the good people of this state to finally show -- unashamedly and publicly -- that compassion is not passe in modern-day society.
Before the Dung family's plea for donors, the little-known Hawaii Bone Marrow Donor Registry had 16,500 registrants. Today, the list contains the names of more than 50,000 people, and 30,000 of them signed up specifically to help Alana.
Because of that, more lives will be saved and Hawaii may have finally earned its nickname, the Aloha State. According to Roy Yonashiro, recruitment director of the Hawaii registry, approximately 700 preliminary matches have been identified and at least seven people, who gave blood in 1996, have consented to be donors.
Alana Dung is no longer alive, but others may survive thanks to her.
OH, before I forget, here are the words that were on Monday's Angel of Purpose card: "When we have a purpose, our Soul's work is accomplished in the best way possible through our bodies and personalities. A clear purpose gives no room for doubt because we identify immediately with all that leads us toward our goal. We become aware of all that would turn us away from it. The flow of energies in our lives is immense when a clear purpose is always present. Do you know what is your purpose in life?"
Beside bringing joy to her family and friends, Alana Dung's purpose was clear. She was born to unite this community -- first in hope and, finally, in grief and mourning.