Linda H Rawlins-Bent (Wife)

Born: September 3, 1947

Born to Betty K. & George K. Rawlins. Lived in Honolulu till age 11 and attended Kauluwela Elementary till the fourth grade. Then went to Ka’iulani Elementary for two years and served as co-editor/reporter for school paper. Spent the duration of every school vacation on the island of Moloka’i with my father’s family. There I learned to become one with the ocean,the land and it’s inhabitants. Thrown into the water at the early age of 2, it was either sink or swim. I learned to live off the ocean and the land. Learned to shoot a shotgun at the early age of 8 to hunt. Try shooting a 12 gauge shotgun at that age, it feels like your shoulder is coming off of your body. We had to learn to make our own ammo too.

My cousins and I learned to fish and dive at a very early age. And we had to take care of all the farm animals too. There were cows, horses, pigs, chickens, pidgeons, dogs, hunting dogs, and whatever strays that came around. I lived a happy childhood surrounded by tons of family. We shared everything and helped eachother, and the older ones took care of the younger ones. I learned to play sports, whether I wanted to or not. But it was tons of fun. I even got thrown in the boxing ring and had to learn to fight and defend myself. That sort of happens when your Uncle is the coach for the boxing team. I dared not cry or I’d get my butt whooped!

We moved to Molokai when I turned 11 and stayed there a couple of years, then moved to Hilo. There I attened Waiakea Kai Intermediate and then went to Hilo High School where I graduated in 1965. After graduation I attended the Hawaii Technical School and took up Hotel/Restaurant Managment. It was a 2 year course, but during the summer I was offered a job with the Peace Corps. It was hard work, but I loved it. I got to meet people from all walks of life and from so many different countries. I worked with these various groups: Nepal, Philipines, Tongans, Fijians, Malaysians, and Koreans. My favorite was the Malaysian group. I had to live at the site and got to experience a whole different world, while still living in my native land. I even learned the language and would converse with them. And I learned because they would not let me speak to them in english, even though they spoke it and understood it well. They wanted me to learn, so I did. I can’t speak it now, cause after they left, I had no one to speak it to. Working for the Peace Corps for 2 years was a great and rewarding experience.

I also went to Cosmetology School and worked as a hair stylist for a few years, worked as a cook for the Military, worked as a waitress/bartender, and managed a supply room at Hickam Air Force Base for a big worldwide Corporation. But most of all, I was the wife to a most interesting, entertaining, lovable and compassionate man that once graced us here on earth. And I am a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to a big, fantastic loving family. I love everyone of them with all my heart and soul. And that includes all my extended hanai children too. You are my life and you are the one thing in this world that can keep your father’s legacy alive.

It is time for all of you to come together as brothers and sisters, and love eachother no matter what. Your father has gone from our lives, but his soul and his memory will be with us forever. I will never stop loving him, for he was my one true soulmate. We shared something very special, that no man on earth can take away from me. And my love for him and my family will even grow stronger with each passing day.

This is a poem I got with a necklace the Uku got me. I hope you like it. Do you know how true the words to this poem is? I really do have a hole in my heart that no one can mend but you and God. I talk to your picture everyday and sometimes the pain is so unbearable. But I must first live out my life so that I can help Jimmy with your music. And I know you will be happy with the plans we have for it. It’s all for you, my dearest husband. We will make you proud. Don’t ever forget how much your family loves you.

Since Heaven has become your home
I sometimes feel I’m all alone;
and though we now are far apart
you hold a big piece of my heart.

I never knew how much I’d grieve
when it was time for you to leave,
or just how much my heart would ache
from that one fragment you would take.

God lets this tender hole remain
reminding me we’ll meet again,
and one day all the pain will cease
when he restores this missing piece.

He’ll turn to joy my every tear,
and when I wear this necklace near
it will become my simple way
to treasure our Reunion Day