From Small Town Ohio to a Sea of Islands

My move to Hawai’i was not as glamorous as it may seem.

I was born and raised in small town Ohio surrounded by amazing friends and family, yet I had long urged to see more of the world, visit new cities, and teach in different places. For the most part growing up, these were nothing but faraway dreams. This began to change during my sophomore year of high school, though, when I was introduced to Aaron in gym class. It was love at first sight.

A little over a year after being together, Aaron’s dad, John, was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer and given six months to live. John was one of the strongest men I have ever met. This kind of news is something that obviously changes your life forever; however, John wanted to continue living his life like normal. He wanted to continue going to Aaron’s soccer games, mowing their yard, cleaning his cars, and supporting Aaron, his daughter, and his wife in everything they did. I felt a sense of love from John every time I was around him. Watching his battle with cancer was terrible.

Aaron’s parents quickly decided to move to Maui, where they had honeymooned and returned before, in love with the Hawaiian islands and everything they represented. Unfortunately, John passed after a tumultuous two-year fight before the move was complete, although he had already finalized nearly everything necessary for his family. Maui was what was best for them all, honoring John’s life and love. It was inspirational to be with Aaron’s family during this whole time as they supported each other unconditionally.

Aaron’s mom moved while I was finishing up my sophomore year of college and Aaron was finishing up his freshman year, both of us in Ohio. That winter was a polar vortex, some of the coldest weather I had ever experienced in Ohio.

The original plan was to live on Maui during summer breaks and finish our degrees in Ohio. That plan changed fairly quickly, as Aaron needed to be closer to his mom. We decided to move full-time to Maui and live with his mom for a year while we worked, saved money, and got all the necessary materials organized to transfer to the University of Hawai’i at Mānoa.

My parents, on the other hand, were not as enthusiastic. They couldn’t believe I was moving 5,000+ miles across the Pacific Ocean with someone I was dating. But that didn’t matter to me. It wasn’t easy and it was very stressful, but Aaron and I decided it was best for us.

We officially moved in the summer of 2014 after the school year was over. I packed my belongings and said goodbye to my family, determined to make the most out of this situation we were dealt. Aaron was already there when I landed on Maui, and he and his mom welcomed me with open arms.

Aaron needed this move to heal after losing his father, and I knew I needed to be there for him and his mom. We lost an amazing man, and he will never be forgotten. Aaron’s dad is here with us every single day, and he would be so proud of everything his family has accomplished.

Aaron’s mom allowed us to live together and grow as a couple, and I will never be able to thank her enough for what she has helped us do. Since moving, Aaron and I have both graduated college, and Hawai’i has become our new home. Ohio will always have a special place in my heart, but I truly became the person I am today because of Hawai’i and its proud cultural history, the strength and love of its people, and its amazing geography. As a citizen of this earth, it is paramount to respect the land, support Indigenous peoples, and try to leave a positive impact wherever you may be.