"There isn't a lot of things that make me emotional but leaving family is one of them." Wise words from my soon to be brother-in-law Golden. In Lilo & Stitch, the mantra repeated throughout the movie is Ohana means family and family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten. As cliche as it sounds it really is the most important thing I have ever learned.

Ohana brings new adventure, and with this I would like to say good luck to Golden and his family as they move onto their next adventure with his family. As much as I don't want you all to leave, I know that this is something the both of you have been wanting to do, raising your boys on the big island. There will be challenges but you will accomplish them, you both are one of the strongest couples I have ever met, and I am truly and wholeheartedly going to miss the four of you like crazy. But don't forget all of your Ohana will always be there for you, welcoming you with open arms.

Ohana matters, plain and simple.

Here is what Ohana has to offer:

1. New life. Bringing a child into this world, becoming a mother and watching them grow up. With the help from our elders, it becomes easier and makes the next generations grateful for all the wisdom and lessons that they have given us.

2. Heartbreak, losing the ones you love. Handling situations in different ways, when everyone hurts, when the chaos of reality is too much it's easier to have someone to lean on and Ohana is always there for you, experiencing these things just like you are.

3. Joy and happiness. My family brings pure joy, we actually do have fun when we make ourselves look like fools, there are never dull times when you have family around.

4. Adventure. My family has always been a bit on the crazy end, we do a lot of crazy things together, experience many things, one of these moments is driving through mud to reach a zip-line in Oahu.

5. Priceless cousin moments. When your cousins are doing a football training session and you partake and want to cry afterwards, my cousins bring so much happiness for me, they are my world and I love them all so much.

6. New friendships and second families. Ohana doesn't always have to be just blood, it can be seen in people you meet, the friends you make become your second family, and I am lucky enough to have these types of people in my life.

7. It brings us all together. It brings people I haven't seen for years together, it dissolves differences and brings love. The kind of love that is unconditional, the kind that is true and can satisfy you. In the wake of chaos Ohana is always there.

There are so many more things that Ohana brings, the good and the bad. Stubbornness, stress, doubts and jealousy. It brings acceptance, hope, guidance, and love. One thing is guaranteed, my Ohana has shaped me into the woman I am. I am proud to be a part of this crazy Ohana, good times are ahead and my Ohana will be there right beside me through this journey.

Most importantly, in every Hawaiian Ohana, Ohana means getting your butt whooped when you need it.