Cullen and Kia, The Power Couple

Cullen and Kia, are the newest in the bunch. Unlike the other people from the island, I only met Cullen and Kia a few years ago, but it feels like we have been lifelong friends. They both are servers at a restaurant my family goes to and although we have only known them for about three years, we have shared endless stories filled with laughter. Both of them were born and raised in Hawaii, one on Maui and one on the Big Island so they know exactly what it is like to grow up in the Hawaiian culture. Cullen is the quiet detail-oriented one, while Kia is the outgoing one who is always sharing.

The first time I had met either one of them was with my parents at dinner. We went to a new restaurant and were sat in Cullen's section. Little did we know, that was the only server we would ever have. He was so attentive the entire night and made sure that we had the best experience. The next time we went back, we wanted to make sure we got sat in his section again. It was at this time we found out that Kia his wife was also a server at the same restaurant. The two of them are the definition of a power couple in my eyes. Both of them are very young, only a few years older than me and they are so hard working. They commute three hours round trip to work where they do. During the time we got to know them, they gave birth to their firstborn son. So not only are they young first-time parents, but they work so hard to make sure they can provide for him. It just goes to show that if you find the right person, you can make anything work. They balance each other out so well and are such good parents to him.

Only after a few times of meeting them, did we begin to exchange stories filled with so much laughter. It has gotten to the point that after our meal and when the restaurant is almost closed, they come and sit down at the table with us, showing us pictures of their family and what they have been up to. Multiple times these have happened while we have guests with us and they want to share everything with everyone at the table. These conversations last forever and in the meantime, we are all laughing and smiling so much. It goes to show how special this relationship that my family and I have with them. They have invited us into their family and we have invited them into ours. Although we are not blood related, it feels like they are and sometimes I feel like I know more about their lives than people who I see all the time. These relationships do not just happen on their own, they are instead formed over time.

The two of them are such an inspiration to me. Their work ethic and how they still manage to prioritize family amongst all the chaos that can come with raising a toddler is truly amazing. I hope that one day when I can have my own family, I do it with such grace and love, just as they do.