On the Waianae Coast, families like Vivian’s have built lives rooted in love, hard work, and caring for one another. Vivian was born and raised in Nānākuli when the land was still coral and white sand, and families walked dirt roads to wells.
”“Dad was stern but fair, and Mom was the loving one,” recalled Vivian’s son Willz. “At one point, there were 25 people living in our home. Mom prepared the meals and bathed the kids. She ran the household.”
After living in Guam while her husband was stationed there with the Navy, Vivian returned home to Nānākuli, where she continued as a caregiver for the community’s keiki and kūpuna.
In the past decade, Vivian, faced true heartbreak—first the loss of her husband, and soon after, the passing of the family’s beloved dog. At 69 years old, her own health began to decline. Diagnosed with a rare form of dementia, Vivian gradually became bedridden.
That’s when Willz came home.
For more than 20 years, Willz worked for the U.S. Postal Service on Maui. But life took a turn when when back pain revealed cancer that had spread rapidly throughout his body. Forced into medical retirement, he now undergoes regular chemotherapy.
”“My doctor says I’ll never be at 100% again. I’m at 60%. Less energy. More tired. Less thrive. More sore. I try to block it out. It’s like they say: Pain isn’t bad. It lets you know you’re still alive,” Willz shared.
Despite his own illness, he returned home to care for his mom, focused on keeping her healthy and comfortable.
”“We only have each other now. I’m an only child and all her siblings have passed away. I imagined this time of life differently – spending time together taking her on trips,” shared Willz, full of emotion.
As his mom’s dementia progressed and her needs grew, Willz reached out for help. Caring for her full-time while managing his health left him little energy to shop or cook. Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels has been a lifeline for them both.
”“Not having to cook at least one meal a day is a big help. It’s one less worry,” Willz shared.
“Hawai’i Meals on Wheels helped me control Mom’s diet and get her healthy. She was even able to get off her diabetes and blood pressure medication with the help of a balanced diet.”
Although Vivian can no longer communicate verbally, Willz knows she enjoys the meals.
”“She demolishes them! Because she’s getting what her body needs, her spirit is strong — even though her mind isn’t what it used to be.”
Home-delivered meals mean Vivian can continue to live at home. Remembered as a vibrant gathering place for family and community, Vivian’s home is now a place of care and comfort for a woman who spent her life caring for others.
And for Willz, home-delivered meals allow him to focus on what matters to him the most — being present with his mom.
In 2023, Hawai‘i Meals on Wheels expanded service to the Waiʻanae Coast. We now deliver meals on a record-breaking 90 routes throughout O’ahu. Support from friends like you ensures family caregivers like Willz and kūpuna like Vivian can thrive at home, surrounded by care, comfort, and community. Mahalo for your support!
