Menehune

In the heartwarming tale of "Menehune," we are introduced to Melvin, a young orphan with an eccentric appearance - his bald, oddly shaped and oversized head sets him apart and leaves him lonely and alone. Despite his physical differences, Melvin possesses an unyielding spirit and a heart brimming with curiosity.

Life takes an unexpected turn when Melvin's path crosses with that of a fearsome pirate ship. Through a series of events leaving him running for his life, Melvin finds himself aboard the very vessel that strikes terror into the hearts of sailors across the seas. It's a twist of fate that will forever alter his destiny.

As Melvin adjusts to life aboard the pirate ship, the enigmatic captain, a grizzled seafarer with a hidden softness beneath his tough exterior, takes a liking to him. The bond between the two grows strong, transcending the boundaries of age and circumstance.

The captain, in his desire to do the right thing for young, innocent Melvin, leaves him at their next stop, on the shores of Tinian. Against a backdrop of turquoise waters and lush landscapes, he encounters the mysteries of a new land. Yet, his arrival in Tinian brings unforeseen challenges, leading him to a mental hospital outside of Honolulu.

Within the walls of the hospital, Melvin's world expands once more as he befriends the compassionate case worker, Faith. With her unwavering support and encouragement, Melvin navigates the complexities of his new environment. The hospital staff, including the Tongan people, become his extended family, offering him the acceptance he's always yearned for.

But it is Melody, another patient within the hospital, who leaves an indelible mark on Melvin's heart. Despite her blindness, or maybe because of it, their friendship blooms amidst shared stories and whispered dreams, transcending the limitations of their circumstances.

Amidst the challenges and triumphs, a theme of love weaves through every chapter of this story. Love that transcends appearances and defies societal norms, love that embraces differences and celebrates individuality. As Melvin's connections deepen and his relationships flourish, he discovers that true family isn't always defined by blood; it's found in the bonds we create with those who see us for who we truly are.

"Menehune" is a poignant exploration of the human experience - a tale of resilience, acceptance, and the transformative power of friendship. Through the eyes of Melvin, readers are invited to look beyond the surface and embrace the beauty of the soul. This heartwarming journey reminds us that in a world often marked by division, the threads of connection and love are what truly bind us together. So set sail on this captivating odyssey and allow the melody of the seas to resonate within your heart.

Ernest Spencer is a Hawaiian born Korean American. Born in the mid 1940's, he joined the Marine Corps Reserve in 1963.

During his second year in college, where he was studying philosophy, he "was overwhelmed by the futility of reason as an effective force in life." Disillusioned by reason, his life did not make sense to him. He was drawn to the Marine Corps by the sense of belonging. The Corps also offered him the chance to confront life rather than read about it. Spencer states, "I could confront life by going to the edge, or at least what I perceived as the edge: Existence itself."

In 1967, he was sent to lead a line unit (an infantry unit) that is at Khe Sanh, the 1st Battalion, 26th Marine Regiment. There were four rifle companies in this infantry battalion: Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta. Spencer commanded Delta. He recalls "you have got to understand what it means to a 24-year-old guy who's macho to be made a commanding officer of a rifle company in combat. He is Jesus Christ himself." He was also the first Korean American to command a marine rifle company in combat.

Since his time in Vietnam, Spencer founded a publishing company.

Now, after enjoying retirement, he has founded a non-profit to support education in his beloved Hawaii. He is now writing a historical fiction trilogy and self-narrating his books for the audio book market.

And keeping his softball skills up!