It is remarkable how events can unfold unexpectedly, often at the last minute, much like the essence of Duke’s spirit manifesting in surprising ways.
Allow me to share my story.
Today, I overslept for an astonishing nine hours, an experience I cannot recall having before. This was largely due to my late night, as I went to bed at two o’clock, but my mind remained highly active, mentally organizing the clutter in my garage and various areas of my home.
Consequently, I only managed six hours of sleep, which felt even less. Despite this, I had to drive to drop off some packages after selling an item, which led to a grocery shopping trip. Upon returning home, I attempted to take a nap, but it lasted only five minutes.
Since I had overslept today, I decided to venture out, enjoying the weekend when traffic is typically lighter. However, I suddenly developed a sinus headache, yet I pressed on regardless.
Initially, my plan was to visit the Nevada Museum of Art, but I first stopped by a thrift store, hoping to find a book, a postcard, or a sports magazine featuring Duke.
Instead, I discovered postcards from Hawaii, which was pleasant, as Duke often comes to mind whenever I see images of Hawaii. However, since I already have numerous Hawaiian postcards, I chose not to purchase them.
After browsing the thrift store, I decided to forgo the museum visit, as my sinus headache was making me feel fatigued. On my way home, I made a quick stop at Goodwill, where I found some gift wraps and books.
Whether I am thrifting or antiquing, I always aim to discover some ephemera related to Duke, but on this occasion, it proved to be a disappointment. Feeling slightly disheartened, I drove home.
Several hours later, just before midnight, I logged onto Facebook to search for a long-reach stapler after spending thirty minutes on Amazon. I found a few options, but the sellers provided minimal details, merely indicating that they were used and listing their prices.
I had not posted on Facebook since Christmas of last year, but unexpectedly, the first item that appeared on my timeline was a photograph of my ex-sister-in-law’s older sister and her son standing in front of Duke Kahanamoku’s statue in Hawaii.
The picture captured a moment from 2015, and now, in 2025, her son, who was not yet a teenager then, has grown into a tall young man.
The contrast between the two images is striking, and the one constant is the bronze statue of Duke, which has retained its color over the years.
Seeing this photo surprised me and filled me with warmth, as it served as further evidence of how Duke’s spirit tends to appear in remarkable ways when I seek it out.
I waited a few days before posting this, hoping my ex-sister-in-law would respond and permit me to use their picture as my featured image. However, since I did not receive a response, I will proceed with using my own Duke’s postcard instead.
As I mentioned earlier, since I began blogging about Duke, the universe has been wholly supportive. I consistently encounter events that connect me to him, transforming my experiences into unique stories that I find deeply meaningful.
Although this blog post is brief, it undeniably captures the essence of Duke’s spirit in ways I never anticipated. Despite his passing in 1968, his presence remains palpable to me, largely because I continue to share stories about him. This enduring connection is a testament to his lasting impact.