It all began with a warm pot of chicken stock and some freshly toasted arborio rice.
Laboring over the stove for what seemed like years, a woman who had stolen my brother’s heart (and soon mine, too) taught me all about life: how the patience and practice of making risotto were no different than learning the artistry of how to live.
Denise was a Hawaiian woman whose strength and passion were matched by her generosity and humor. She kept my brother on his toes and she also flooded my heart with possibility. Every Sunday night we would make dinner together for our entire circle of friends, and it was through our time together in the kitchen that I not only learned how to make exquisite meals but also learned the power of potentiality. For one night a week, I immersed myself within a family that went beyond blood, but a community of people filled with unconditional love. And thus, “Ohana” was born.
Brian and Denise got married in South Lake Tahoe in December of 2007. In July of 2008, I went to the Big Island of Hawaii for my first (of many) visit(s) where we celebrated their marriage with an epic reception overlooking the ocean. Denise’s Hawaiian tribe treated us not as friends, but as family, and welcomed all of us into their ohana with open arms. It was this profound, inclusive love that shattered many barriers I had been hoarding and holding, and it was this love that taught me that family is everything.
That same summer Denise discovered a malignant lump the size of a grapefruit and was diagnosed with breast cancer. One year of chemotherapy, radiation, and a lumpectomy later, Denise enjoyed a short two-month period of remission, only to then be told her cancer had metastasized to her bones. Denise and Brian moved back to the Big Island to be with her ohana so that she could spend whatever time she had left with those that meant the most to her. On August 25th, 2010, at 34-years young, Denise transitioned from this world.
The feeling of life and love that Denise left behind was immeasurable. Just like the warm pot of chicken stock, Denise taught me the meaning of intention and preparation… while she was literally talking to me about consistency in temperature, I realized later that she was actually teaching me about stability, steadiness, harmony, and balance. She taught me to stir slowly, to breathe in the aroma, to notice the change in texture after each individual ladle was added. She showed me that nothing important needed to be rushed, but rather absorbed in every iteration and variation. During a time in my life of complete confusion and deep-seated despair, Denise taught me that it takes discipline, patience, and most importantly, imperfection, to weave an intentional fabric of life.
Life is art. Life is love. Life is all about the people that lift you up and help you find the positive, the possible, and your limitless potential. I dedicate our studio and the bond that we all share within this community to Denise’s memory.