LJ's middle name

LJ's middle name was given to him by one of my best friends Candace Marticio. We've known each other for over 15 years. We started out as hula sisters dancing for Auntie Claire and then when she started her own halau in 1996 I started dancing for her. We weren't really that close to begin with. While dancing with Auntie Claire, even though I was technically a keiki (child) I always danced with the older girls. So with her being older, I always looked up to her! She is such a beautiful and talented dancer.



I danced with her halau on and off through out high school then kinda faded out out for a couple years. In 2001 after she had Makana I started dancing again and that's when we became close. Like I said she is one of my best friends and Dante and I are even God parents to her third child Kahanu.



So when I found out I was pregnant I immediately asked her to give him his Hawaiian name. I knew it would take some time because it's not like she can pick a name out of a book. These things have to come to you. Well the name came to her in a dream...actually now that I look back on it, it was exactly 2 months before I gave birth. I still have the email she sent me, which is dated April 16th! Weird huh? So here's what the email said:



Again, water comes to mind. (Previously she was always having dreams about water and my baby)



The name is Kahe'enaluokekai (Kuh-hey-ey-naw-lou-oo-kay-kai)



"The Surfer of the Sea"



I chose this name because of the feeling one has on the ocean. It is a free and adventurous feeling. To navigate the waters and not be afraid. To have an accomplished feeling once you have reached the shore.



This baby has been long awaited and just like the journey LJ has taken to get here, this name will help him succeed in life because the name will guide him in wisdom and give him strength.



I thought a long time on the name and once I realized what my dreams were about, it led to the meaning. I think that is what makes it so important.



Let me know what you think.



I love you and am very excited to give LJ his name!



I absolutely love his name and his full name all rolls together nicely! So that's the meaning behind his Hawaiian name, Candace did an excellent job!

Here's a pic of Leland John Kahe'enaluokekai Ragudos with his Ninang (Godmother) Candace!