Help, Hawaii DU ers

[Mari333]

My 2 sons live in Kaneohe..they know no one very well yet..my youngest son is 21 and hes scared and very far from home. He calls me a lot, homesick...if any of you are near there, PM me and let me know how you might be able to help him get thru this time. Hes on his own with his brother, but he doesnt know anyone in Hawaii and he sure could use some acquainatnces.
anyway, thanks. Its hard enough worrying about my stepson in Iraq, let alone my kid in Hawaii who seems to be homesick.
I remember being 21, and I remember being homesick also.
thanks

[rockymountaindem]

1. Is this your son's first time away?

A lot of people here at university had a hard time with that too. It's not so bad after a couple of months. I was 16 when I came here in the fall, and I really missed home, but now I think about home way less. However, some of my friends really miss their families, and I can sympathize with them.

If they're not used to it yet hopefully it will go away shortly.

[Mari333]

2. I hope so, he calls and sounds like hes having panic attacks

his brother is with him, but he works, so I dont know sometimes what to think..I guess he just doesnt know anyone, and feels sort of trapped and afraid. Im sure in time he will be okay, just wish he knew someone out there. I guess he will figure it out. He sounds so lonely and scared. sorry, Im being a "mom"
=)

[rockymountaindem]

3. Don't apologize...

you should hear my mom! I know how it goes :)

Fortunately for both of us we talk on the phone every other day.

[Quetzal]

4. Aloha Awakea Mari333

Sorry, I am on the island of Maui and he is on the island of O'ahu.

Why is he in Kane'ohe? Is he on the military base? Does he go to college at the University of Hawaii at Manoa? I've actually taken the year off for personal reasons, but will be going back in the Spring.

How long has he been in Hawaii? Opihimoimoi, KamaAina, or Oasis might be able to help.

Hawaii is a very different place than other places in the US. No doubt about that. Is he shy?

[KamaAina]

5. Opihi is right there in Kane'ohe

at the moi pond (it is a kind of fish that he raises; 'opihi are a kind of limpet that people pick of rocks that get sea spray).

[Quetzal]

6. He Grows Opihi?

Really? Does he sell them?

[Mari333]

7. Yes hes shy and hes just living there

he doesnt know anyone but his brother. I wish he did. He is taking flying lessons, but he is very shy. Very. I dont think he knows much about how to make friends there. I guess I should keep my nose out of it, and just let him be, but he called me last night in tears. Well, thats hard enough. I think hes having panic attacks, as I recall having them when I moved out at his age.
He just doesnt have any friends. I hope he finds one soon. Hes very bright, but very shy.
He has only been there about a month.

[Mari333]

8. Things are bad he called me for 4 hours today

crying. I called the crisis hotline in Honolulu. I hope they can help him, I might fly out there if things get worse.

[Mari333]

9. all is well just talked to my oldest son

he has worked things out. Is moving with his brother to a hostel , they need friends. they are not happy where they are, and need to be with people their own age.
They figured it out, good for them.
I can rest a whole lot easier now.
thanks for all your help.
and all the people who care on DU.
from a mom who worries too much about her kids when they are out on their own and has to learn to let them figure things out for themselves. =)

[Quetzal]

10. Exactly what was the problem?

Was it only because he was shy? Have you been to Hawaii before? Most of the people here are very socialble and outgoing.

[opihimoimoi]

11. I so glad I checked this thread I will pm you

[Hubert Flottz]

12. Opihi...go take the young fellow fishin'!

Hope everything is fine and dandy on your side of the pond!