Bubbles from the Ashes
Donation protected
Tragedy appears in many forms, many of which some of us will thankfully never know.
I'm not quite sure what to say or where to begin, so I'll start from the beginning. About 5 years ago, Brent started diving out of the dive center at the Marriott in Ka'anapali. Shortly after, he was offered the opportunity to buy out the current owner and start his own business. Becoming a business owner was something he knew he was always destined for, and the moment had now surfaced. He came to me, now his wife, with the business proposition, and we did all we needed to put his plan in motion. He put countless hours into making it his own, so much trial and error. But it was his, and perfection is something he isn't willing to sacrifice. Even if that meant working 7 days a week just to make sure no one was turned away. He gets to work almost 2 hours before his shop opens, just to make sure everything is organized and ready to go for the day. Even when it comes to the other people's jobs, he's always willing to help them to make sure everyone is taken care of.
This last year, Brent finally found a steady diver to help him with taking a couple days off. It would seem everything was falling into place. Then one night, while out with long-time friends visiting from home having a heartfelt evening, a call came that no business owner ever wants to hear. One of the managers called to tell Brent to get up there as soon as he could, the dive center was on fire. Looking back, the next few hours were very surreal. Everything had been lost in the dive center, most of the rest of the building had been spared. So many questions, but the answers would take time.
Now three weeks later, the answer we've been hoping for, is not coming. Insurance won't cover any of Brent's items, or so we've been told. Now the decision of whether or not to fight this, how to fight this. But that takes time, and money, and resources.
Anyone that knows Brent, knows he is a very strong, independent man that will always take the harder road if it means he can do it by himself. But when faced with this tragedy, his strength is being tested like never before. Yet still, he is doing his best to stay positive and assuring everyone he'll come out of it.
The outpouring of love and support he has been receiving through this all is more than overwhelming. He wants so badly to get back out there and blow bubbles. He has so many returning guests calling and asking when they can go dive with him, only to be met with terrible news and his hopes to rebuild. His reviews from happy guests always make me smile and proud! But the dive equipment is not cheap, and that doesn't even include all the books, supplies and other tools he needs to get back on his feet. How to even put an amount down that would change this situation, I'm not sure. $20K is no small amount, and nor do would we expect to even come close to that amount. It would be at least a stepping stone for him to begin rebuilding all that he has worked so hard for. So please, if you are still reading this, you hopefully care deeply, so share the heck out of it and spread it far and wide! And if it is in your means and makes your heart full, your support is worth more than words can ever convey.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Brent & Sara
I'm not quite sure what to say or where to begin, so I'll start from the beginning. About 5 years ago, Brent started diving out of the dive center at the Marriott in Ka'anapali. Shortly after, he was offered the opportunity to buy out the current owner and start his own business. Becoming a business owner was something he knew he was always destined for, and the moment had now surfaced. He came to me, now his wife, with the business proposition, and we did all we needed to put his plan in motion. He put countless hours into making it his own, so much trial and error. But it was his, and perfection is something he isn't willing to sacrifice. Even if that meant working 7 days a week just to make sure no one was turned away. He gets to work almost 2 hours before his shop opens, just to make sure everything is organized and ready to go for the day. Even when it comes to the other people's jobs, he's always willing to help them to make sure everyone is taken care of.
This last year, Brent finally found a steady diver to help him with taking a couple days off. It would seem everything was falling into place. Then one night, while out with long-time friends visiting from home having a heartfelt evening, a call came that no business owner ever wants to hear. One of the managers called to tell Brent to get up there as soon as he could, the dive center was on fire. Looking back, the next few hours were very surreal. Everything had been lost in the dive center, most of the rest of the building had been spared. So many questions, but the answers would take time.
Now three weeks later, the answer we've been hoping for, is not coming. Insurance won't cover any of Brent's items, or so we've been told. Now the decision of whether or not to fight this, how to fight this. But that takes time, and money, and resources.
Anyone that knows Brent, knows he is a very strong, independent man that will always take the harder road if it means he can do it by himself. But when faced with this tragedy, his strength is being tested like never before. Yet still, he is doing his best to stay positive and assuring everyone he'll come out of it.
The outpouring of love and support he has been receiving through this all is more than overwhelming. He wants so badly to get back out there and blow bubbles. He has so many returning guests calling and asking when they can go dive with him, only to be met with terrible news and his hopes to rebuild. His reviews from happy guests always make me smile and proud! But the dive equipment is not cheap, and that doesn't even include all the books, supplies and other tools he needs to get back on his feet. How to even put an amount down that would change this situation, I'm not sure. $20K is no small amount, and nor do would we expect to even come close to that amount. It would be at least a stepping stone for him to begin rebuilding all that he has worked so hard for. So please, if you are still reading this, you hopefully care deeply, so share the heck out of it and spread it far and wide! And if it is in your means and makes your heart full, your support is worth more than words can ever convey.
Mahalo Nui Loa,
Brent & Sara
Organizer
Sara J Bussell
Organizer
Lahaina, HI
