In the beginning of every year, with a prayer in my heart, I'm looking to the new horizon to see what may be coming my way.

I attempt to reads signs, and I look for the meaning within the signs.

Just recently, an article caught my eye. The writer of the article encouraged us that this is the year we "find our voice" and proclaim our message.

I've always believed that each one of us has a message, but most of the time we are unaware of that.

I've often thought that the message of my voice was to bring change for a better way — but how? When I was chosen to be a contributing columnist for the 'Ohana section, I was very encouraged.

I thought of all of this as I was pondering what my next column should be about. Then it came to me.

Last month, my husband and I had gone down to Kahalu'u Elementary School to cast our vote for the Democratic caucus and its break-all-the-records turnout. It was so crowded we drove up and down the street several times.

"There's no place to park and the voting line is out to the street," my husband said.

He was ready to turn the car around and head for home.

"No," I replied. "We're supposed to be here, I know it! Please find something."

We did, and walked all the way from the park to the school, an Olympic feat for people our age.

"Haven't seen this kind of parking in ages," said a man hurrying past us to get into the long line.

"Where did all these people come from?" remarked another as he surveyed the lines.

I didn't know there were so many people in our community.

The turnout was unbelievable. There were lines everywhere, so we just hopped into one of them. We were two of hundreds of registered voters who were not on the list. We needed to get into another line and sign up, again. Then we got into another line, ready to vote, only to be told if we didn't sign the yellow paper our names wouldn't be called to pass through the voting area.

YIKES!

Believe me when I say there were a lot of frustrated and angry folks.

But everywhere people stood their ground.

I did not see one person turn around and walk out the door. People had come to vote, no matter how difficult it was and how uncomfortable the surrounding, people were determined to cast their vote. They were drawn.

A man who was standing next to us in line, turned and spoke to me.

"Looks like the 'ohana has all turned out tonight!"

I was shocked.

I realized this was the voice!

I was looking for the voice that held the message, but it wasn't my voice alone. It was a voice that had long been silent in the Islands.

It was a voice that had somehow been lost, or maybe defeated. A voice that finally realized, although it was one voice ... it echoed as a voice of many.

The voice — 'ohana! — has once more been found.

Hmmm ... is that a rumbling I hear coming?

A. Lee Totten, mother of 11, has adopted seven foster children.

Reach A. Lee Totten at (Unknown address).