aloha

U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawai'i died last Monday at the age of 88.

Daniel Inouye

He last word was alleged to have been "aloha."

Colloquially, the word "aloha" means either "hello" or "goodbye." What a nice last word. What a nice first word.

More carefully, in the Hawaiian language, "aloha" is said to transmit a meaning that includes mercy, compassion, peace and love.

Carefully or carelessly ... "aloha" ... what a nice last word, whether or not Daniel Inouye actually spoke it.