Na Leo Pilimehana's Angela Morales, center, has written an essay for HawaiiMoms.com about carrying on after the loss of her husband, Ricardo. Surrounding Morales in this family photo, clockwise from top left: Ricardo, Solomon, Sasha, Stetson and Sheldeen.

COURTESY ANGELA MORALES | 2001

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Angela Morales, member of the musical group Na Leo Pilimehana, says she often gets called a "superwoman" for handling all that she does — especially the solo care of her four children after the 2004 passing of the love of her life, her husband of 18 years, Ricardo.

But she demurs: "Every mom is a superwoman, whether you're a stay-at-home mom or a working mom. We all do what's best for those we love."

Morales tells how she has come to survive and even thrive since her devastating loss, and shares her insights and chin-up attitude in an essay written exclusively for HawaiiMoms.com.

Her narrative kicks off a three-day series on HawaiiMoms.com featuring essays, photos and bios from the members of Na Leo — moms, all three of them.

Each day a different Na Leo group member will appear. The remaining schedule:

Nalani Choy — tomorrow.

Lehua Heine — Wednesday.

Visitors to HawaiiMoms .com can post their reactions in a conversation with the band members.

Also viewable via the Web site: a music video that revisits Na Leo's first big hit, "Local Boys." In this work by students of La Pietra-Hawaii School for Girls, the band appears in a contemporary remake of their original video.

The women of Na Leo are featured as part of "Inspiring Moms," HawaiiMoms.com's occasional spotlight on Island women who are leaders in the community. The idea behind "Inspiring Moms" is that all moms can learn from each other's wisdom and examples.

Na Leo's local-gals-make-good story is familiar and dear to kama'aina: The three became friends in grade school and first soared to fame with the 1984 Brown Bags to Stardom competition and that chart-topping original melody "Local Boys."

Their hits have included "Flying With Angels," "I Miss You, My Hawaii," "The Rest of Your Life," "Friends" and "Saving Forever." The tally: 18 CDs, 1 DVD, 22 Hoku Awards — and 10 children and one grandchild.