The seed of playing the 'ukulele for me came about 15 years ago when my wife and I lived on O'ahu, near the UH campus. Her uncle (well, not technically, but her dad's best friend from when they were kids), would either bust out a samisen or an 'ukulele to play during the daily pau-hana time. One day, after a few beers, I asked about his uke, and he showed me a couple of chords. I'd try and strum a bit, trying to accompany him when he played samisen. I sucked, but it was all about the fun. And the beer. When we left Hawai'i a couple years later, I just sort of forgot about the uke.
Fast forward to about 7 years ago when, during a return visit to Hawai'i, I saw a low-end uke, remembered how much fun it was, and got it for my dad thinking he'd like it during his retirement. He didn't, as I found out earlier this year when I saw it boxed in his garage. I asked if I could have it, and he said yes. Now armed with a uke, I figured there was no harm in at least trying it.
Happy days.