Hawaiian Finale Part 2

 
I still remember the heavy feeling that surrounded me as our last full day came to an end. We didn’t want to leave…none of us. I wanted to freeze time, hold it prisoner in a bottle and bury deep in the sand. I wanted to stay on that stretch of beach forever—to breathe in the salty sea air, bask in the sunlight, and drink in every ounce of goodness that this island has to offer.

We stayed on the beach until the sun began to set and our shadows grew longer. Oh how I wished this trip, this adventure, and this continuous high didn’t have to come to an end. Rudely, I’ve been reminded of the saying “nothing lasts forever”. Clearly that isn’t completely true—yes, the geography changes, but the feelings, the experiences, the memories….well, they’ll last forever.

love her faces

This is a picture of pure happiness.

We swam until our fingers and toes turned to prunes, then we swam a bit more. We wanted to draw out every minute of the day and pack it full of fun times.

 Mission accomplished. So many great moments were captured that evening-- moments that I want to harvest and save for days when I want to relive our experience.

Swimming at sunset was fantastic. I wish we did it more often. Seeing the sun deep, turning blue skies into shades of pink, and the water mirroring the sky, altering from turquoise to a deep shade of purple. So beautiful and tranquil. 

 she has gotten so brave

 my guppy 

 final sunset

We awoke early on the morning of our departure. We all dreaded this day, but we made the most of it. Since our flight was a red-eye, we loaded up the car with beach chairs, towels, and sand buckets and dashed down to Waikiki for one last beach day.

Bubbles on the beach? Who can argue with that?

My mom and I sat wedged in our chairs, drinking Starbucks coffee and eating fresh fruit with our toes in the sand, while the kids played in the early morning light. It was so relaxing-- a perfect way to spend our final hours.

So much of Oahu now lives within us. We’ve stashed Hawaii's way of life, their happiness, their gentle dispositions, and their charisma into pockets of our hearts. I’m eternally grateful for this amazing experience—it was beyond healing; it was life changing, and exactly what we needed to get through this deployment. As silly as it may sound, I left having fresh eyes, a brighter outlook, and a greater sense of self-worth. My children left having more confidence, cherished moments with their Mimi, and numerous happy-go-lucky island memories.

 

Aloha,

Em

Hawaiian Finale Part 1

As our trip came winding down to an end, we revisited our favorite spots --the lagoon and Hunauma Bay-- as much as possible. These places were so inspiring and healing for me—the colors, the local fauna and flora, the way the water mirrored the sky, the peaceful vibe-- it all resonated so perfectly.

We soaked in every ounce of giggles, happiness, and love that bursts through our remaining days, leaving our hearts stretched wide open.

The kids loved the lagoon. It’s where Krysta learned to swim; it’s where the kids could completely cut loose without fear of being carried away by the current; it’s where I could sit back and enjoy equal parts city buildings and natural beaches. It was the perfect combination for all of us.

On our last trip to Hunauma Bay, we picnicked under a canopy of trees. Wild chickens, cranes, and other wild birds graced us with their presence. These little guys weren’t the least bit shy, and would come inches from you if you showed any sign of giving them food.

William clearly loved the chickens most of all. They chased each other through the trees—whether it was because they thought he had food, or perhaps because he was mistaken has “mother hen”, this has yet to be determined.

We parked our beach bags and an assortment of floatation devices under perfectly curved palm trees with the best view in the house.

It was truly a picturesque day—lime green palms, cobalt blue water, and cerulean skies.

We stayed until the lifeguards left their posts for the day, until the cove cleared of tourists and locals, and until the last tram was loaded up.

 
Squeezing out every ounce of goodness.

“Within each of us is a light, awake, encoded in the fibers of our existence. Divine ecstasy is the totality of this marvelous creation experienced in the hearts of humanity”
― Tony Samara

Our light has been lit. We’re living with enlarged hearts, and a brighter existence.

Hawaiian Finale to be continued… 

Love, Em