Drinking Deeply

Sisters. Siblings. Family. This trip to Hawaii's focus.  As we prepared to leave the states we heard that my Auntie was not doing well, yet when we arrived and the sisters came together, my Auntie sprung to life.  The familiar smile, talking stories and entire countenance transformed by our arrival, according to my cousin, Donna (her daughter).  Powerful medicine can be found in close, strong, deeply loving relationship.  As I sit watching mom and auntie do together, the world seems right.  It is as I remember, like breathing in balmy, refreshing breezes of aloha.  

Mom and Sister (my Auntie Nancy)

Visiting the Arakawa gravesite is regular homage when on Oahu, along with a visit to dad's mom's urn.  It is consistent reminder to the journey of life started here and carried from us, body and soul distant from marker.  Two sisters connected by familial heritage spanning thousands of years, a minuscule testimony of which is engraved on singular headstone.  A reverent hush pours into my soul as I watch loving care trim flowers.  Kneeling, I am tasked with the arranging, familiar task performed before my dad's stone.  Before my lens a moment in time all poured into by millennia of moments two sisters and my auntie's loving husband connected with we, mom's sons, in memoriam.  

It is great treat to have my brother here sharing in my experience of my familiar island excursions.  Having visited with greater frequency, the island has familiarity I find in Rogers City Michigan, frequently visited home of Carrie, my bride's family. What will also be wonderful will be the new explorations Rick and I will share together, things not experienced with dad and mom as we connect with our cousins and their children.  

As alluded to in previous blogs, dad forged in us a bit of adventurous spirit and we are blessed to venture into new territory, together.  The laid back island way is always welcomed by my soul, departure from the rat race life I lead on the mainland.  Not knowing what to expect, the new adventures ahead include a trip up The Stairway to Heaven and paddle boarding with our cousin Brad, along with some snorkeling having brought equipment for this activity.  

I was hoping for some alone time and it seems best in these early morning hours (5 am here) at none other than McDonald's.    The days have the familiar breathings of days at home, preparing and listening to my Lord as He wakes the day with light gracefully illuminating the world around me.   My desire to experience the day He has set before me, seeing and doing as He desires, speaking less and listening more.  As my head hits pillows, my mind reflecting on day's activities, the peace of God fills my soul, deep thanksgiving rising from His blessings provided in each island day unfolding before me thus far.  Gratefulness that God led me to escort my mom to her sister's side, and that my brother has joined me as part of this journey. 

Life is so brief; the moments so fleeting, the memories as well.  Time slips by.  But how precious the memories, the moments and time we get to spend together in love and grace.  I wish I would have learned this valuable lesson long ago, for I have missed so much immersed and steeped in my selfish, self-centered majority of my life.  Yet here I sit thankful for redemption from that self consumption, given eyes to see the bounty and beauty of that which surrounds me.  Maybe part of my desire to return with greater frequency to the islands is the captivation of my eyes and soul in the spirit of aloha.  Time slows here.  Life slows here.  Love, family love fills my soul with refreshment like the deluge of yesterday's torrential rain.  It is like the detritus of the world gets washed from my soul as the aloha cleanses me.  And no, I'm not speaking of the 'mystic' aloha, but the aloha from God Himself, provided me as He leads me to visit family and new friends here taking in the precious memories and moments of family.  Drinking deeply while we can.