Monday, November 4, 2013

Hawaii - Part 4

On the first full evening of our Hawaiian trip, we celebrated the true reason we were there - Mom.  Mom had always dreamed of going to Hawaii (and Dad of going back there - he had gone on his senior class trip there in '76), and finally, in celebration of their 25th anniversary, they went on the trip of a lifetime.  Mom fell in love with the Islands, and made it known that she wanted to be laid to rest there.  It was one of those things that you knew, but never imagined would have to be put into action so soon in her young life.  But, after a year's worth of planning or so, there we were.  While James and I handled the majority of the trip planning, Dad handled the memorial cruise himself.  We had a private sunset cruise with a Christian minister, a Hawaiian musician, catered dinner, fresh leis, flower petal scattering, dove release, and fireworks.  Mom could be a bit over the top at times, and she loved to do things on a fantastical scale, so it was befitting that that's how her memorial went.  After a short service, we took turns scattering her ashes of the back of the boat as the sun was setting and the musician was playing Iz's version of Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World.  It was a solemn and tender moment of faith and family.    





Saying Goodbye to a Beloved Wife and Dear Mother
Dad and the Three of Us






1 comments:

Serena said...

What an incredible trip! Such highs and such lows all mixed together. I am so glad that you were all able to honor your Mom's wishes in this way.

By the way - you DO NOT need to lose 75 more pounds. That ticker is CRAZY! I am very impressed with your accomplishments and dedication already. Way to go!