Aloha 'Oe -- Memorial Day

It seems the older we get the more significant Memorial Day becomes; not surprising that we now have a better appreciation for how our parents used to habitually read the obituaries. I remember a visit to Ohau's famous National Memorial Cemetery over 45 years ago set in Pouwaina Crater and home to thousands of veterans and their families.  ("click" on photos for larger view)

Small Puna Cemetery

Here in rural Puna on the Big Island, we have found several small unnamed cemeteries. Yesterday, flowers in hand, we visited three, all tucked back a little from the road...all with ocean views!  (I also offered a halting, newly learned song, "Hawai'i Aloha.) "Hear this lovely mele!!

Each setting is like a window in time -- each grouping seems to carry its own personal, quiet ambiance. Every year local people (relatives and not) caravan down to Puna's famous "Red Road" to be sure that grave sites are cleaned and decorated -- some elaborate, some simple. These humble clusters of graves, found along the side of the road, offer reminders of village life 100 years ago.

One of our fondest memories during a Michigan visit to Phil's mom was a stroll with Margaret through the local cemetery where she pointed out plots with names going back on both sides for many generations.

Our home altar - those loved and lost

This year we set up our family altar as a shrine of remembrance of those we have known, loved and lost including parents and "best persons" from our wedding; from baby Kummar who lived only 100 days, to much loved and respected teachers and elders who reached nearly 100 years.

One of the many interesting cultural differences here in Hawai'i is the very obvious respect given to elders -- the Kupuna, who are the carriers and teachers of tradition, language and culture. 

"OLA NA IWI"  (The bones live!)

Wickedly Wonderful Wild Wise Women!

When ever you move from a place you have lived for many years, the hardest part is leaving your friends behind.  And, while emails, phone calls and letters are always welcomed, there is just no substitute for a REAL hug from your girl friend.

Recently I have been adopted by a group of women who have been gathering for many years every week.  As I have gotten to know them and they me, somehow it feels as though we have been friends for a long time.  Why is that?

I think it is because no matter your age, women have a kinship -- a bond of experience that serves to unite them and helps them build rich, lasting relationships.  Helena brought a card with her for all of us to sign for her mom, Anita, who is having brain surgery very soon.  Although several people left, a few of the remaining women bunched together to take a photo to send to her with our love and prayers.

When we started talking about our moms, mothers-in-law, grandmothers and sisters, it was as though our women-web spread out wider and wider.  So, we are sending out love to all of our KUPUNA.  And that includes MY mother-in-law, Margaret spending a chilly winter in Charlotte, Michigan!   ALOHA!