Going Home To Say Goodbye

"It feels like home to me... feels like I'm on my way back where I come from

Feels like home to me...like I'm on my way back where I belong."

-Song sung by Chantal Kreviazuk

My two sisters and I arrived in Hawaii about 10 days ago.

Grandma wasn't doing very well and it had been 3 1/2 years since I had visited her in Hawaii, 

which is too long. 

This trip was emotionally and physically draining. 

Seeing Grandma for the first time was hard.

This didn't look like the Grandma I know. 

She was so frail and weak.  

Our days were spent sitting with her as she rested. 

We sat together, sharing memories, reading to her, and creating 

play lists with Frank Sinatra, Christmas Music,soft spa music 

and other tunes she enjoyed. 

We watched for signs that she could hear us 

that she enjoyed us being there. 

I found myself reading a children's book to her. Dr. Seuss "Oh

The Places You'll Go" I love children's books and I could see

Grandma's spirit perk up as I read. 

Giving her time to rest we took long walks/jogs on the beach, 

visited Grandpa's grave and enjoying some of our favorite 

Hawaiian memories. 

Grandma passed away Monday Nov.12th.

That morning we knew the time was near.  We were overwhelmed,

sad, frustrated, but felt the feelings of comfort and relief.

Grandpa was ready for her to be with him in heaven and she had

done what she needed to do here on this earth. 

It was an experience that I am very thankful for. 

I feel blessed to be able to have said my goodbyes 

and been there for those 

last moments that were so sacred. 

Mourning the loss of Grandma includes 

mourning the loss of a home where we have so many memories, a 

street where we played, a 

beach where we explored.

Saying goodbye to a place we call home. My eyes fill with tears 

when I think about the reality. 

I'm sad to leave Hawaii.

I'm sad to say goodbye to Grandma.

I am full of gratitude for such a beautiful land and so many 

memories with those I love.

Here are some pictures from some of our favorite Hawaiian

memories.

This is the Grandma I remember. Such a beautiful smile.

Grandma in Her Youth. Such a classy lady 

Arriving at the beautiful Honolulu Airport.

Aloha everywhere you look

Including culture in every aspect they can. 

People ready to catch a wave.

Grandma's Plumeria trees in her yard are breath taking.

Walking along a little piece of heaven.

Feeling the soft sand in my toes as the water washes over my feet.

Eating delicious food.

Catching a glimpse of the beautiful island from places like these.

Documenting those moments.

Slippers. 

Unique trees.

Holding our breath through tunnels

Visiting those we love.

The Beautiful Koolau Mountain Range. 

Smiling among the beauty even though our eyes are tired and sore from the emotional days.

Grandma and Grandpa's view from their resting place. What a beautiful spot.

View from the back yard.

Searching for Sea Glass

Drawing in the sand.

Island Snow Shave Ice.

Hiking up steep KoKo Head and a light house.

Celebrating Grandma's life

Spending time with those we love.