All I can think about is Maui. But I don’t want to talk about the ashes and horror because the news media does that for us when disaster strikes. Still, I want to share my love for the island.
Maui was our first big trip. At the time, we had no idea travel would become such a big part of our lives. Neither of us earned a big salary, and remote working was unheard of. Nowadays, my husband can work anywhere with good internet, and our lives have become airborne. We still use the backpack we purchased before Maui over twenty-three years ago. We named our cat Hana after the rollercoaster, tempestuous Hana Highway on Maui. Even my writing group is called Aloha Writers. Haleakala volcano looms over the island; it’s so tall that the mountain is always in your peripheral vision. I tasted my first papaya on Maui. The place really had an impact.
My favorite memories occurred in Hana town. We stayed in a double-wide trailer that was so quiet and dark at night I’ve never slept better. We befriended a fork-tailed cat. Uncomfortably overdressed with swimsuits, we visited nudist beaches because they were not-to-be-missed beautiful destinations. Breakfast at the Hana Ranch was a highlight. The menu included macadamia-encrusted French toast with so many nuts we may have sweated mac nut oil. The ranch overlooked the ocean, horses roamed, and sparkles shone on the water.
I hope the Banyan tree planted in 1873 survives in Lahaina as a symbol of resilience. I know the aloha spirit will prevail.
We, therefore, commit this body to the ground, earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust, in sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life.
It’s good to have good memories of the place. Hopefully some of your favorite spots haven’t been ravaged. Scary.
Oh Sharon. your beautiful memories did create a perfect tribute here though. Most all of us are sad when disaster strikes because we are caring human beings, but when you’ve been to the affected place and recognize the places that are gone it really hits home. You’ve had more than your share of such recognition lately. I guess that is the one bad thing about travel — we have more than one place to care deeply about.