Days 7 & 8: Beach & Reflection

Lanikai Beach

Not much to report these past two days. I've been going to the beach, relaxing, and catching up on some reading. Every trip needs some down time, I suppose, and part of the purpose of this trip is to unwind from what has been a draining and full year. I recently discovered a beautiful beach ~5 miles away from Janine & Derrick's House, Lanikai Beach, where I am finally starting to lose my deathly pallor in favor of a slightly less dramatic shade of white. I've been taking the bus or walking there, setting up a blanket and napping, snorkeling, or listening to other peoples' conversations. It's an excellent exercise in doing next to nothing, which is a skill that I have yet to fully develop. Maybe the "Island Way" will catch up with me as my stay progresses and I'll find myself, like so many people around me, working the phrase "no worries" into my vocabulary.

Today I am thinking about my mom, who had yet another surgery on her spine this morning to fix a broken vertebrata. I hope she is doing well and that she recovers quickly. She deserves a vacation like this one, where she can relax on the beach, feel comfortable, and escape from pain for a while. My wish is that some day, when this is all over, she and I can take a trip somewhere together and enjoy each others' company free from physical restrictions and doctors. Please send kind thoughts and love her way in the coming weeks.

In thinking about the important relationships in my life, I realize that I owe one particular loved friend an apology for the craziness that this past year has brought out in me. Through all of the changes, bad news, trying times, and late nights of the past year, one person has consistently been present in my life and for that I am grateful. We may not always see eye to eye, but this friend has stuck with me through one of the most challenging years of my life, quietly providing stability in a time of chaos. Sometimes it takes distance to realize what it is that is really important to you and, for me, it has helped me appreciate the loyalty and love of this friend. To you, my friend, I give my love, my thanks, and this apology. Please continue to be the wonderful person that you are, and please continue to be patient with me.

Mahalo.