Posted under family
On Wednesday I had to fly to Hilo for the day. I managed to get a few eye candy shots from the plane. I’m not sure what islands some of these are but they are beautiful all the same. The ocean in this first shot really took my breath away, even if the wing of the plane obscured my view.
Again the wing obscures the view, but you can see how lush one of the islands looks from above.
I believe that these two mountain tops are either Mauna Kea or Mauna Loa, but don’t quote me on that!
While I was in Hilo, I managed to make it to Rainbow Falls. The scenery there was breathtaking and in true Harlot fashion I managed to take a picture of my current sock in progress as it enjoyed the falls.
Here’s an undiluted picture of the falls sans sock. It’s been a really dry winter so the falls weren’t as impressive as they usually are, but it was beautiful all the same.
The reason for my unexpected trip to Hilo was a sad one. My Uncle Randy is dying. When they took him in sometime last week to the ER for what was though to be a bad case of pneumonia, they found found out that he actually has terminal lung cancer. He’s only 51 years old.
On Monday they had to put him on life support and now we’re just waiting for his children to say goodbye to him before we turn the machines off. There is no real chance of recovery as he’s too weak for any sort of treatment and the likelihood of his survival off the machines is minimal. I’m really devastated by this news. So much so that I can’t really find the words to express what’s going on with me.
To top it all off, I had another family funeral to attend to last night. My Great-Aunt Charlotte passed away earlier this month. Even though I was never close to her or her family, I still feel sorrow at the passing of another of her generation.
There were bright moments this past week. I did get to visit with my Auntie Karen and Uncle Boyd, which doesn’t happen a lot since they do live on an outer island (in Hilo). I keep promising myself that I’ll get out there to visit them more during happier times, but it never seems to happen. Maybe I can make that promise happen this time around.
Wendy on 11 May 2007 at 5:05 am #
I’m so sorry about all your sad family news. Sending you virtual hugs!
Peggy on 11 May 2007 at 5:11 am #
I am sorry for your pain. Hugs and prayers are flying your way.
Kristi on 11 May 2007 at 5:14 am #
Opal, I’m so sorry to hear this. My best wishes to you and your family.
carrie on 11 May 2007 at 5:58 am #
I’m so sorry Opal! Such unhappy things have been happening lately - I hope there are brighter days ahead. (I’m glad you got to see your Uncle Randy before he passed as well.)
loribird on 11 May 2007 at 6:01 am #
*Hugs to you* So sorry for your uncle.
desiknitter on 11 May 2007 at 6:37 am #
I am so sorry about the tragedy in your family, Opal. You’ve had to deal with a lot lately, and am sending you an online hug. there is so much sadness and beauty all at once in our lives, no? (like in your post).
Robbyn on 11 May 2007 at 6:52 am #
I’m so sorry for your losses. Please take care of yourself!
Sue J. on 11 May 2007 at 7:37 am #
So sorry for your pain, Opal. It is always so sad when one generation leaves us. And your uncle is so young. You have my deepest sympathies as deal with all this. Many hugs to you, and blessings and condolences to your family.
Susie
Meredith on 11 May 2007 at 8:39 am #
Opal, I’m so very sorry about your uncle. Please know my thoughts are with you and your family.
Big huggggggggssssssssss
Meredith
limedragon :-: Harriet on 11 May 2007 at 10:21 am #
My sympathies for you and your family, I’m so sorry. These pictures are beautiful.
joy on 11 May 2007 at 12:59 pm #
o, opal! many *hugs* to you and your family from new york…
Debi on 11 May 2007 at 1:29 pm #
I’m sad to hear your news Opal…I’m sending peace and comfort to you and yours ((((((Opal))))))
Sharon on 11 May 2007 at 2:36 pm #
I just sort of stumbled on your blog - I’m so incredibly sorry for all you and your family have been going through. My thoughts are with you. ((hugs))
Lisa on 11 May 2007 at 3:36 pm #
Oh hugs sweetie! I know you have had such a bad week. I hope it helps just a little to know your friends are thinking of you.
I’m glad you were at least able to take some beautiful pics, see your family and do some of that very necessary shopping lol. ;)
Barb on 11 May 2007 at 6:11 pm #
Missed you at MJ. Sorry to hear about your uncle. So lung. Your pictures are gorgeous. See you soon.
debbie on 11 May 2007 at 6:28 pm #
so sorry about the passing of your uncle and great-aunt….i hope things look brighter with the coming week…..
Jane on 11 May 2007 at 7:42 pm #
I’m very sorry about your Uncle and the sad loss of other family members so close together. I hope you do get the chance to spend time with your other family members under happier circumstances. Your pictures are beautiful and I hope all the beauty of nature can be a balm to your senses at the difficult time. I’m sending a big hug to you and all your family.
Jeanne on 12 May 2007 at 12:50 am #
Opal, I’m so sorry to hear about your uncle and great-aunt. Sending you hugs!
Aim on 12 May 2007 at 3:55 pm #
Opal, so sorry to hear this news. It is a tragic thing, but maybe you can feel the good happening in your uncle’s life; he is lucky to be surrounded by such loving supportive family right now.
Kimberly from Some Bunny's Love on 12 May 2007 at 5:26 pm #
Lots of bunny hugs from this side of the USA to you. :(
=:8
the Akamai Knitter » Fishing The Lagoon on 19 May 2007 at 6:13 am #
[...] Last week, when I went to Hilo, I started yet another pair of Pomatomus socks. Between waiting for planes and waiting in the hospital, I was able to finish the leg of the sock. [...]