A Rose for Nani

Tuesday, May 21, 2002
In the 'Burbs 

Gentle Reader,

"Let your life be that of a rose
Through silence it speaks in the language of fragrance."

~ Babaji, a Himalayan saint

>> Nani

In tears, I waited for DH to arrive home.  

As I greeted him at the door, his heart knew the moment he saw me. I lead him to my computer for him to read the news for himself.  I'd just received this email from our friend, C:

"...Nani left this earth yesterday morning at 8:30 am.  I was at her side when she passed on...

"The disciples were absorbed in a discussion of Lao-tzu’s dictum: 
Those who know do not say; 
Those who say do not know.

When the master entered, 
they asked him what the words meant. 
Said the master, 
"Which of you knows the fragrance of a rose?" 

All of them indicated that they knew. 
Then he said, "Put it into words." 
All of them were silent." 

 ~ Anthony de Mello

 

~~~

Yesterday, I could not write about this.  

The best I could do was this hurried note to my friend, Gyl, who would be expecting me at her house last night.

Aloha e Gyl,

I apologize for not checking my mail sooner.

Deluged with overwhelming events these last few weeks, I have not checked in as often. First, my mom in Hilo fell seriously ill.  Thank goodness, she is doing better now.

Then, within weeks of each other,  two of our dearest friends, one in Hawai`i and the other in Northern California coincidentally received the same diagnoses.

Just a few minutes ago, I learned our friend in Northern California slipped away yesterday. My heart is broken, as I know DH's will be when I break the news to him. 

This unexpected, too sudden change of events has left me reeling, so I am in the process of gathering myself to "be there" for my friend's spouse, C, who has asked us to call him this evening. 

Like us, they had no kids. As DH is for me and vice versa, Nani was EVERYTHING to him.

I am feeling his pain. I will not be at hula or `ukulele practice tonight. I know you will understand. Please convey my regrets to Fely and John as well. 

I WILL be there for the read-aloud, no worry.

Meanwhile, stay well and hug your honey, Rod, extra tight when you see him today. Nani would be happy to be impacting your life in a positive way. 

Me ke Aloha, 
A

~~~

Another phone call made.  Two in one day.  A record of sorts. This time to Nani's husband, C.  Some things must wait before words can be put them.  

~~~

In her email right back, Gyl  wrote:

I just received an E-mail from one of our classmates sharing with us about another classmate who had a massive heart attack, collapsed and died. 

There were no signs of heart trouble.

It has to be Frances.  

Gyl has no idea that her classmate, Frances, was married to my cousin, as I had no idea that she and Frances were classmates at Leilehua High.

Synchronicities are "meaningful coincidences" or "God working anonymously."

What is the meaning, God?  I'm listening.

>> How to Survive a Heart Attack When Alone



"Life is a Gift."

Me ke Aloha, 
Author Unknown


 "The only gift is a portion of thyself..."
~
Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

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September 29, 2001
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