The loss of my stepson is among the most challenging situations I have encountered. It created a vacancy in the hearts of all his family that sometimes felt unfulfillable. We returned to Hawaii to give Max his final resting place in the Pacific Ocean, accompanied by friends and family.
By the way, did you know that in Hawaii, they do not know the word “step”? We are all Ohana, emphasizing the importance of caring for one another and maintaining strong connections. I love that.
While the waves offered a beautiful metaphor for the ebbs and flows of life, Hawaii has been a sanctuary for healing and reflection. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and breathtaking views provide a sense of peace that can help us reconnect with nature and ourselves.
I had many grand plans while here and followed through with very few. My body and soul needed the rest, I suppose. I did try learning new crafts, and even though the results were not high quality, it was a meditative activity. I enjoyed knitting baby(!) blankets, drawing, and playing around with watercolors!
As I am gearing up to head back home and reunite with my pup again, I leave Hawaii with a thankful heart for absorbing all the emotions over the last weeks. My wish for you is to find moments of peace and tranquility as well; I truly believe nature is here to receive all the emotional stuff we cannot handle.
In my cancer journey, I have become aware of the impact of stress and anxiety toll on our bodies. Let it go, one moment at a time.
With love,
Astrid
