First of all, I forgot your mom lives in Maui. Such devastation and heartbreak. Gone in an instant. Lahaina has been our home away from home for years. I am sad for your mom and all the people. All the lost history. Is the Banyan tree gone?
And Ann’s piece is so near and dear to my heart. I am the same age. It will be a piece I will read over and over.?
I will be turning 70 in January! What an insightful approach to this human experience. I have grappled with the illusion of a heaven or hell. Where will I go? Am I living either of those in this moment? If I am dead--this physical body no longer "alive"-- I return to the energy I came from and just a different form of energy?? Bliss, peace, love, et: all, the same with fire, hatred, depression, et: all, this human experience may be all that I fear and I am here to experience all of it-- NOW--
The fires in Maui are hard to wrap my head around. We've had a home there, in Lahaina, for nearly 20 years. Sadly every few years there are devastating fires. But this, this is shocking. Praying for everyone, all the people, animals, the land, all of it. Praying, praying, praying. Praying for your mom, too.
Laura what a moving post today. Firstly sending so many good and warm thoughts for your mum and you, when one of our family members that we love is in trouble, the hurt surely expands out. Secondly the 70 year olds story. I turned 60 this year, wow how it resonated. I too share a family with my ex who is that kind lovely man. But I also fell deeply in love in March. I didn’t realize what I wanted in a partner, I thought it would be nice to have a serious relationship but maybe spend 50pct if the time together. I now know I don’t want that, I want more. I have been single for a big part of my 50’s. I now k ow that as I am 60, each day is precious. So I am changing course on that. I feel blessed to have found a wonderful man. This story reminded me of that. So I called him after reading this and told him. Thank you for sharing. I hope your mum continues to be safe. Love Miranda 🫶🙏
Oh Laura I am so sorry your Mom has gone through this. How devastating! I am so glad she is safe and will be able to rebuild her life. Take good care and big hugs!
I also got a call at 10am yesterday morning from my best friend that lives in Lahaina Maui- 4am there. She & her family are safe but they lost everything- their house burned down. The last time we spoke she said she was “having one of the best summers ever”and now one week later her house and town have burned down. Heartbreaking. It will take time to process and recover from something like this. I want to support her and the community in anyway I can. ❤️
So sorry that your family are being visited by this devastation. I'm writing from Europe where our friends have also lost their home to fire. Sending strength and love
Would it be completely inappropriate to suggest that your readers can donate to any of the many organizations that are doing so much to help with immediate needs in Lāhainā? Hawaii Community Foundationʻs Maui Strong Fund is one, and we are matching donations made through the Hawaii Life Charitable Fund: https://www.hawaiilife.com/company/charitable-fund/
I’m so sorry to hear about your mother’s house, Laura. Sending you all love. And Ann: your essay is wonderful!
First of all, I forgot your mom lives in Maui. Such devastation and heartbreak. Gone in an instant. Lahaina has been our home away from home for years. I am sad for your mom and all the people. All the lost history. Is the Banyan tree gone?
And Ann’s piece is so near and dear to my heart. I am the same age. It will be a piece I will read over and over.?
I don’t know about the Banyan tree, but I’ve been wondering too. ❤️
The professional arborists are caring for it and say we will know within 3-4 months if the tree survives
I will be turning 70 in January! What an insightful approach to this human experience. I have grappled with the illusion of a heaven or hell. Where will I go? Am I living either of those in this moment? If I am dead--this physical body no longer "alive"-- I return to the energy I came from and just a different form of energy?? Bliss, peace, love, et: all, the same with fire, hatred, depression, et: all, this human experience may be all that I fear and I am here to experience all of it-- NOW--
The fires in Maui are hard to wrap my head around. We've had a home there, in Lahaina, for nearly 20 years. Sadly every few years there are devastating fires. But this, this is shocking. Praying for everyone, all the people, animals, the land, all of it. Praying, praying, praying. Praying for your mom, too.
I’m so sorry Patrina. It is really impossible to imagine.
Glad to hear your mom is okay.
This quote you included gave me the chills:
"Someone I once loved gave me a box full of darkness.
It took me years to understand that this, too, was a gift."
It's so true.
Gonna snuggle my cat and husband extra hard tonight.
Hang in there ❤️
That was part of Ann’s essay, just to be clear! But yes, extra hugs tonight.
Wow what a blast of everything I needed this morning! Thank you Laura and Ann.
I keep trying to wrap my head around the devastation these wildfires continue to wreak. I am so glad that your mother and husband are safe.
Wow! Just wow! What beautiful, wise writing! I see why the two of you are friends, Laura. Similar souls.
I am so sorry to hear about your parents' home. So glad they're safe!
Laura what a moving post today. Firstly sending so many good and warm thoughts for your mum and you, when one of our family members that we love is in trouble, the hurt surely expands out. Secondly the 70 year olds story. I turned 60 this year, wow how it resonated. I too share a family with my ex who is that kind lovely man. But I also fell deeply in love in March. I didn’t realize what I wanted in a partner, I thought it would be nice to have a serious relationship but maybe spend 50pct if the time together. I now know I don’t want that, I want more. I have been single for a big part of my 50’s. I now k ow that as I am 60, each day is precious. So I am changing course on that. I feel blessed to have found a wonderful man. This story reminded me of that. So I called him after reading this and told him. Thank you for sharing. I hope your mum continues to be safe. Love Miranda 🫶🙏
Laura.
Thanks for this. The news out of Maui is devastating. Glad your mum is safe.
Thanks for sharing this essay of Ann’s. I will have to reread it again and again.
Oh Laura I am so sorry your Mom has gone through this. How devastating! I am so glad she is safe and will be able to rebuild her life. Take good care and big hugs!
I am so very sorry about your mom and all those affected in Maui; fire is fierce and fast and unforgiving. Praying.
Thank you for sharing Ann’s piece! I am 75, and can totally relate - what a beautiful reminder to live well and hold tight our loves.
Bless you for all your reaching out and for sharing yourself. Love you.🌞
I also got a call at 10am yesterday morning from my best friend that lives in Lahaina Maui- 4am there. She & her family are safe but they lost everything- their house burned down. The last time we spoke she said she was “having one of the best summers ever”and now one week later her house and town have burned down. Heartbreaking. It will take time to process and recover from something like this. I want to support her and the community in anyway I can. ❤️
Ugh, I’m so sorry for your friend. Just like that, right?
So sorry that your family are being visited by this devastation. I'm writing from Europe where our friends have also lost their home to fire. Sending strength and love
Thank you Jan. It’s impossible to wrap your head around.
I plan to donate to relief efforts and will do so with you and your family in mind and heart. 888
Thank you 🩵
How I love your and Ann's writing. ❤️
Would it be completely inappropriate to suggest that your readers can donate to any of the many organizations that are doing so much to help with immediate needs in Lāhainā? Hawaii Community Foundationʻs Maui Strong Fund is one, and we are matching donations made through the Hawaii Life Charitable Fund: https://www.hawaiilife.com/company/charitable-fund/