We did not go to Hawaii for fun, we went to Hawaii to say goodbye to my brother-in-law Travis Wilson. He suffered an aortic rupture, which deprived his brain of oxygen for so long that even after the rupture was repaired, he was no longer Travis. Instead, all that was left was a body being kept alive by machines.
Shortly after we arrived, Travis was taken off life support and minutes later he died. I can’t do justice to the grief that his passing has caused to his loved ones. If you’ve ever lost someone you loved dearly, you know there are no words.
When my husband found out that his younger brother was hospitalized and the prognosis was not good, we knew he had to go back home to Oahu. My husband and both of his brothers were born and raised in Oahu. Oahu is a big part of who they are. My children and I had never been to Hawaii, but Hawaii has been a part of our lives through the stories my husband tells.
I always imagined that our first trip to Hawaii as a family would be under happy circumstances, but things happen the way they happen, so instead, our first trip to Hawaii was all about death, healing and SO MUCH LOVE.
Starting with so much love for this man right here.
You guys, I already knew this, but going through this experience with my husband confirmed yet again that he is nothing short of PHENOMENAL.
Then there’s these two!
My babies that make everything in my world SO much better.
Even in sadness, we had fun.
And my husband wasn’t lying.
He has always told me that his island, Oahu, is full of beauty.
Yup, Oahu is a natural beauty for sure.
All that natural beauty helped us heal. Grief doesn’t ever really go away, it stays with you and if you are lucky enough to have a lot to live for, it reminds you to take nothing for granted.
ALSO READ: The Sky the Day My Brother-In-Law Died
Death, Love and Healing in Hawaii
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So sad and also beautiful at the same time. Keeping the family in my prayers. I’m really sorry for your loss.
((HUGS))
I’m so sorry for your loss… and glad you had the opportunity to begin healing, as well.
I just reconnected with my own blog/writing and was hoping you were still doing this series, it was one of my favorites! I’ll be seeing you again soon 🙂