The boys and I headed on base to return our leis to the ocean. They've collected on our porch for years. Legends say that if you throw your lei into the ocean and it returns to shore, that you are destined to return to the islands.
As the sun set, tears welled up in my eyes. This spot is full of memories. All of the miles I've run on this path. All of the times we've waved goodbye to Trip. All of the times we've stood there bubbling with excitement welcoming him home. All of the times the boys have yelled, "honk the horn!" to the sub (she usually could muster one). All of the sunsets we've watched. All of the turtles we've searched for. It's hard to leave somewhere you love so much. As I told Landon, it's okay to be sad because it means we did it right.
Aloha ʻoe, aloha ʻoe
E ke onaona noho i ka lipo
One fond embrace,
A hoʻi aʻe au
Until we meet again