Moments in time: Molly

Moments in time: Molly

Going grocery shopping is a pain. It’s either tedious, annoying or both. Today turned out to be very different. Today I was reminded how short life can be. Today, for just the briefest of moments, I met Molly.

You know how some kids are just so appealing looking? That’s Molly in a nutshell. I noticed her right away. She is a stunner. Her hair is thick and straight, a lovely deep auburn, cut into a cute little bob. Her eyes are a very mischievous brown that nicely show off the spray of freckles across her nose. Standing in line waiting to check-out, she twists around her dad, faces me and says “Hi, my name is Molly.” I was just about to say something, maybe tell her how cute her haircut is, when she says “my mom passed away.” Almost speechless, but not quite, I squeak out how sorry I am and offer her what I hope is a friendly face “Mom’s in heaven” she continues, “I’m going to church on Sunday so I can see her.” I think she is about five years old; old enough to know something has happened to her mom, but not really understanding the magnitude of what she’s saying.

Suddenly, the mindlessness of standing in line vanishes. Now my brain is on fire, I think over my options, what can I say, what can I do? Just then, her little brother peers around his dad and looks at me. He is a miniature version of his only slightly bigger sister. Oddly I wonder if their mom had auburn hair and freckles. He parrots his sister telling me his mom has passed away, repeating it several times. A quick rebuke from dad causes the boy to burst into tears. I’m desperate; I so want to help, to say something, anything, just offer to help. I try to catch the man’s eye, but he resolutely looks ahead. He ushers his children forward and scans for an open cashier. I know he can tell I’m trying to say something, but he turns away when a checker flags him. Just then I’m flagged to another stand. I turn and look at the other shoppers; no one seems to have overheard Meghan or her brother; it all seems so surreal.

Military people tend to close ranks when something happens. I know his Army family is doing all they can for him. My moment has passed. As a military spouse, standing in line at a military grocery store, I fear this is a war death. I do not know this, but I fear it. This is a war so different then wars of the past. This is a war with women warriors, women who are moms, sisters, aunts and cousins. Women who made a promise to serve their country. My country. I am humbled by their sacrifice.

9 Feb 2009

January 1, 2009 Laniakea Beach day

Scallop hauls up to Laniakea beach. The first honu to come up in 2009. Scallop wins!

Kuhina's impressive backside.

The monk seal "North Shore Girl" slides out of the surf, surprising all of us.

She pulls herself up on to the beach, away from the surf.

North Shore girl sacks out with Scallop.

Mark poses with North Shore Girl, a monk seal that visits Laniakea beach on occasion.

Busy Honu

Saturday (27th) we cruised around hoping to hit a good beach. Unfortunately the bad weather on Friday wiped out many of the beaches/or parking spots, so we headed to Laniakea beach. I chucked my badge and Honu Guardian t-shirt in my bag just in case I was needed. Turned out I was! Andy had to leave at the end of his shift, and the follow-on people were not able to make it. Joanne showed at 3 to cover the evening shift. We had Genbu (my chosen honu) up, and precious came up later. When Joanne came, she let me scan the turtles and check their microchip numbers; it was too cool! Two honu were feeding in the rocks to the east; a large male and a juvenile. I sent photos to Joanne (the orgs. co-founder) and she ID'd the male as Brutus. It was awesome to see those guys so active. Normally I just see them sleeping on the beach.

Touristy stuff

Friday (December 26) we went to Waikiki, and Ala Moana mall. Another touristy day as we showed Mark around Oahu. That's me with Gus, a banyan tree in the Hale Koa hotel's garden. Mark and Guy let me take their pic on Waikiki beach (Diamond Head is in the background). Later that evening a huge lightning storm wiped out the entire island's electricity. Thank goodness we'd already made it home, and really glad we have a grill. I threw some chicken on, and we had a nice evening on the patio while our neighbors exploded some of their stashed fireworks. In was kind of exciting!