To begin a new journey often it requires a plethora of goodbyes. Some are super easy. Consolidating, selling and donating material items can be very therapeutic despite underlying emotions. Comparatively, saying goodbye or see you soon to family and friends challenges the heart more than imaginable. Reflecting on the last six months, we have been preparing ourselves and cherishing each moment with our loved ones. We realized the move was imminent and our time was limited. Making every opportunity a chance to savor and prepare for the future.
Fast forwarding – we spent three weeks on a whirlwind midwest/east coast road trip. Our journey involved countless (yet never enough) hugs and kisses. We quickly learned it was so much *funner* and infinitely easier to arrive in a new location than it was to leave our existing location. We could not have asked for anything more other than time. Each stop we were treated as royalty. Schedules were rearranged to accommandate our visit enabling us to give even more hugs.
The final week of our 30 days of R&R was to be enjoyed in Hawaii. Just us. No pressures, schedules or expectations. Just us having a chance to be us. Our hearts were heavy and our spirits craved the warmth of the Hawaiian sun and surf to wash away our goodbyes. HA!
Our four flights from Florida to Hawaii were uneventful. The ironic part was Tropical Storm Darby who greeted us upon arrival. Our first 24 hours were submersed in clouds, rain and eventually thunderstorms. Honestly, this was the first hitch in our well planned 30 day evolution. Considering the many things that could have gone wrong, this was a small hiccup. None the less, it wore our already sodden spirits down. We needed sunny skies to soothe our turbulent emotions. Instead we had a Tropical Storm to challenge our storm of emotions.
Peeping out from under cover
Suck it up, buttercup. You’re in Hawaii. Get out there and make the most of it. We went for a walk around Waikiki and shopped our hearts out. We made administrative phone calls to cancel/change this or that coverage. We enjoyed happy hour & ate dinner under cover during an amazing thunderstorm. Ultimately, we survived and were given sage advice for our week. *Never have more than one Mai Tai in a sitting.*
Jetlag was still a reality for us and we crashed Sunday night. We woke early Monday morning and were ready for a run. Ready for a sole connection… Yet again, it was raining. We headed to the gym and pounded out the miles on the treadmill. Not surprisingly, we both felt amazing. By the time we finished, the rain had let up making way for a beautiful sunrise as the clouds parted over Diamond Head.
Diamond head at sunrise after TS Darby
With that, we wished one more goodbye that made us happy. Goodbye Tropical Storm Darby. No hugs for you. You will not be missed. By 8 am Monday morning the clouds cleared and paved the way for relaxation, sunshine and serenity.
Goodbye, Darby