Well it's been a few weeks since I've posted. Things have been a bit ruff around here, so I've been taking it easy.
I was to have a surgery on my tongue May 19. Dr. Hanasano, if you remember, has finally agreed that there is too much skin in my mouth. Something I've complained about since day 1! The plan is to remove a small sliver of skin that I bite when I attempt to chew. This causes great pain and makes me run for the pain meds, which isn't always a bad thing!
I mentioned to the doctor's assistant that I feel the flap has grown a bit. It honestly feels bigger to me and I swear I'm slurring my words more..hummm come to think of it maybe it's all the extra pain meds I'm taking. Anyway...because of this, Dr. Hanasano wants me to see Dr. Clayman to make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary causing this. So, they had to move my surgery to June 5th in order to accommodate both doctor's schedules.
Meanwhile back at the ranch... I was out in the yard enjoying a beautiful afternoon playing in the garden. It was sunny and warm with a mild wind. The only problem was a pesky mini bee flirting around bothering me, a VERY small variety. As I dug the ground on my knees turning the soil, I felt a bug just under my eyelid on the side of the face I was most heavily radiated on. Since there is not a lot of feeling on that side of the face I didn't realize I had been bitten. I brushed the little bugger away and continued enjoying my afternoon.
When I went back inside, I felt an itch on my cheek and went to the mirror. I noticed a small welt where that little bugger bit me. By morning I looked like the elephant man. It was so bad I could barely see out of my left eye. The whole side of my face had swollen up and was a beautiful inflamed red color. Just the thing to tarnish what had otherwise been a wonderful day out in the yard.
Fortunately, by the end of the week I was looking more normal again. But the saga would continue. What? You think my life is easy? Last week I had hooked myself up to my feed bag attached to an IV pole and jumped into bed to watch TV. As my butt hit the mattress I felt a tug on my belly and grabbed the tube to secure it. When I looked at what was in my hand it was more like a scene from Alien. Before me was the wiggling black tip of the end of my feeding tube. The part that was supposed to be securely placed in my stomach! I had pulled that sucker right out of my belly!
Well...what do you do when that happens??? You go to emergency! Let me rephrase that...What do I do when that happens??? Put it back in! The problem is, the tube pig tails at the end, so you can't just put it straight in. Applying a little logic, I corkscrewed that sucker and in it went. Yes, this is the same tube I had a plane to catch with! By the way...This is NOT suggested!
Problem solved right??? WRONG! Here's the deal...when a new tube is installed, it has a wire and a string that runs down the middle of the tube. The wire helps keep it straight so it goes directly into the stomach. After it's inserted the wire is removed and the string is then pulled causing the tube to curl up in a knot securing it, so it can't be pulled out. The string is then locked into a little device called a Mac-Lok. In my case, I assume, I put too much pressure on the tube and the string either broke or was pulled out of the locking device.
Even with the tube now in place, it slips right back out with the slightest movement. A lot of tape does the trick for now, but it needs to be replaced. I called my dietitian, Denise who suggested I call Dr. Clayman's assistant and explained the situation. His assistant, Rolando said he could arrange to have a new tube installed when I get to Houston next week if I could keep it secure, or go to the emergency room now. I figured I can wait.
While we were on the phone I also complained (big surprise there) that this feeding tube is so inconvenient. I get it caught in the dishwasher, the clothes dryer, the dresser drawer, the car door. It's almost a foot long. They have to make something better!! If not I'll design something. It was then that he told me they make a device called a MIC-KEY. It's only about an inch long. SAY NO MORE...I WANT ONE! Slip me a MIC-KEY!!!
This is a low profile gastronomy feeding tube. From what I can tell from the manufacturer's web site, my belly will look like a beach ball. You know the little part you pull out of the ball with the cap to blow it up? Well that's how it will look. Kinda gives a whole new meaning to blow me!
You're probably asking, "If you're going to have the tongue surgery to allow you to eat, then why worry about the feeding tube?" Even Rolando rolled that around a bit. When I spoke with Dr. Hanasano about removing the tube after the surgery, we both agreed it would be a good idea to leave it in a few weeks or longer after the surgery. This would allow the mouth to heal without causing trauma. It would also be a benefit in the event this surgery failed it's objective.
So there ya have it. I head back to MD Anderson on June 1st for a week. I'll have the new tube installed, the surgery to the tongue, and the usual oil change.. blood work and CT scans to see if the cancer has returned. Life can be so wonderful, and then you get stung!
Here's a much friendlier visitor I found in my garden. This is a strikingly beautiful dragonfly. I think it is a Halloween Pennant (Celithemis Eponina) but I'm not an expert. It is the first of this variety I've ever seen.
Well I have to say it was a grueling climb. The children's song: Over the river and through the woods to Grandmother's house we go, comes to mind. But, let me tell you this was no ordinary grandma! Once I reached the crest of the volcanic hill it was like another world. Grandma was there alright, with grandpa and the grand kids along with a party of about 25 others...ALL NAKED!
The beach was totally secluded, private on all 3 sides, very intimate and small. It was just a cove surrounded by volcanic rock and a dense wooded area. There was a young man "hanging out" high atop a banyan tree playing his guitar (very zen) while the grandparents played cards under a large beach umbrella as the grand kids made castles in the sand. Young men in there 20's played Frisbee and frolicked in the ocean waters. Everybody was having so much fun and nobody seemed to mind there wasn't a stitch of clothing to be had on the entire beach. I was feeling a bit uncomfortable as I climbed down off the rock and onto the hot sand.
I was the only one with a bathing suit on. I found myself a small patch of sand along the edge of the beach to rest and take in this unusual world. I definitely was a fish out of water! Sure I've heard of nude beaches before, but I never thought I'd ever go to one!
I laid on my stomach with a book so I could peer over the top and sightsee. How stupid was that?!! And yes, after a hour of sightseeing I noticed the book was upside down. I thought stuff like that only happened in the movies!
Then it dawned on me as I watched granny play cards...when you turn grey, you turn grey...ah...EVERYWHERE! OMG! Then I started to wonder: When women dye their hair, do they dye it down south too?
As I watched the young men swim and play buff catch, I started to ask myself: What if your swimming and a fish nibbles on your bait an tackle?? EWWW! And what about applying your sun screen: Do you rub it on before you go to the beach or slather up your willie in front of everyone? Do they have a book for this, Nude Beaches For Dummies? I don't know the rules!
It was obvious this crowd gathered here often, nobody had tan lines. Most appeared to be locals. They seemed to know each other well. I was so uncomfortable with what I was witnessing, yet everybody else acted as though it was just another day at the beach! Why?
I was raised to be embarrassed by nudity. "Good people" were "respectable" and covered themselves in public. Yet these people were so carefree and happy. It was a dichotomy of sorts. They were unashamed, it was natural as God intended us to be.
Why are humans embarrassed by nudity? We are the only animals on the planet that wear clothing. (Yes I maintain the belief that we are merely animals of a higher order!) Why? This is all Eve's fault dammit!
I kept saying to myself, "You're the only one with clothes on at this beach, you need to either join them or leave them in peace." So, I packed up and headed back to the Ritz scarred for life!
When I arrived to the hotel it was bustling with Christmas vacationers. Since it was my birthday, I wanted to spend it somewhere special. My concierge recommended Swan Court, located in the Hyatt.
When I arrived I was escorted to my table nestled next to a lagoon with live swans swimming about. Beyond the lagoon was the beach and ocean. Just spectacular! The staff was tipped off by my concierge that it was my birthday and they did everything to make my experience unforgettable. I couldn't have asked for more. I polished off a few drinks and this time there was no rush hour traffic to remove my hors d'oeuvre. Only a few graceful swans that swam up and greeted me table side.
Then before me came a sight I will forever remember. The moon was high and still full in the black night sky. A familiar misty rain began to fall. The hair on my arms stood to attention as the sight began to unfold. Before me, amazing grace, a full Moonbow. Yes, a Moonbow! They do exist and I have proof!
Moonbow over Maui
I felt the presence of the entire staff huddled behind me as we all watched in awe. My waiter remarked, "This is a very special night. It only happens like every 10 years!" Everything has to be just right for this phenomenon to emerge. At that moment it all started to sink in. This was no ordinary vacation, it had a purpose.
I can't recall how long it lasted because we all just stopped and stared until the mist subsided and the Moonbow went back into seclusion for another 10 years. I can't even remember my meal or even driving back to my hotel afterwards. The show left me speechless.
My next day trip would be to fly to Big Island to visit Volcanoes National Park. Big Island is the youngest, yet largest of all the islands. It contains 4,038 square miles and is still growing. That's 63% of the total land of the Hawaiian Islands. All the other Hawaiian Islands could fit into Big Island more than 2 times over.
I reserved a private helicopter to view the island with Mauna Loa, the world's most massive volcano and Kilauea, the world's most active volcano, from above. I hopped on the Aloha bus and flew to Big Island. I rented a car in Hilo and drove over an hour to the designated spot to catch my helicopter. I was puzzled when I arrived. The helipad was vacant and the building was locked. I called the office and an employee kindly apologized and told me there would be no helicopter today. WHAT?
I took a plane from Maui, rented a car, drove for an hour, and no helicopter? No courtesy call? I was hotter than Kilauea! The helicopter was commandeered by a park ranger because some idiot fell off a cliff and needed to be rescued! How rude! Couldn't he have waited one more day! Now what am I supposed to do?
They called the park ranger and informed him of my situation. He called me back and wanted to make things right. He realized I came a long way for nothing. His need for the helicopter was greater than my need to view a big glowing chimney from the sky. OK, so he was right.
He asked if I wanted a private ground tour of the lava flows. I would have to drive another hour, but what the hell. I was told to drive to Volcanoes National Park, take Crater Rim Drive that encircles Kilauea Caldera, to the Chain of Craters Road and drive until the road ends. "Until the road ends?" I asked. The road ends where the lava has washed out the road. A park ranger will be waiting for you. REALLY?
As I drove, I was in the park when I came upon the Jagger Museum. I stopped to check it out. Before me was Halemaumau Crater, said to be the home of mythological Hawaiian deity Madame Pele, goddess of fire, dance, and violence. (What a catch!) Often described as "She who shapes the sacred land." Click Here for a map of Big Island.
Halemaumau Crater
An old native Hawaiian once sat me down to tell me the legend of Pele. Born in Tahiti she was one of six daughters and seven sons of Haumea (the Earth goddess) Pele's father, Kane Milohai (father of the sky and heavens) exiled her to Hawaii after she seduced the husband of her older sister, Namakaokahai (goddess of water and sea.) Boy this Pele chick sounds like a real winner!
Pele first arrived on the island of Kauai creating her fire pits with her magic stick, but Namakaokahai followed after her, fought her, leaving her for dead and drowning the fire pits. Pele recovered and fled to Oahu and created the fire pit Diamond Head. After that she left her mark on Molokai before traveling to Maui and creating the Haleakala volcano. When her sister realized she was still alive she went to Maui to do battle.
The battle ended in Hana where her sister finally succeeded in killing her. Legend tells of her bones remaining as a hill called Kaiwio Pele. Pele's spirit rose as a God and she made her home at Halemaumau on Big Island. The old native told of her numerous lovers, blatant infidelities, and jealous rages that manifested into prevalent volcanic rage.
When the lava flows to the sea and steam forms as the sea waters beat against the molten lava, it is said the sisters are still fighting. What a family! This must be the Hawaiian version of "As The World Turns!" The legend never mentions Pele ever marrying...hum wonder why?
Continuing my drive the landscape began to change from green to brown and barren. I noticed volcanic vents along the way with a nasty, rotten egg smell. These geothermic vents spewed a gaseous sulfuric steam. If the volcano becomes very active, this vog (volcanic smog) may become widely spread and hazardous. There were offerings to Pele of flowers, and fruits and berries carefully placed near the rim of the crater in respect.
Sulfur Vent
Offerings to the Goddess Pele
Soon it appeared as though I had left the planet. It was like a black moon scape. As I came to the "end of the road" I found out it was no joke. For the first time I understood how lava can transform the Earth as we know it to a black and barren moonscape.
Old lava flows (on the right) transformed the Earth
The End of the road baby!
$50 Fine - Strictly enforced traffic laws
Speed Trap-radar gun unnecessary!
I found my park ranger who introduced himself by saying, "Oh my you're wearing shorts and a T-shirt with sneakers!" HUH? There's a dress code to view lava? This wasn't exactly how I envisioned viewing the island either, so we're even. He was concerned about my attire because he planned to take me out "onto" the lava flows. My sneakers might melt if I stayed still too long. I was instructed to stay behind him as he poked at the new black Earth before us.
Now feeling a bit flush, I began to hear a crackling and tinging sound as we approached the bubbling redness. Once again I was in awe, mesmerized by the view, the birth and creation of new land. Humbled, I took picture after picture and when all were developed (this was before digital cameras kids) everyone of them looked the same...200 pictures of red blobs against black blobs! I guess I wanted to make sure I got a good one!
Smoldering hot lava at my feet
He explained that there were tubes of molten hot, 2,000 degree lava, rushing under our feet beneath the surfacing making its way to the sea. Some of this lava would break the surface creating the blobs we were seeing. We carefully walked through the field to an area where lava was flowing into the sea. Indeed Pele and her sister were still at it! What a fight!
I was cautioned to avoid breathing any steam in the area. When lava flows enter the sea, it bursts into pieces building new land at the oceans edge from the fragmented material. This rubble is then covered with a veneer of lava flows forming a "bench" which gives a false impression of solid ground. This bench can break off into the ocean at anytime.
A Lava Plume at night
When waves splash the open steam of lava they explode in a cloud of steam, hot water and tephra (molten spatter, tiny glass fragments known as "Pele's hair") called a "tephra jet." I guess that means Pele's sister is ripping her hair out!
The plume of steam is called laze (lava haze) created when sea water vaporizes. Chlorine in the sea salt combines with hydrogen in the water and forms hydrochloric acid in the plumes along with tiny glass fragments from the lava. Boy when these girls fight they don't mess around! Kind of reminds me of the old "Dynasty" series. Take that you bitch!
It was getting dark and I had to make it back to Hilo to catch a plane to Maui. I bid my guide adieu and hightailed it back to the airport, just in time to catch the last flight of the day. Another amazing experience. I feel so energized and alive, like a child learning new things. There is so much more to life than working and making money! Did I just say that???
It was soon time to depart the Ritz. A wonderful, relaxing place to home base, but I was now on the last leg of this life changing journey. Last stop: Kauai, the Garden Isle. Upon approach it was beautiful. I would soon learn that there were a lot of businesses not open do to hurricane Iniki. The eye of the category 4 hurricane passed directly over Kauai devastating the island, destroying 1,400 homes and damaging 5,000 others. The storm caused over 1.8 billion dollars in damage to homes and businesses.
Even though the storm pounded the isle a few years ago, there were still signs of damage and rebuilding. The island was peaceful, not bustling as Maui or Oahu, but it was beautiful. The front desk clerk told me that the tourist trade had slowed down dramatically after the storm. Mostly because many of the shops were still closed and some of the owners had just moved away.
With only two days on the island I thought it best to find a helicopter to take it all in quickly, so I booked with a group. This would not be the private ride I wanted, but it was all that was available. There better not be another idiot falling off a cliff this time! There were 4 maybe 6 of us that went up that afternoon and it was amazing. The view from above was awe inspiring! So dramatic were the waterfalls, pools, and lagoons reflecting a thousand shades of green.
Above Kauai
Time, wind, and water conspired to form Kauai slowly eroding the ancient volcano, etching a cleft through her heart, the mighty Waimea (red) Gorge, also known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Petrified spectrum of reds abound. Though smaller than it's Arizona kin, it's just as impressive.
The Grand "Waimea Canyon"
Swiftly we flew to the Napali Coast where the mountains stood like sentinels protecting the North shore of the island. These razor edged sea cliffs march along the shore forming a barrier resting on a blue velvet sea. I have never witnessed beauty on such a grand scale. Breathtaking!
The Napali Coastline
As I got to know some of the people from the hotel to the helicopter, it was obvious I was a bit of an outcast. Everybody was a newly wed! No matter where I went, love was in the air. Young couples holding hands, nuzzling, kissing, and smiles surrounded me. I began to feel a little uncomfortable. Everybody else had someone glued to them and there I was, a loner. Well this was the last day so I opted to spend it on the beach with all the other love birds. This time they all had clothes on!
When I got back to my room I had a message from the airline that my flight home had been canceled. Oh damn! How could I honestly spend another day on this mystical isle? After two weeks of splendor I was ready to go home, but one more day couldn't hurt right? I spent my last day in peace resting and checking out the shops that were open.
I had to take Aloha Airlines back to Oahu to catch my connecting flight on American Airlines back to San Francisco. The first class accommodations were well received after enduring that Aloha bus. That's the only thing I won't miss about this magical chain of isles called Hawaii. ALOHA and MAHALO!
As I flew home I began to think of those people washing their crystals to give them energy. I don't need to re-energize a rock to give me strength. I recharge my body and soul with the gifts all around me. The more I opened my eyes the more I began to see. You have to open a door to view the beauty within. Why I was given so many blessings in so short a time, I wouldn't come to realize the answer for almost a year.
Eight months later I was in a battle for my life. My doctors gave me 3 months to live. It was then that I realized what all this was for. These were lessons of how to tap into nature to for the energy to survive.
LESSONS LEARNED:
1. The bioluminescent creatures dancing upon the sand like millions of diamonds, filled my soul with the knowledge that you may be a star one night, but may no longer shine the next. Enjoy today, for there may be no tomorrow.
2. The playful turtle taught me to be free, child like, invincible. Hawaiians believe the turtle is a sign of strength, protection and wisdom, creation and longevity. Ancient Hawaiian stories tell of them being helpers and demigods. His presence fed me this energy I needed.
3. The white horse taught me to stop and smell the roses. Even when you feel lost and alone, if you follow your rainbow you will find your bliss.
4.The Brahma bull taught me that even when you are alone, be happy. Scratch that itch and dance as if nobody watching! Celebrate the day!
5. The gecko (my drinking buddy) taught me to think before you over indulge or you could end up on the wrong side of the door, dead! Even after your gone others will continue to survive while checking in and out of your room. At that point you're nothing but a memory, or an outline on a door frame!
6.The people on the nude beach taught me to be free and open to change. There is always time to learn new things. Never be ashamed to be yourself. Be open to new experiences and respect others for what they believe.
7. The majestic Moonbow taught me that even when you've lost your rainbow, there is always a bigger and better one waiting around the corner, if you just believe. Miracles do happen! (my personal mantra)
8. Madame Pele taught me to fight and stand strong. There is always time to rebuild and reshape yourself. When you draw from the fire within, you can create anything.
9. Kauai taught me that even if you're hit with the force of a hurricane, you can rebuild and in the process remain breathtakingly beautiful. Breath deep, life is ever changing, we cannot control the world around us. Take what you're given and live in harmony with the forces of nature.
This two week crash course in understanding how to replenish my energy was a gift beyond all gifts. Those people with the crystals were on the right track. Their eyes were open, but they didn't believe enough in themselves to re-energize their own bodies and souls.
You don't need an object to give you strength. Strength comes from within. You must build a fire to create the passion to keep moving. Breath deep everyday and gather your energy from the nature that surrounds you: a sunset, a frog in the pond, dew resting on the morning lawn. See the gifts and open your mind and you will find the energy you seek.
Oh I almost forgot the most important of all the lessons:
10.Some might think I'm a nut, just as I thought when I watched those people washing their crystals in the sea for strength and energy, but I have learned not to care what others may think...what works for me might not work for you :) March to the beat of your own drum!
Recently, I was reading another cancer survivors blog on the topic of energy. I began to think about the first time I recognized this energy surging within me.
Many years ago I was in Hawaii on the beach. I came upon several people washing their "crystals" in the ocean, energizing them. Cleansing them to remove the negative energy. They believed energized crystals gave them strength. At the time I just thought they were nuts!
One year before being diagnosed with my first life threatening illness I went back to Hawaii, but this time it was different. The experiences I encountered were more robust, more energizing. Each day was like being reborn, new, fresh, and amazing! But why?
I flew first class from San Francisco to Hawaii on American Airlines. My best friend Herb, gave me a pass on Aloha Airlines that allowed me to island hop at will during my stay. Just like a bus, except you went to the airport to get on. No frills...you're up, have some POG (passion fruit, orange, and guava juice), you're down...now get out!!! Alo-hahaha!
I began on the island of Oahu, staying with a dear friend. Patsy, a fellow Little Caesars Franchisee, was busy running her four restaurants with boyfriend Joshua. But, Patsy still found time to show me around. From North Shore to Diamond Head, from pineapple plantation to the Holona Blow Hole, I saw it all. What better guide could you ask for than your very own nani kama`aina? (beautiful native/long time resident)
Holona Blow Hole, Oahu Hawaii
On a warm tropical evening we set out for a walk along Kailua Beach. This beach has been rated as one of the best beaches in all the world. It was a mystical night. As Patsy and Joshua held hands in the moonlight, I lagged behind to give them their privacy. I enjoyed the warm waters caressing my bare feet as I briefly sunk into the sand with each step. The wet sand before us was alive. It danced with light. At first I thought it was the reflection of the almost full moon, but no...the sand was indeed alive and bursting with light!
Bioluminescent organisms danced upon the wet sands that surrounded us. As the water washed the shore, it went dark, but when the water receded the sand came alive. It glowed as if millions of diamonds were deposited upon the shore line. I was so entranced with the spectacle, I dumped out my bottled water and took some of the creatures back to the house for further inspection. By morning they glowed no more, they were dead.
Pasty took me snorkeling in Hanauma Bay. I found such color and grandeur beneath the tranquil waters. Schools of fish, vibrant yellows and blues hurried by. Then a green sea turtle appeared. He passed within a foot of me, gently gliding along. He looked me right in the eye and I felt as though he smiled at me as he passed. He swam away then turned back, circled me closely, then sailed away again as if to say, "Tag, you're it!"
I swam after him, grabbed onto the back of his shell and for a brief moment felt as if I were flying. It was as though he was trying to teach me something. I was a young boy again, invincible! I'm flying!
Then his head turned and I heard a loud "snap" as I noticed a very sharp pointed beak like appearance to his face. With that I let go, understanding my lesson was over.
After catching up with me, Patsy remarked she had never witnessed anything like that before, out of all the years she lived in Hawaii. It was a once in a life time experience. There would be many more of those to come for me on this journey.
Hanauma Bay, Oahu Hawaii
From Oahu I flew to Maui to spend the Christmas holiday in exile. I had a wonderful ocean view suite booked at the Ritz Carlton in Kapalua. I would home base there and make a side trip to Hana for 3 days.
I took the road less traveled. I challenged the southern route and not the Hana Highway as suggested. I've never been one to follow a common path. I was told nobody takes the southern route and even the rental car company did not allow cars to be driven this route. I found this out AFTER I made the trek.
There was nothing out there. Dry, deserted, surrounded by tall grassy fields, I drove across the lonely landscape. Nothing more than two tire tracks in the bumpy road..well I don't even think it qualified as a road. I should have been driving a jeep, but the convertible Mustang would have to suffice.
While driving I was stopped by a huge white horse blocking the road. A misty rain began and a rainbow appeared before me framing the majestic beast. It was a spectacular site! I marveled in the splendor, as if the horse were there for a reason. Another lesson perhaps? The mist subsided, the horse stepped off the path, and on I drove.
My Little Pony
The terrain was growing more lush and green as I approached Hana. I almost ran off the road when I spotted a Brahma bull on his back upon a grassy knoll. I pulled off the road to watch in amazement. His legs were in the air as he wiggled his body to scratch his back. He seemed enchanted. I felt as if he were trying to teach me something, as the turtle and the horse were. Another once in a life time event.
Somewhere Over The Rainbow!(It took 3 shots to capture the full magnificence of the rainbow pointing my way to Hana - sorry for the poor quality)
Upon my arrival at the Hotel Hana-Maui, the bellhop remarked, "You must have taken the southern route." "How would you know that?" I asked. Was he clairvoyant? This was a bit spooky. He then replied, "Judging by the palm fronds, tall grass, and other debris trailing behind your car, you couldn't have taken the highway." I just grinned as he showed me to my private cottage.
I was surprised to find no TV, radio, or phone in my bungalow. I went stir crazy the first day. I spent the afternoon on a red sand beach enjoying the endless beauty. There wasn't much to do but relax, something I wasn't used to. So, what to do when you get back to a room with no entertainment? Yup, get drunk!
Kaihlulu Beach (Red Sand Beach) Maui
I went to the general store. This was more like a primitive market, but it had what I needed, a very large bottle of Bailey's! I grabbed my prize and headed back to my cottage bungalow, fired up the jacuzzi on my private deck, and proceeded to indulge in the creamy elixir.
It was another warm night. The stars were bountiful and bright, as a full moon hung over head in the clear sky. The air was still and only the gentle sound of waves crashing upon the rocks in the distance could be heard. I finally felt myself giving into the splendor of it all, or maybe it was just the booze! I fell asleep in the rippling water. I awoke at 4 AM with the biggest, brightest moon smiling down upon my waterlogged body. I staggered to the comfort of my king size bed for a proper nights rest. Well, what was left of the night anyway!
My Heavenly Hana Hot Tub
When I awoke this time, there was something staring down at me from above. It was a gecko clinging onto the tip of the ceiling fan blade as it slowly circled above my bed. Not a good thing to witness with a hangover. I wondered, "Did this little guy get into my liqueur? Was he too hung over from his own night of partying?"
As I watched my new found friend go round I thought, he's either going to throw up or risk it all and jump into bed with me. Either way I wasn't going to wait for him to decide. I remember hunting down a maid and asking her to find someone to remove the little varmint, before we became intimate bedfellows! As a native Hawaiian, she explained with exuberance that the little creature that had invaded my private space was a sign of good luck and he should be welcomed! Not where I come from honey!
I left my room to enjoy the afternoon upon a beautiful black sand beach. Something about it seemed odd. I equated black sand with dirt. I didn't want to spend my day basking in the sunlight on dirt! Upon further inspection it wasn't like dirt at all, but more like fine pebbles of black glass. This was what was left of the volcanic rock as it was pummeled by the sea. It was as spectacular as the red sand beach I lounged upon the day before.
Honokalani Beach (Black Sand Beach) Maui
On Christmas Eve the local children were to perform a holiday extravaganza in the hotel's restaurant. I was seated next to the stage at a small table covered in crisp white linen. Placed before me were Taro Chips. Taro is a root used by Hawaiians. Since taro's arrival in 450 A.D. from Polynesia, it has provided nourishment and spirituality to Hawaiians. Thin slices of taro are kettle cooked and gently seasoned to create these chips.
Mine were of the mobile variety. By this I mean, THEY WERE MOVING! My table was placed next to a large support column. Down the column ran hundreds, if not thousands, of microscopic ants attempting to haul off my appetizer! Without trying to make a big commotion, I flagged down my waiter and pointed to the rush hour traffic upon my table. He smiled, gently pulled the table from the column, brushed away the population, and replaced my Taro Chips with a fresh, less mobile variety.
Though the table was now ant free, the rest of the tribe was still running up and down the column. When I quietly asked the waiter if he was going to spray something to kill the pests, he explained. "We learn to co-exist with nature here in the jungle." The children put on a very cute show. My dinner was delicious despite the unwelcome guests, but "co-existing" in a jungle environment is not my style!
That night the maid left an industrial strength can of bug spray in my room and instructed me to spray the interior perimeter before bed. My gecko friend was no where to be found. He must be hungover in a corner somewhere, already tucked away. That night I slept better than I had in years.
Christmas morning arrived and it was time to check out. I opened the door of the bungalow and noticed the outline of a small lizard. My "good luck" gecko had been squashed between the door and frame of the entrance. I wondered if that was the gecko equivalent to drinking and driving? He might have been good luck for me, but I obviously wasn't his good luck charm! Mele Kalikimaka my friend!(Merry Christmas!)
I wanted to stay a few extra nights, but sadly they were booked for the holiday season. On my way back to the Ritz, taking the Hana Highway this time, I took a side trip to a beach that was recommended by some locals.
While lounging on this pristine, sugary white sand, crescent shaped beach, I watched dozens of people climbing up the side of a mountain with lawn chairs, beach umbrellas, and guitars! This was no easy trek. Something really enticing must be on the other side of that rock. I had to inspect it further!
I gathered my things and hiked up the jagged volcanic mountain, following the trail blazed before me. It was exhausting...this better be good!
Peace B
Tune in next time, when someone steals my helicopter , I end up the only single person on the beach, and I learn the carpet doesn't always match the drapes! The journey into positive energy continues!
Sometimes cancer can make you feel down right ugly. During treatment your hair falls out, you lose a lot of weight, you're exhausted! You might even be a bit disfigured after surgery, but through it all you MUST maintain your sense of humor if you're going to survive.
You quickly learn that people often treat you different. Though you don't want to be treated different, your outside appearance can change peoples perception of you. You have to try harder to get them to see past your current state. Lighten up, you're no different than you used to be. You're still LIVING, so stop dying and be your old self with a new look and a new attitude. Everyday that you sulk, and cry, and put on the "why me" act, you're waisting precious moments. You should be spending that time doing something memorable.
I hesitate to mention that your family and loved ones will long remember the hospital visits before the good times, if YOU don't do something about that now. Your attitude and willingness to strive for a normal life is all you need.
Take a hint from Oscar, a female, who was given 6 months to live.....12 years ago! Some might say she is ugly.
A curious little fellow came to greet me today. Just a babe, but very cute. His family is one of the longest lived on the planet today. They have been around since the Cretaceous period (80 million years ago.) He could grow to be 800 pounds and 13 feet long, but he has a long way to go. He's just over 3 feet head to tail now.
Alligators are cold blooded, so you will find them on the banks sunning themselves to warm their body during the day. They should NEVER be hand fed. You do not want to tame them to come looking for food. Just enjoy their grace and leave them to fend for themselves. The young are curious, but will grow to be more skittish as they get older.
One interesting fact about the reproduction of this animal is that it's sex depends on the ambient temperature. Once the eggs are laid, the sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature in the nest and is fixed within 7 to 21 days of the start of incubation. Incubation temperatures of 30°C (86°F) or lower produce a clutch of females; those of 34°C (93°F) or higher produce entirely males.
The doorbell rings. It's Alex, a young boy from the neighborhood.
"Will you go fishing with me?" he asks.
"Sure, I think I can pull that off." I tell the young boy.
We sit on the bank of the pond casting into the luminous water, hoping something will snag our line...Nothing yet.
Alex breaks the silence of the warm afternoon. "Mom says you have cancer." He states so direct.
"Yes I do." I answer back.
"Are you going to die?" with that simple question he casts into the water.
I love kids, so direct, so honest, as life should be. But for some reason adults think it rude when children are so. I think it should be encouraged. It builds honesty and a realistic understanding of the world.
"Yes Alex, I will die someday and so will you, but now is not my time. 13 years ago I was given 3 months to live. I'm still here. So no matter what anyone tells you, they really don't know for sure." I explain.
"Are you afraid of dying?" He asks.
"No, I wasn't then and I'm not now. I have had a wonderful life. Maybe that gives me peace." I answer, as I cast out to the lady of the lake looking for a strike.
Then a long period of silence, as we stare upon the tranquil waters, with 100 year old oak trees reflecting in our gaze...
I was asked the same question 13 years ago by Bob Mazziotte, our Senior Vice President of Little Caesars. I remember that clearly. Very ill, barely 100 pounds, snuggled in bed, the phone rang, it was Bob. "Are you afraid of dying?" he asked with great compassion. Without hesitation I told him I was ready, with no regrets. I think it surprised him.
Sure, there are still things I want to do, places I want to go, and people I want to meet. But if it all ended today, I can say it's been a great ride.
Alex breaks the silence, "If you die, I'd miss you."
One interesting fact about the reproduction of this animal is that it's sex depends on the ambient temperature. Once the eggs are laid, the sex of the offspring is determined by the temperature in the nest and is fixed within 7 to 21 days of the start of incubation. Incubation temperatures of 30°C (86°F) or lower produce a clutch of females; those of 34°C (93°F) or higher produce entirely males.
