Sometimes life gets overwhelming. It can become stressful, anxiety-ridden, or everything catches up to you. A vacation from it seems to be what is needed. That is what my week in Hawaii was. A time to reset, regroup, and renew. Right after losing our dog, Hermie suddenly, we lost our youngest cat, Alice, or the Huntress. During a storm at night when I went to go to my car, she ran between my legs and shot outside into the rain. I thought she’d be right back because she hated the rain, but that didn’t happen. Weeks have gone by, and I’m not hopeful. Living in the forest has its downsides. This is one of those and why I want our cats in at night.
Our oldest cat, Thunder, during the same period, had what I thought was an eye infection. So I took her to the vet. It turned out to be a mass in her head. We kept her as comfortable as long as we could. We had to let her go a few days ago, which is always hard to do. To add to the loss of our fur babies, a good friend of my husband unexpectedly passed away during his vacation, and my uncle was put under the care of hospice with the diagnosis “anytime.” This all blended in with other challenges in my life and those unprocessed events resurfacing from the recent past until I felt like climbing into bed, pulling the covers high over my head, and staying there.
Instead, I packed my suitcase to leave and got on the plane to Kauai. I forced myself to settle into the Aloha Spirit with my husband, youngest daughter, and son-in-law.
Here’s where the magic I needed happened. Showing my daughter and husband the island for their first time reminded me of the beauty of nature and life. On one of those days, we wanted to show them what’s under the water or snorkeling. We met our first attempt with less than clear waters, so we headed to another beach. While the boys sat on the sand sunning, my daughter and I were enjoying the colorful fish. I was happily snapping many photos when I saw something off to my left. I quickly turned and was greeted by a huge green sea turtle swimming between my daughter and me. I joyfully shouted into the salty waters. Daughter, mother, and sea turtle swam side by side for what could have been an eternity. At that moment, I found my inner peace, inner child, and my soul again.
The turtle and I made eye contact. I felt his wisdom in those calm dark eyes. Then, he nodded to me and swiftly took off, leaving us behind. My daughter and I surfaced in pure glee of the bond of that shared experience. That Honu left behind the gift to trust the flow, to breathe, come up for air, swim at my own pace and spend more time in nature. I realized no matter what happened or what I came home to; I’d carry the strength of that brief encounter. It helped me give the courage to let Thunder go this week. This was the gentle reminder that I needed to remember no matter how tough things get—there’s always magic around me.
UPDATE:
1. There will be a couple of special edition blogs.
2. Next week’s blog will debut short story “Red Eyes in the Darkness” blurb and cover, along with a link for preorder.
3. I will be on vacation starting June 15th, to attend my son’s graduation from college, so responses from me will be slow. I’ll be quiet on social media again, too.
Embrace your inner child with the magic that surrounds us! D.L. Finn
What a wonderful post you have shared Denise…an amalgamation of anguish and magic! Life is like that my friend – you can never predict when a moment of joy turns around, a grim reminder that certain situations are beyond our control. I am sorry for the loss of your furry friends. Sending some positive vibes and hugs your way.
Thanks for sharing that magical experience of swimming with a turtle and what a lovely picture! Stay blessed.
Thank you Balroop. Yes life does throw us these dark moments but there seems to be balance at the same time. I was lucky to get a picture of it and feel the magic, too. Sending hugs back.
There’s always magic around us … no matter how tough things get. Thank you, dear Denise, for this reminder. ♥
Thank you, Gwen. I’m so grateful to be given this reminder.
🐢
I also sorry for the loss of Herimie and Thunder, and I pray that Alice finds her way back. I can’t imagine being beset with all those losses at once, but I do believe that peace is given to us in mysterious ways, and the the sea turtle was clearly a message from God. I know how much you cherish animals.The spirits of your beloved pets are surely soaring free until you can connect with the again.
Thank you, Mae. I agree with you about the turtle being sent by God and helped me through this. I would love for Alice to show up. Yes they are soaring for sure and soneday we will all see each other again.
I’m so glad to hear that Nature salved your pain. I am sorry for your losses. Losing family is so difficult.
Thank you Jacqui, it is. Nature is an amazing healer.
I’m so sorry for your losses, Denise. It is so hard to lose one of your fur babies. My thoughts are with you. I’m so glad you were able to get away.
Thank you, John, it us hard on us and our remaining fur babies.
I know. ♥️
❤️❤️❤️
🙂
So sorry for your loss but as you rightly said everything passes and time fades. One has to come into balance.
Thank you:) Yes, it all passes and we each need to find ways to get that balance again. Sometimes we are lucky and they find us.
Yes absolutely true and they r always with us at all times only that there is no body. Welcome dear.
I’m sorry about the loss of your fur babies. It’s not easy to give them up, especially with all the other things you’ve had to deal with. Sounds like the trip was wonderful. You’re right, we don’t have to look far to see something magical.
Thank you, Joan. Yes, it was a lot to process at once, but that’s how it seems to happen sometimes. Yes, it was a fabulous vacation that was fulled with some magic and a great reminder.
I am so sorry for all the heartbreak, Denise. But I’m uplifted knowing you found peace. Will be offering prayers for you. Hugs.
Thank you, Staci the prayers are very appreciated! Yes, that was a moment of peace I won’t soon forget. A true blessing.
So sorry for your losses! Pets are cherished members of family! ♥♥
Thank you, Billy they sure are!
Oh, Denise, this is such a beautiful post! The Universe knows exactly what we need at any given moment. For you to be in that exact moment with the sea turtle and experience that spirit connection was such a gift! I am so sorry for the losses. There are no other words except that I’m thankful you found some healing. Hugs! And, thank you for sharing! This uplifted my day!
Thanks, Jan:) I’m always surprised when these miracles happen, yet that small part of me understands. That turtle was so healing and such a connection to my soul. I keep trying to think of words to describe something thst is beyond words. Glad you could connect to it.
Hello, Denise. I’m so sorry for your loss. Why does everything have to happen at the same time? It’s horrible.
I’m happy you had that beautiful, life-changing moment with your daughter and the turtle. I admire your strength and resiliency. I wish you all the best with your future plans, my friend. <3 xo
Thank you, Vashti. Yes life does seem to sent us a lot at sometimes. It also sents us our turtles if we are watching. I could have not turned around and missed it. The two writers saw it so it must be a writing turtle, too. I wish you sll the best as well. Xo
Denise, I’m so sorry about your unexpected losses and troubles of late. It’s a lot to process, especially when things pile one on top of the other. Sounds like you did the best thing by taking a trip. And Hawaii of all places … nice. I love the connection you had with the turtle. They are such ancient and wise creatures. Sending healing energy through the ether.
Big hugs,
eden
xo
Thanks. Eden. I have always loved turtles and I really felt his ancient wisdom in that moment. I can dive back.into that memory and re-feel that calm. It was quite a gift. Thank you for the hugs, sending some back.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your precious fur babies, my friend. Your post reaffirms my belief in the magic and interconnection we share and find in nature. The serenity allows us to be refreshed in it’s warmth. How lucky we are to have so much beauty around us.
Thank you, Soooz. It was an amazing experience provided in nature that I’m drawing strength and hope from daily since it happened. Yes, the magic abounds around us if we look for it.
Dear Denise, I am so sorry that you have had recent loss, both your fur friends and a close friend. Sometimes life is so hard and I frequently feel that. A vacation and an encounter with a beautiful turtle made life worth it again. Thank you for posting as we all have those moments of despair but your post is encouraging that we can feel life is worth it again.
Thank you, Julie. Yes life can get really hard for all of us in different ways. I like how you put this experience made life worth it again. It certainly did.
So sorry for your loss, Denise. This post is such an inspiring one. You captured both the mystery and harmony of our existence on this most exquisite journey. Blessings to you and yours. XO
Thank you Natalie! I’m so happy this captured that balance for you like it did me.
I am sorry to read about the tough time you have been having, Denise. Not easy for you. Your holiday looks wonderful. I saw your pictures on Instagram.
Thank you, Robbie. We all go through these periods in life, its nice to know there is a bit of magic to counter them, like the vacation. I enjoy Instagram and getting a more upclose glimpse of fellow writers and friends.
This is a beautiful post, Denise. I’ve never snorkeled but your vivid descriptions bring it ti life for me- imagine, a sea turtle! How cool is that? 🙂
I’m very sorry about the loss of your fur-babies and your uncle’s ill health. I’m glad you were able to find some peace during this stressful time {{hugs}}
Thank you, Jacquie:) I found my love of snorkeling late in life, but love the glimpse into the oceans world. I wanted to suba dive, too. Our local college used to offer a class that did that but it was pricey and in really cold water. Yes, this provided me the peace I needed. Thanks for the hugs. Sending some your way, too. (I found your message in spam so I’d better watch that closer in future. No idea why it was there!)
Shoot, I better check my spam, too!
You did the right thing taking a good break. Had to laugh at your cat… Ours don’t like the rain either. Hope you feel rejuvenated! 🙂
Thank you, Kevin, I do feel rejuvenated! Yes, cats certainly don’t like to get their fur wet in baths or rain.
They are lovely to have around though. 😉
Yes I agree they are the best:)
Such a sad post, but such a wonderful one with the sharing of your vacation in Hawaii! It’s been a long time since I’ve been to Hawaii, and I’m itching to go back to Kauai to revel in the greenery and the ocean. Love the image of the turtle–how incredible to swim with him, and that he shared time out of his day with you.
Congrats to your son for the college success!
Have a good vacation, Denise!
Thank you, Julie. Loss is always hard, but this moment with the turtle balanced it out. Yes, Kauai is such an amazing place to visit. I hope you make it back. So much magic there. I’m looking forward to celebrating my son’s graduation, thanks:)
I am healed by Kauai once a year – and totally understand the blessing you received from the Honu and the island. I wonder where you stay? We’re always in Poipu. Just a magical land. So glad you were able to find a way to be grateful for the furry friends in your life, while you mourn them. xo
Hi ! We go every other year and also stay in Poipu. It is such a magical place. We saw the turtle at Poipu Beach. Yes, very grateful to have had our furry babies in our lives no matter how long.
For sure. We stay right next to Poipu Beach also. Did you get to the turtle sanctuary? It’s amazing. xo
No we didn’t. Next time:)
For sure!
Hi Denise. I’m sorry about the loss of your fur babies. Sometimes life’s changes come all at once, your decision to go to Kauai was a good one. I think Kauai the most beautiful of Hawaiian Islands. Congratulations to your son on his graduation from college. I’m sure this was a proud moment for both of you.
Thank you, Rob. Yes sometimes it does come all at once before changes. I’m still procesding it through words. I agree Kauai is the prettiest of the islands and most laid back. It was a proud moment with our son and incredible memories we took home with us.
It will take time to process these losses. You have friends on WordPress who care about you. I’m so happy for you and your Son.
I have really felt and appreciated all.the support. Its really helped. Thank you.