The trade winds had an attitude that day. They were strong and danced across the sand with a purpose. Even though it’s been five years ago, I remember having to anchor the corners of the beach towel with those size 13 flip flops so the mai tai wouldn’t tip over and the bags of orchid leis had a place to rest before they’d begin their journey floating on the Pacific.
It would be the day I would scatter Leroy’s ashes in his ocean, five years ago today.
Friends wrote messages that I read out loud and the words mixed with the ocean breezes and I just knew he could hear them. Messages of love and friendship and good-byes mixed with tears.
I’ve returned to that beach every year since with a Mai Tai, a Snickers bar, orchid leis and new messages. It’s my way of staying connected to that strong spirit.
If you have the opportunity at some point this week, raise a glass, whisper some words or just remember how this community thrived thanks to his guidance.
The trade winds sill carry that strength.
October 24, 2013 @ 8:27 am
Enjoy your memories Laurie and a huge Thank you for carrying on a special gift that a very BIG man started. Our hearts are touched forever….Most definitely I will raise a glass in his honor this week…
love and hugs
October 22, 2013 @ 9:30 am
I will raise a glass in Leroy’s memory at some point this week. I live in a town whose name is based around a story of an oak tree during the Civil War and I sometimes think of him when I see a big oak standing tall and proud. Thank you for sharing your heart with us and guiding us through the darkness.
October 21, 2013 @ 5:03 pm
He knows how really lucky he was to have you in his life. May he always be present to your love.
October 21, 2013 @ 4:35 pm
I see the Mighty Oak standing in the corner of our front yard and remember what Leroy did for us. He began a blog to talk about his cancer and his journey with Laurie in this scary place. His style showed empathy for others; humor ’cause some of this stuff you can’t make up; optimism and hope where they are often missing for so many; gratitude for his life and the people he cared deeply about; his words conveyed strength to those who needed it; when he spoke, you knew he was talking personally with you. He made it OK to talk about cancer and brought it into the light. Yep, the Mighty Oak stands strong today in my yard and in my heart.
Laurie, you picked up where Leroy left off and have carried what he created forward so that his legacy continues splendidly. May the healing waters wash over you and bring you peace.
October 21, 2013 @ 3:40 pm
Mentally, I place a lei in the healing ocean as a tribute to Leroy. I remember him with gratitude.