Hello Friends and Family,

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Missing Loved Ones


On October 11, 1996 Kona and I were married on the shoreline at Napili Shores. The sun was setting, the trade winds blowing gently and we were so happy to have my parents, my "baby" sister and Kona's daughter join us for the celebration of the formal beginning of our life together. Later, we had dinner reservations at Swan Court at the Hyatt Regency Ka‘anapali Beach plus a guava cake waiting for us in the condo.

There was no way any of us could have known that one year later, Kona would be battling for her life — that our 1997 trip would be her last visit to Maui. Even though she was undergoing chemotherapy, her doctor urged her to take the trip — and that he would arrange chemo on Maui. Except for a couple days after that treatment, she was fine albeit a bit tired.

Despite the best efforts of her doctors, Kona passed away on January 6, 1998. That autumn, I returned to this very spot with a mission to fulfill her final wish that her ashes be spread on Napili Bay (seen in the background of this photo) — an effort aided by the Lahaina Canoe Club. They even brought flowers and leis to spread on the ocean. Someday, I wish that my ashes will be spread here too.


Recently, I rediscovered this photo from 1995 or so when my parents came to Arizona for a visit. We toured the Grand Canyon, Sedona, the Petrified Forest, the Painted Desert, Las Vegas and Lake Havasu. We even took a boat ride around the lake and under the London Bridge — built in 1831. at the time spanning the Thames River in London. It was dismantled in 1967 and reconstructed at this spot. We had such a great time and this image brings back wonderful memories. Unfortunately, over the next few years Kona then my mom and this year my dad all passed away — I miss them all so much.

But it goes give me the opportunity to remind all my friends that life is fleeting and to enjoy every moment you have with loved ones. For you never know when a minor ailment will turn out to be the precursor of a fatal disease. I assure you that you never want to look back and lament that you did not spend enough quality time with those who are important to you. In the end, that is what love is all about.


Life is good, albeit very sad at times.

Aloha,
B. David

P. S., All photos and text © B. David Cathell Photography, Inc. — www.bdavidcathell.com