He Makana Makamae (A Precious Gift).

Earlier this week I flew from Massachusetts to Hawai'i to attend my uncle's funeral.  I'm writing this post from the lobby of a Hilo hotel.

My uncle was the oldest of 12 children and a quasi-parent to his younger siblings.  He lived to just shy of his 90th birthday.  The last time I saw him he told me some wonderful stories about growing up in Honolulu in the 1920's, 30's and 40's.

Hawai'i has always been about family to me, but it's hard not to notice that everywhere you look there's a postcard view.  It's a strange feeling to be headed to paradise for such a sad occasion, and on the plane I felt pretty out of place surrounded by tourists en route to their dream vacations.

My memories of my uncle are all connected with Hawai'i itself.  He was a horticulturist and soil scientist and worked to support the independent sugar cane farmers on the Big Island.  His wife, my auntie Alice, ran an anthurium farm - a flower I can't help but associate with the islands.  The last time we were here proudly brought us to Volcanoes National Park and Big Island Candies.  His guided tours of the Big Island were always a highlight of my family's trips here, and everywhere we went everyone seemed to know him.

On Monday, as my plane flew over this island, I looked down and realized that my memories of my uncle are memories of Hawai'i itself.  He loved Hawai'i, and to honor him is to appreciate the place he loved. 

Above is an image (from an auction) of a painting by renowned Hawai'ian painter Pegge Hopper.  It's called "A Precious Gift," or "He Makana Makamae" in Hawai'ian.  Her paintings of Hawai'ian women are so evocative of the island spirit.  Her subjects are reclined and depicted in vibrant colors, and their gazes reflect strength, resilience, and in this case, tenderness. 

Want to get email updates from the Motherwear Blog?  Subscribe here.  Want an RSS feed?  Click here.

Comments

[Stephanie (Adventures in Babywearing)]

Oh wow, what a sweet story. I am sorry about your loss. That picture is beautiful!

Steph

[Sinead]

What lovely memories. I'm sure your uncle would be thrilled you are sharing them. Hawai'i sounds like such a beautiful place. My sympathies and prayers are with you.

[Stacy]

I am so sorry to hear about your uncle-- I recently lost my own to a heart attack on Thanksgiving Day. God's blessings to you and your family.

[Beth]

I really appreciate the emotion & sentiment in your post Tanya. I have been to Hawaii a few times and reading your post instantly brought me back to my visits there. I often dream of living there...if only it wasn't so far from my family.

Thanks for posting the link to the Pegge Hopper print. It almost brought tears to my eyes! I don't think I have ever felt such a strong reaction to a piece of art. I'm happy to report that in just a few more days, I will be able to look at the print hanging somewhere in my own home! :)

I love reading your blog Tanya! I'm always learning & being inspired by your knowledge & experiences!

[Tanya Lieberman]

(sent by email)

It's here! It's here! The Pegge Hopper print arrived and I love it. It reminds me so much of nursing my children when they were small little blondies just like the baby in the print. Thank you for introducing me to her work, Tanya! I can't wait to have it framed. Now I'm going to go hide my wallet. I could spend a fortune on all of the great breastfeeding related items you have my wishing for!

-Beth

[ommmmmmm]

As a Hawaiian expatriate living on the West Coast, and pregnant to boot, your story brought tears to my eyes. Visiting home is always bittersweet, but more so with such a sad occasion. I hope your visit home was nourishing to your soul. Hawaii will always be home.

[Tanya Lieberman]

Thank you! Yes, there's no place like it. This trip made me realize how much I want to spend more time there.

My mom had me and my sister in California, but we went back frequently. Hope you're able to do the same with your baby!

Tanya