THE LOVE REMAINS
Lava Entering Kaimu Bay — August 1990
On Easter Sunday, I shared with the congregation about one of my favorite places on earth: Kaimu Beach. I talked about its glistening black sand; the coconut trees which lined the beach and provided shade for people; its stunning beauty. I also shared that Kaimu Beach is no longer there, for Kilauea’s lava covered the beach in August 1990. It seems like only yesterday as I watched molten lava spill out over the sand and into the ocean, creating giant plumes of steam. “How can it be,” I asked myself, “that my favorite spot on earth and the most meaningful place I knew is dying right in front of me. Is this really happening?”
I shared with the congregation that I think I knew when I first visited Kaimu as an eleven-year old that it is possible to love a place just like it is possible to love a person. I also shared that love for people and places remain long after they are gone. This past year, I mourned the death of my mother, my uncle (Mom’s younger brother and the only uncle I really knew growing up), a close friend JoAnne who was very influential in my life during my teenage years, and others. How can it be? Is this really happening? These two questions have popped up often this past year. (And I’m pretty sure Jesus’ disciples were asking these same questions after both his death and resurrection!)
There really is no easy answer to the first question. The answer to the second question is easier, at least after catching my breath: “Yes, it IS really happening.” But once I have settled into the questions and answers that confront me during times of grief, I am left with the reminder that the love once shared is still shared. The love remains long after death. In fact, I believe it remains through eternity. I think that is the whole point of Easter!
May you be filled with joy and hope during this Easter season!
Kahu Alan Akana
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