I have a hard time summing up my feelings about my visit home for Grandpa’s funeral. The funeral itself was very profound, the time with my family was much needed–just being in Hawaii is a somewhat spiritual experience for me. It was…wonderful. Organized in sections, here is my attempt to document some of the highlights of the week.
FOOD
We ate all kinds of food that reminded us of grandpa. Food like KFC, Chinese take out, Chantilly Cake, Kalbi Ribs, Kua’aina Burgers, and Hot Fudge Sundaes.
Yes, this is a lot of KFC. I believe we got a discount, although I think that was mainly because KFC found out grandpa had died–he was a good customer.
If you’ve never had Kalbi ribs before–specifically grilled by my Uncle Jim, then I am deeply sorry for you.
Chris really did eat the 8 pieces of Chantilly Cake on this plate. And then he went back for seconds.
Side note: If you ever visit Hawaii, please make an effort to visit Liliha Bakery. Just in case you are wondering what to order, it should be a Chantilly cake and/or–if you don’t have the space to store a whole cake–a Coco Puff (great blog about the tasty treats here.) The topper of this divine pastry is a nice portion of their famous Chantilly icing (yum, yum, yum.) Liliha bakery also has a small eating counter with diner like food on the menu. I hear it is good although I have always felt a wee bit too haole to sit at the counter. My mom has though. She’s local like that.
COUSINS
I feel pretty lucky to have so many memories and experiences with cousins who I genuinely like. I am also pretty grateful that the ones who are married have given me some cousins-in-law that I am proud to call family. All the cousins except the pregnant one (We missed you Jill!) were in Hawaii which served as a wonderful impromptu family reunion.
FAMILY TIME
We had a work party.
Picnic party.
Went for walks.
We took self portraits.
Some successful.
Some not so much.
GRANDPA
Of course, the whole reason we were there, and the meaning behind all the activities we shared, was to pay honor to the life of our Grandpa. I was reminded of the good life he led and was inspired to look at my own life, reset my focus, and make some important changes. I also committed to stay connected to some of my favorite people on earth.
My family.
ohana does mean family … and that means no one gets left behind!
love our family. love this post. love you.
Sorry for your loss, Erin! Looks like you were able to celebrate your grandpa’s life in a wonderful way!
I’m sorry for the reason why you had to get together but I’m glad that you were able to have that time with your family. They seem really wonderful!
You did a beautiful job telling the story about the Four “F”s – Family, Funeral, Food and Fun. How amazing every minute of it was. Thanks Erin!
Wow, it looks like you had a great time with your family. I can’t believe I was crying when I read about it. You have not written any sad things about the funeral at all. It must have been happy-tears for you. Thank you for sharing!
love you! so glad we were able to spend a little bit of time together!
I’m teary eyed, he was such a lucky man……I hope when I go I leave behind a family that is so lovely & blessed to have each other.
Looks like you guys had a great tribute to your Grandpa. Can I tell you how great I think it is that you ate all his favorite foods? So sorry for your loss, and glad you were able to spend some time with family.
Time with family promotes healing. That and the passage of time. Beautiful post.
Erin, I am so glad that you had a good time, this was a great post. I love the KFC thing. We are also glad that you are back. We have missed you.
I’m so glad your trip ended up being such a fantastic celebration of your grandpa and your family! I can’t imagine a better way to honor a life.
This is a great post. I’m so glad you had such a wonderful time with your family. Those pictures just made me tear up-so beautiful with the family and the surroundings…
I’m really happy for you that you were able to have such a special family gathering for your grandpa, and to reconnect.
Jon, that camera hog!
It totally looks like he did that on purpose 😉
Love you and your family, I feel so lucky to have married in!
I totally feel like I was there with you, I’ve had such a great time going through all the pictures. Like Ali, I feel so lucky to have married into such a wonderful family. And like you, I’m using the memories of Grandpa to refocus and re-energize. I love you tons!
It was a very happy trip. And I am glad I was able to be there with such a great family!
Funerals are such a bittersweet time – always nice to reconnect with family and remember what is really important.
Oh how sad I am that you’re gone! It really was a great week with everyone together =). What a wonderful post.
And, for future reference, Jeff and I are regular customers at the Liliha Bakery counter (we even ate there the night I went into labor with Asher!), so trust me, you are not too haole! We love their pancakes, french toast, fried potatoes…..okay, this is not helping my resolve to diet.
you + family = very very very blessed.
Such a lovely way to send off your grandfather, so nice that most of you were able to be there to share i n his memory
How I love the way you express your love and inner thoughts for family gatherings. You make everyone feel the power and the need of staying together–supporting one another. Thanks for sharing that special week with all of us. We needed your your point of view! Love you!
What a wonderful gathering, I think you must have such a fabulous family.
Look at all those sweet babies! And all that KFC! Wowsa, do I love KFC! What a great celebrate your Grandfather’s life.
I totally need some cake now.
I could go for some more Chantilly right now. Mmmmmmmmmm. Sooo Good….
There is only one oversite in your otherwise wonderful blog…you neglected to mention ALL the malasadas we sonsumed in a very short period!?…Thanks you Bishop Mataele! I love you Erin!
So glad you got to all be together:)
Well, despite the reason you went back home, I’m glad you were able to still have a nice visit with your family. It looks like you all had a wonderful tribute to your grandpa.
And Liliha bakery chantilly cake and cream puffs? Heaven! Also, I spied a Leonard’s box! I can guess what was in there! Mmm…
I am so glad you came home Erin. It was such a special celebration of your Grandpa’s life. All of us are better people because of him. It was amazing to see you…just wish I didn’t get sick! Rain check on the dinner.
I love yah lots!