This is another look into the past.
It was 1974. Since we were going to be leaving Hawaii for Chicago in the fall we decided to take a farewell trip to the Big Island to visit Art's parents.
Art's dad took a day off from working in their restaurant and we toured the island.
We stopped to visit the volcano lava field with Hualalei mountain in the background.
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We thought it was pretty cool to see this hill that the lava flow was not able to destroy.
Our next stop was Spencer Park where we had a delicious lunch.
Spencer Park has a beautiful beach with interesting tide pools.
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Trapped in one of the pools, we saw this incredible fish with the LONGEST fin things we'd ever seen. How in the world do they not get tangled up in their own whatever-you-call-that-thing-that-drags-behind-their-fins? I couldn't get a good enough photo of just how strange and amazing that fish was.
We wanted to set the fish free so we looked around for something we could use to scoop it up with.
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We all looked at Art's dad. His hat was somehow able to hold water. We used it to scoop the fish out and set it free in the ocean where it happily swum away with his fin things flowing gently behind.
When the hat dried, it was ummmm... a bit stiff so his dad couldn't use it anymore. He was a very good sport about his sacrifice.
Today that hat sits on top of Art's hoosier cabinet that he uses for a desk alongside his mother's orange hat. They still evoke memories whenever we look at them. I do think Art feels they are always looking down on him and smiling.
It was 1974. Since we were going to be leaving Hawaii for Chicago in the fall we decided to take a farewell trip to the Big Island to visit Art's parents.
Art's dad took a day off from working in their restaurant and we toured the island.
We stopped to visit the volcano lava field with Hualalei mountain in the background.
.jpg)
We thought it was pretty cool to see this hill that the lava flow was not able to destroy.
Our next stop was Spencer Park where we had a delicious lunch.
Spencer Park has a beautiful beach with interesting tide pools.
.jpg)
Trapped in one of the pools, we saw this incredible fish with the LONGEST fin things we'd ever seen. How in the world do they not get tangled up in their own whatever-you-call-that-thing-that-drags-behind-their-fins? I couldn't get a good enough photo of just how strange and amazing that fish was.
We wanted to set the fish free so we looked around for something we could use to scoop it up with.
.jpg)
We all looked at Art's dad. His hat was somehow able to hold water. We used it to scoop the fish out and set it free in the ocean where it happily swum away with his fin things flowing gently behind.
When the hat dried, it was ummmm... a bit stiff so his dad couldn't use it anymore. He was a very good sport about his sacrifice.
Today that hat sits on top of Art's hoosier cabinet that he uses for a desk alongside his mother's orange hat. They still evoke memories whenever we look at them. I do think Art feels they are always looking down on him and smiling.
I love this post. Seeing those hats sitting there is heartwarming. It's a remembrance that is so personal. I know you didn't keep much when you left Chicago, but you kept the important stuff: photos and memories, and hats!
ReplyDeleteWonderful story and lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteOh look at you in your sweet pigtails (do you call the that too, not sure). I love the hat story and the fact Art still keeps them. I am sure his parents are looking down on him too.
ReplyDeletesweet story-fun to recall memories!
ReplyDeleteA life lesson for that little fish.
ReplyDeleteGreat memories, Kay. I love that Art has saved the hats and that he has a picture of his dad wearing the hat he saved.
ReplyDeleteIt is too bad that your in-laws never got to meet KC. They would have adored her.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and I'm sure Art's parents are so honored that Art has kept their hats through all the years close with him. His dad was a good sport to have sacrificed his hat for the fish.....that speaks volumes about his kindness to save the fish and to the wishes of his children.
ReplyDeleteL from w
you have such wonderful memories via your photos...so glad you can document this for us in your blog.
ReplyDeleteWhat a good story. I think those pictures you have scanned are priceless, Kay. Thanks for sharing the hat...
ReplyDeletefantastic story. Those lava fields must bring back memories. Why people keep on building houses down hill a volcano, I'll never know. Their stories get national attention too when the lava says hello personally. If only the tv knew the facts.
ReplyDeleteI was here to catch up..I am way behind, but the days are exhausting and sad....hugs to you Kay
ReplyDeleteYes, those two hats on the Hoosier cupboard are truly touching. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteAww, that's so sweet, keeping their hats around.
ReplyDeleteAnd good of you to catch and release. Really strange things on the fish.
What a sweet post, I too love how the hats are still around and the story around your father-in-law's hat.
ReplyDelete