On September 27th, at Kua Bay, tragedy struck. Carol VanDermyden, Jean Larson's sister, drowned while snorkeling. We got the call as we were heading back to Waikoloa after snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay with Scott and Fay. Fay and I had been at Kua Bay the day before. Carol was married to our daghter-in-law's uncle, Steve VanDermyden. We were glad to be here to meet Jean's plane and give her a place to rest her head at night. We loved having her here...but not under the circumstances. It was good to be able to meet some of her family and our hearts ached for their loss.
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Kua Bay, just north of the Kona airport.
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Jean arrived on Tuesday and on Friday there was a Hawaiian Celebration of Life in Carol's honor, which we were glad to be included in.
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| Carol VanDermyden |
The Hawaiian celebration of life was held at Manini Beach.
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| Julie, Carol's sister, sharing some thoughts about her. |
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| Manini Beach is right across Kealakekua Bay from Captain Cook's monument. |
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Hawaiian tradition is to throw flowers into the water in
remembrance of the one who has passed on.
These are the flowers in Ellen Larson's hands, (Carol's mother). |
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| This was all right at sunset....beautiful setting. |
Everyone heading down to the water's edge.
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| Julie and her daughters. |
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| Loved getting acquainted with Julie and her girls. |
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| Absolutely gorgeous setting. |
I never knew this was on here!! Thank you so much. I'm looking at this with my mom. Beautiful pictures! I enjoyed getting to know you, too and will always remember your help and support during that time!!
ReplyDeleteDianna Blair, Carol's oldest sister. Thanks, Julie for sharing this. Brought
ReplyDeletetears to my eyes just thinking of it again.
Thanks for your part, Deb.