Adventures in Paradise 39

Adventures in Paradise 39

Kia Orana, everyone! Our excellent adventure continues with some thoughts concerning the passing of a dear friend.  Linda Moekore did not wake up Monday morning. Sometime during the night or early morning hours, she quietly left her husband and eight-year old daughter behind.

Our phone rang at 7:45 am last Monday. Having just returned from the airport, I was excited at the prospects of spending the next few days with my two sons and daughter-in-law. This excitement quickly changed to despair as I grappled with the message the woman on the other end of the line was trying to deliver. I simply could not wrap my mind around the fact that the friend we had laughed with just the morning before at church was gone. I asked the caller if I had heard correctly and she assured me that I had. This vivacious woman had died in her sleep. Isn’t it curious how quickly one’s emotions can change? One moment , I was so thrilled to have my family together, and the next moment, I was stunned by the thought that someone else’s family had been so drastically altered.

We wondered in our new life here, what was the “proper” thing to do. Should we give our friend, Noo and his daughter space to grieve? Should we rush over and offer help? Should we take food; should we not? Our intent was to show our love and support, but not to breach any island customs. We wondered what to do and how to proceed? Finally, we decided to drive to the Moekore home and see how we could be of service. Perhaps service offered out of love is never misplaced.

As we drove up the narrow road to the Moekore home, we noticed that the little valley was filled with smoke. It is common here, to rake the yard rubbish and set it afire, so we were not surprised to see smoke. We were surprised, however that there was so much of it. Pulling into the yard, we saw over twenty neighbors and church members cleaning the yard. More concerned friends were simply sitting quietly outside the home. As we pulled into the yard, we were motioned over and invited to sit as well. No one spoke. We simply sat in view of the family as a silent support system. It is the island way.

Several women were in the house cleaning and organizing in preparation for the arrival of family from New Zealand. There seemed to be a rhythm to this process; it was clear that it had all been done before. During the morning, more and more people arrived and were greeted with silent nods of acknowledgement. There were friends from the neighborhood, church, and from Highland Paradise, where Linda was a hostess. It was silent and it was touching. It is the island way.

Late in the morning, the branch president spoke to those gathered and explained the process of the next few days. FHE that night would proceed as scheduled, but would take place at this home. Friends were invited to arrive at six. There would be singing and those wishing to speak were invited to do so. It was understood that a plate of some kind would be welcomed to help feed those in attendance. There were no special assignments given, no talk about how much food would be needed or how big the ham should be. It is the island way.

It was a very sweet and spiritual evening. Many spoke personally to the family of their love for Linda. Some spoke of the Gospel plan, still others shared testimonies. One person said something that I will never forget. He spoke about how we all have a future, even Linda has a future. She has not ceased to be, she has just moved on. She has a future and we all do too. This is not just the island way. It is what we believe. Later songs were sung and the most touching for me personally, was “I Am a Child of God” sung in Maori. As  night descended, those present shared a community meal. There was no ham or funeral potatoes, rather the usual fare of curry, taro, ruko, fish and chicken was served. And as usual, there was more than enough for everyone and some to leave for the family. This is the island way.

We learned last night that one sweet couple has stayed at the house, since Monday. They are there if anything  needs to be done. They are there “just in case”. They have been sleeping on the floor and quietly being supportive. They are both over seventy. They are not complaining about stiff backs or lack of a comfortable bed. They are doing what needs to be done. It is the island way. I should mention, here, that Noo was the man we mentioned many blogs ago when we were speaking about our American friend who was hospitalized here. We wrote about the thoughtful islander who sat quietly in the corner of our friend’s hospital room. He brought in breakfast. He was there out of respect for our friend and was there “just in case” something was needed. We were touched that he had taken a day off from work to perform this service for someone he didn’t even know. This is the island way.

So, the funeral is tomorrow. Linda will be brought home tonight for one last evening in the house she loved. She will be carried to the church Saturday morning for what I am certain will be a touching, yet difficult funeral. After the service, she will be carried to the the family burial ground across the street from her home and we will all say goodbye. We will then all walk back to the house where there will be yet one more kai kai in her honor. This is the island way.

So, as always, we are happy and trying to work hard. We are grateful for Linda Moekore and the life that she lived. We are grateful that she is our friend. We are grateful for all of you as well and the place that you have in our lives. You are also in our hearts. Our hearts are filled with love for all of you and for the lives that you live. It is our way.

Love, Ward and Susan                             Elder and Sister Belliston, serving in the Cooks

Noo, Linda and Tereapii Moekore last month at Tereapii's baptism. We love you all!

Linda, we will miss you