Hawaii May 8th-15th 2008

"We had good, clean, fun in Hawaii. We saw people we haven’t seen in a long time. It was great seeing old places and old faces. I miss mostly, the memories we had there (we did get married in Hawaii). I’m very thankful that my first and only station is Hawaii. I’ll definitely miss the place. Next, I really want to go to Australia. I’ve never been and have a lot of good friends there. Oy. Oy. Oy." (Derek)

We spent a fantastic week in Hawaii, and thankfully this time we didn't go near a hospital. We got to visit our old haunts and caught up with many of Derek's colleagues and friends. It was great for Derek to reminisce and realize how respected and valued he was when he was working on the island. He has clearly left a legacy and I hope over the next year he will find a new interest and really put his stamp on it. We now just need to focus on the next few months when Derek will start the new program at the VA Palo Alto.

Thanks so much to everyone that made our short trip to Hawaii so enjoyable. It meant a lot to both of us!

A view of "Monkey Island" from the Sand Bar

Derek and Eric on the boat (approx. 2006)

We went out on Eric's boat to the Sand Bar. We attempted to complete a mission (started by Derek and Eric) to all make a trip to "Monkey Island". We were definitely a sight to behold, as Derek, I and Danielle were all being towed in a yellow, inflatable kayak by Eric across the sand bar. Unfortunately we didn't make it, but we did walk away with great memories of the day and severe sun burn!

Derek and Little Owen

We were treated to Brunch at Bill and Minji's home. Bill was one of Derek's boss (but I suspect he won't like that reference ;p). They have 3 gorgeous little boys (which is apparently rather rare in the "signals" community) and Derek also got to catch up with Marie, Ryan and Wok. Marie introduced us to "Beard Papas", which are rather delicious cream puffs. I'm hoping they won't be opening a store in the bay area any time soon as they are rather addictive.
When Derek first emerged from the coma he had no recollection of working at Kunia (he had only just taken that role about 3 months prior to the heart attack). But by some excellent timing, Bill came to visit Derek in Palo Alto about 2 weeks after he had emerged and wonderfully Derek was remembering the people he worked with. So this recent trip back to HI has really helped to further solidify and awaken Derek's memories, he was really buzzing from the experience.
The above shot is Derek with Owen (the smallest of the brood). Thanks so much Bill and Minji for having us and making it such a great day.