What Happens in Maui- Stays at the Beach! ~ Part 2

“Somebody ought to tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit every minute of every day. Do it, I say, whatever you want to do, do it now.” — Michael Landon

 

On many occasions, I have reflected back on my daughter’s short life and marvelled at how she existed! There are times I wonder if Shayla sensed her imminent death, consequently propelling her actions to swallow life with as much vitality as the air she breathed. 

This young 21 yr old attended several churches, prayed over strangers, hiked in the snow, bungee jumped 145 ft over a river, got a tattoo, slept in a sleeping bag on concrete to raise funds and awareness for the homeless, shaved her hair off for Cancer and so much more! 

As I travelled on the plane to Maui, it was evening and the sounds of the jet engines were my only company. My anxiety was at high levels, given that I was staying two weeks with a lady I had never met. Past horror stories about answering ads came to mind, yet after a flurry of emails exchanged back and forth, I felt confident my trip would come together. I never could have imagined the adventures I would be taken on…

The lady I stayed with had incredible connections and knows many people. She likes her privacy and that is why I am respecting hers by not divulging further information- only about the escapades I was fortunate to be part of. This included a trip to a well known resort on Maui that saw me stand on the beach and listen to the band HEART, perform for a private function. Soon we were off to Comedy night, which had an array of talent that Shayla would have enjoyed. The next day, I was having a hard time containing my excitement…I was thrilled knowing that on that same sprawling beach from the evening before, I would be seeing Maroon 5...for FREE! I recall looking up at the Hawaiian sky bursting with stars and seeing the pounding surf. In front of me I listened to Maroon 5 belt out my favourite song, “She Will Be Loved” and feeling a surge of energy throughout me. After an incredibly stellar concert, a burst of colour exploded behind me...I watched in awe as the Pacific Ocean was lit up by a  phenomenal display of fireworks! I could only wonder how the night possibly was to turn out any better? As I write this, I am still smiling about that remarkable night!

Adam Levine and his band Maroon 5 perform a concert in Maui, Hawaii on February 26, 2014.

One thing I could depend on was the lady I stayed with had spontaneity! She had this way of convincing me to join in fun things that were only made possible because of her vibrancy. She drove me to the charming, historic IAO theatre for a fabulous dress rehearsal performance of “LA CAGE AUX FOLLES!” I kept on thinking I was living vicariously through my daughter’s care-free spirit.

 Next was an unexpected trip on the Road to Hāna. I had always wanted to seek this legendary expedition and now I was being granted my wish. I had researched this tour before, when I was on Maui, on my previous trip. I knew it was a good idea given the nature of the road, to take two GRAVOL^® Natural Source^® Ginger Tablets. Take my word for it, after spending an entire day of travelling over 59 bridges and winding around 620 curves through the tropical rainforest, having anything to assist with keeping your lunch down is a bonus!

This is the more reliable, less scary part of the road

This leads me to share about the foods I was privileged to taste, such as White Macadamia Banana Bread, divine avocadoes in sizes I have never seen and Coconut Candy that made living in the jungle, quite appealing. 

There are also “Honesty Boxes” that have a simple display of fruits and vegetables for sale, but no one around. The locales trust that if you want something, you will pay for it and place your money in a box, where later it will be collected. I found this to be a lovely gesture of trust.

 Another highlight was the discovery of a gentleman who had trained birds to perch all over you and for a minimal price, your picture was taken. I thought this was simply brilliant! Later we carried on to more exploring and sight-seeing. I felt that I had fulfilled my desire to see the Road to Hāna, in one of the most exhilarating ways, thanks to the lady who kindly took me on this whirlwind trip!

Later that week, I would honour yet again, the memory of my beloved Shayla. I had brought with me from Canada, 24 white rose plastic floater candles. They were unique in how they became illuminated by water activation and not batteries. I went to the pond where my daughter’s ashes had been released and took a piece of driftwood from the beach. I wrote in the wet sand “Be FREE, S.D.” At first I was assuming that I was the one writing the message, and then it occurred to me… it was actually my daughter who wanted me to be released- to Be Free. She was guiding me from the Heavens… to share it was okay for me to start over; to make a new beginning. It was an invisible sweet embrace that held within it, a better understanding of my purpose for coming to Maui- something beautiful.

There are many things that occurred on the Island that will be forever written on my heart. Some of these cherished memories I have decided not to share and I will not be posting the many videos that I do have of my trip to Maui. Sheltering my heart and privacy is important to me as I have opened up much to the world. From the depths of my soul, I have found peace in knowing that I am in control of the parts of me I give willingly. The past has taught me that not everyone has your best interests, yet Shayla’s death shed light on the importance of taking risks. I walk a fine line between the two as a storyteller, knowing the most magnificent writers never divulge every tale in its entirety. 

 By TL Alton

RELEASE ~ Part 1

The impact you have on the world is greater than you could ever imagine and the choices you make, affect the whole ~ Daily Om, The Ripple Effect

The shaping of my existence has been a wellspring of emotional kinship, to the burdens I have been triumphant in letting go. I have contributed to The Heart Pebble Movement in over a 100 Blog postings and unravelled my life story, connected to Shayla. In writing about the cause, I have activated the ripples that have been created out of the tragic death of my daughter. Along the way, I have encountered the betrayal of people I have trusted, yet I remain victorious…continuing to thrive…no matter what. This is solely because of my Faith and belief that all things happen for a reason- good or bad. What I have gained amongst the scars, are the life lessons that have taught me to always remain true to who I am. The light continues to illuminate the darkness and the masterpiece of my journey, comes in my ability to move forward. 

In February, my world was blessed in meeting a variety of people, who uplifted me as I became part of an exceptional trip to an Island close to my heart. 

Last month, the unexpected collided with opportunity. I boarded a plane and embarked on a solo 2 week journey to Maui. It was February 23^rd- one day before what would have been Shayla’s 24^th Birthday. The premise of this trip was based on release. Involved, were a tapestry of feelings, which offered a new understanding of what let go- meant to me. Since this was not planned, I had to seek accommodations at the last minute. I placed an ad on Craigslist and received several replies. After several communications with a lady on Maui, we made arrangements for me to stay with her. For privacy purposes, I am referring to her as Muse L. 

Upon arriving at the airport, she was kind to pick me up and drive me to her lovely home on Maui. We spoke about the plans for the next day, but since I was exhausted I found myself in bed- too tired to fully comprehend my plans. 

The next day, after a restful sleep, I found Muse L. was preparing a beautiful meal for our beach picnic and she shared with me some ideas to make the day a memorable one. Some of this included a heart shaped basket filled with local flowers, a blue mesh bag that had turtles adorned on it, a special dessert and a wonderful quilt that belonged to her husband. 

At sunset, Muse L. brought me to meet her friends. There were a small group of us who gathered around a picnic table. The location was KO IE IE, an ancient fishpond-between Menehune Shores and The Whale Sanctuary in North Kihei. Amongst the array of a delicious buffet, were two photographs of Shayla, a variety of pebbles, a bottle of Champagne- to mark her 24^th Birthday and her ashes in the Medicine Bag. I had come to Maui to release my babygirl into the tropical waters of Hawaii. 

The loving tribute to my Babygirl <3

As the sun dropped into the horizon, I walked into the sea-near the opening of the unique rock wall.  The gap is a space that connects the pond with the Pacific. Following me were Terry, Terrance and Andrew. Terry is a close friend of Muse L and he operated the video, while Terrance held the mp3 player.  The music carrying across the waters was a poignant native version of Amazing Grace. In my hands was the blue turtle mesh bag that Muse L. had lent me. I poured my daughter’s ashes into it, out from the Medicine Bag and began to release them, all around me. 

Terrance throwing into the ocean- a special piece of Amethyst gifted from Muse L's collection-  it was Shayla's birthstone.

I channeled all of my heartache into this astounding moment, knowing surrounded by the scars…there was also shift of change occurring. As my angel’s ashes dotted the pond with its presence, I felt a surge of energy. I knew that along with my daughter, I was also letting go of things in the past years and the transformation in my depleted well was overwhelming! Internally, I was now re-filling with salvation. 

When I was finished, I gazed down to see a faint dusting of ashes on me. This gave me a sense of closure, as Shayla was giving her momma, one last ‘hug.’ I immersed myself in the waters and let it all disperse into the sea. In that instance, I became fully aware of the difference between letting go and “Letting Go.” 

As a mother whose child has died, I will never get over her tragic loss…yet the redemption I felt in honouring my daughter’s wishes to go to Hawaii has now come full cycle.

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to those who took part in this life changing experience- which for me healed some wounds and offered me a beautiful release in return.

By TL Alton

Cape Point Release Dini and Gert Steyn

If there are dreams about a beautiful South Africa, there are also roads that lead to their goal. Two of these roads could be named Goodness and Forgiveness ~ Nelson Mandela 

The past year has seen me overcome many obstacles, as I have welcomed life many transformations and sought new ventures. I have travelled all over in search of contentment and asked to let go of any heartache with those I have crossed paths with- that have caused me pain. 

In my relaying the stories of pebble releases, I have been diligent about Blogging each one and the ripple effect it created. After reviewing my posts, I discovered a pebble placement that had yet to have its tale acknowledged. 

Since the inception of The Heart Pebble Movement, there are those who have participated in several releases, in a variety of extraordinary locations. They have embraced a cause that is now worldwide and continues, sometimes in ripples…other times in waves.

Dini Steyn is my former Instructor for Teaching English as a Second Language, from Okanagan College. I graduated from the program many years ago and she has remained a dear friend. Throughout my many changes and upheavals, this woman of inspiration has continued to grant me life lessons. 

Me and Dini

Last year, her and her husband Gert, travelled to South Africa. Before her departure, I met with Dini to give a unique stone from Shayla’s cherished collection. I anticipated the release of it with much unpredictability of where it would find its new home.

Upon returning to Canada, I was given a lovely photo of the pebble’s release at Cape Point. This is where the southwestern tip of Africa infers the Atlantic and Indian Oceans gather and merge.  It has been stated that the meeting point fluctuates along the southern and southwestern Cape coast, usually occurring between Cape Agulhas and Cape Point. In any case, the union results in spectacular swells and untamed waves that pound relentlessly against the rock platforms. 

As I studied the snapshot, I imagined the fusing of the emerald and azure seas as wisps of clouds danced off the rays of the sun. Seeing the pebble held close in Dini’s hand, I revelled at the breathtaking scenery that engulfed the depiction. 

Dini holding one of Shayla's special pebbles

In another photograph taken as the pebble was let go, I was in awe of the lush greenery, thriving amongst the brackish mist of the ocean. In mere seconds the travelling pebble would soon discover its new settlement…far away from the distant land of Canada. 

the pebble's release to its new 'home'

Seeing as this was a continuous participation of Dini’s involvement in The Heart Pebble Movement- occurring where her own roots had been established- it held for me a deeper level of gratitude for their efforts made. Both my former teacher, along with her husband Gert, took my daughter’s pebble to a place of magnificence; a location pensive in hope and reflective of nature’s grace. 

For each of the releases, the pebble’s journeys have spanned the continents and enriched my life with the stories I have shared, as a grieving mother. 

The following lyrics by Amanda Marshall embodies my sentiments of having someone believe in a movement close to my heart...

Somewhere there's a river, looking for a stream

Somewhere there's a dreamer, looking for a dream

Somewhere there's a drifter, trying to find its way

Somewhere someone's waiting to hear somebody say

I believe in you…

I extend my sincere appreciation to Dini and Gert’s involvement in something which holds significance to me. As I continue to honour the ripple effects of my daughter Shayla on this world, your kindness is something I treasure! 

By TL Alton