Past, Present, and Future

In 2012, we came to Hawaii for a family vacation. It was also a get- together with the family in Minnesota. While we lived in Japan, my ex- husband's brothers and parents lived in America, so it was a rare and memorable time in Hawaii.

My son was 12 then, and his youngest uncle brought his girlfriend along. I liked her right away. I had a chance to talk with her about many things including her not-so-pleasant past romantic relationship, which most of us have one time or another. Because I knew my brother-in-law also had a heartbroken experience a few years ago, I was happy for them that they found each other. They seem to love each other very much. This trip became a very special memory for the couple; no one but his parents knew he was planning to propose to her.

We spent several days on the island of Oahu. One day, a total of eight of us in a rented van visited the Northshore's famous tourist spots. We stayed in a hotel right across the street from Waikiki Beach, and enjoyed the sunshine and convenience of high-end shops, brand-name stores, and restaurants.

The photo shows the Diamond Head and the sunset over the Pacific Ocean. Diamond Head, Hawaii's most recognized landmark, a volcanic tuff cone, is known for its historic hiking trail, and stunning coast views today. It sits prominently near the eastern edge of Wikiki's coastline.

The trail is less than 2 miles out and back, not so long, but it is pretty steep near the top. The 360 views from the top are majestic and panoramic. The trail is very popular among tourists. Needless to say, we, too, hiked the trail and spent some time enjoying taking pictures and the breathtaking views.

After 16 years of family life, the situation called me to start a new life alone. I wasn't sure where to live, let alone how to make a living. The marriage ended amicably; we are still good friends. Regardless, the experience of difficult times took a toll mentally and emotionally.

I felt like I needed a long break from everyday life stuff. I flew back to Japan, where I was born and raised, to see my father. My mother left this planet in 2016, six months after we moved back to America. My father lived in the assistant living facility for another four years. In the fourth year, he became notably frail. I knew his time was running out. Since my mother's passing was sudden, I had no chance of saying goodbye. I left America to see him one last time before I settled somewhere.

In September, 2019, I moved to Honolulu and became a kamaʻāina in Hawaiian - kamaʻāina refers to all Hawaii residents. The photo was taken last year, December 2024 from Pu'u O Kaimuki Mini Park. It is a tiny grassy hill, a donated metal tree that lights up for Christmas, a few trees on the one side of the hill, and trash cans. In the evening, I often see people bringing their dogs let them loose while they enjoy an amazing view of the city stretching over the coastal line and inland as well, while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.

Without a job, when I first moved to Hawaii, where I had nobody I knew, the sunset over the emerald blue ocean gave me unexplainable comfort and hope for the unknown future.

I have seen many sunsets in Honolulu for the last 5 years and have taken more than a few photographs. But Pu'u O Kaimuki Mini Park was the only spot where I could have Diamond Head and the sunset in one frame.

As I climb the hill of the park, feeling the gentle breeze, I anticipate several minutes of a show of the sunset colors in the sky at the end of the day. On this day as I saw the sun changing the color of the sky like one paints a canvas, the Diamond Head unchanged on my left reminded me of a memory of the family vacation in 2012.

This photograph symbolizes my life at the present time, by capturing two subjects: the Diamond Head, an unchangeable past, and the sunset, an unpredictable but beautiful future, free to create for me as a painter of my own life.