So well written. How on earth did you remember all that? The conversations, the agenda, the places. I'm amazed at the place and how well you describe it, but I'm even more amazed at your recounting of it. Such mad respect.
And the reminder to "have fun", not so subtly buried in the literary treasure that this is? Priceless. Thank you.
Do you always take notes like that? I guess it's never occurred to me to "keep a diary" with the intention of fleshing it out for "storytelling" later. What kind of format do you use? Just paper? At the end of the day? How long can you trust your memory?
We were scheduled to leave our Wyoming home for a trip to Kauai with friends in April 2020. Needless to say, COVID interfered. Much to my dismay and lots of intervening issues, we haven't rebooked. This verbal trip to Hawaii, compliments of Elizabeth Berg, not only rekindled my interest, but also makes me feel as if I've been there already.
Kauai was my favorite Island when we traveled to Hawaii many moons ago. It was destroyed by a hurricane years ago which broke my heart. It was such a gloriously gorgeous place with flowers everywhere the eye looked. I hope it is back to where it used to be.
What an adventure! I love this story. I’m thinking this trip to Hawaii was taken some time ago as your dad has since passed. I’m referring to the part of the story where you suggested your brother send your dad that fish and he said he already does. I hope that you and your brother have stayed connected since you rekindled your friendship. Your descriptions of the plants, animals, scenery, etc. were so vivid. I could really picture myself there. Your sister-in-law sounds like a really neat person.
You know the best part about this story? Of course you know!
I had two brothers - 9 and 13 year older than me. I always wanted their attention. The BEST thing that has happened in my life? My 9 years older brother and I became really close once I got old enough for him to be able to see me as an adult!! And, if I lived in NY instead of Florida, my sister-in-law would be my best friend. He was pretty tolerant of me when I was small. He only got angry at me one time (I totally deserved it!) The boys had their own tv room up stairs while mine was downstairs (Yeah, I know - I hear you saying "well, excuse me!" If our home had been a happy one, I would probably react to that sentence the same damn way!) Anyway, he was watching tv and I came in and changed the channel - he literally kicked me in the ass and told me to get the hell out of the room! Other than that one experience, he's been the best brother any sister could ever have.
Such a rich story and extraordinary experience. I'm so happy you and your brother got to really know each other.
Loved your story about visiting your brother and Tobi on the Big island! I lived on Oahu most of my life- now in Ohio. Hawaii is a magical place! Will your next book be set there?!
I feel blessed to have found this essay today. I’ve been to the Big Island and have fond memories of visiting my sister-in-law and her husband who live there. I drove over to Hilo from Kona one day with my 5 year old son. We had a rental car - a touristy blue convertible. We had to put the roof up when it started to rain. The landscape was so beautiful and I was shocked to see so many horse ranches. We got lost in Hilo after dark, searching for our hotel. It was a dicey part of town! The next day we went up in a helicopter and viewed the volcano. When my husband arrived in Kona a few days later we spent some time enjoying the pool and beach at the Hilton. We were particularly grateful for the American Express office in the Hilton when we lost our credit cards and cash. Within a couple of hours we were back in business and our vacation continued uneventfully. Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ve read and loved all of your books and am looking forward to the one due shortly!
I’m stunned. What incredible descriptive writing. I could taste and see it all. I’m just back from 4.5 years in New Zealand. So many of your descriptions remind me of NZ. Thank you Elizabeth!! Also, my brother and I have been mostly out of touch for the last 20 years. Some day perhaps I will visit him in Salt Lake City.
Holy. Freaking. Wow.
So well written. How on earth did you remember all that? The conversations, the agenda, the places. I'm amazed at the place and how well you describe it, but I'm even more amazed at your recounting of it. Such mad respect.
And the reminder to "have fun", not so subtly buried in the literary treasure that this is? Priceless. Thank you.
Thanks For your comment. In response to your question, I took a lot of notes!
Do you always take notes like that? I guess it's never occurred to me to "keep a diary" with the intention of fleshing it out for "storytelling" later. What kind of format do you use? Just paper? At the end of the day? How long can you trust your memory?
Genuine Elizabeth Berg!
We were scheduled to leave our Wyoming home for a trip to Kauai with friends in April 2020. Needless to say, COVID interfered. Much to my dismay and lots of intervening issues, we haven't rebooked. This verbal trip to Hawaii, compliments of Elizabeth Berg, not only rekindled my interest, but also makes me feel as if I've been there already.
Kauai was my favorite Island when we traveled to Hawaii many moons ago. It was destroyed by a hurricane years ago which broke my heart. It was such a gloriously gorgeous place with flowers everywhere the eye looked. I hope it is back to where it used to be.
What an adventure! I love this story. I’m thinking this trip to Hawaii was taken some time ago as your dad has since passed. I’m referring to the part of the story where you suggested your brother send your dad that fish and he said he already does. I hope that you and your brother have stayed connected since you rekindled your friendship. Your descriptions of the plants, animals, scenery, etc. were so vivid. I could really picture myself there. Your sister-in-law sounds like a really neat person.
That was such a beautiful story of sibling connection and forgiveness and appreciation. Thank you!
You know the best part about this story? Of course you know!
I had two brothers - 9 and 13 year older than me. I always wanted their attention. The BEST thing that has happened in my life? My 9 years older brother and I became really close once I got old enough for him to be able to see me as an adult!! And, if I lived in NY instead of Florida, my sister-in-law would be my best friend. He was pretty tolerant of me when I was small. He only got angry at me one time (I totally deserved it!) The boys had their own tv room up stairs while mine was downstairs (Yeah, I know - I hear you saying "well, excuse me!" If our home had been a happy one, I would probably react to that sentence the same damn way!) Anyway, he was watching tv and I came in and changed the channel - he literally kicked me in the ass and told me to get the hell out of the room! Other than that one experience, he's been the best brother any sister could ever have.
Such a rich story and extraordinary experience. I'm so happy you and your brother got to really know each other.
Loved your story about visiting your brother and Tobi on the Big island! I lived on Oahu most of my life- now in Ohio. Hawaii is a magical place! Will your next book be set there?!
Grateful to have read this beautiful Love Story.
I feel blessed to have found this essay today. I’ve been to the Big Island and have fond memories of visiting my sister-in-law and her husband who live there. I drove over to Hilo from Kona one day with my 5 year old son. We had a rental car - a touristy blue convertible. We had to put the roof up when it started to rain. The landscape was so beautiful and I was shocked to see so many horse ranches. We got lost in Hilo after dark, searching for our hotel. It was a dicey part of town! The next day we went up in a helicopter and viewed the volcano. When my husband arrived in Kona a few days later we spent some time enjoying the pool and beach at the Hilton. We were particularly grateful for the American Express office in the Hilton when we lost our credit cards and cash. Within a couple of hours we were back in business and our vacation continued uneventfully. Thanks for sharing your experience! I’ve read and loved all of your books and am looking forward to the one due shortly!
I’m stunned. What incredible descriptive writing. I could taste and see it all. I’m just back from 4.5 years in New Zealand. So many of your descriptions remind me of NZ. Thank you Elizabeth!! Also, my brother and I have been mostly out of touch for the last 20 years. Some day perhaps I will visit him in Salt Lake City.