In August, 2001, my sister, my brother and I scattered our parents' ashes from a catamaran in the ocean off Waikiki beach. Each of us said a few words; here are mine:

This is not an ending; we always were together and apart.

I can hear their voices, And I see their faces still.

The forest does not mourn the passing of Spring rain,

Nor setting of the Summer sun;

So gratefully will I accept their gifts of life,

And knowing that renewal comes, I will remember warmth

And eastward turn in confidence and hope.