I am an almost daily user of Ke Ala Hele Makalae. From this path, I’ve watched whales, admired sunsets and sunrises, walked dogs, and stopped to give directions. I’ve met great people, carried out good deeds, gave thanks for the trade winds, waved to lifeguards and enjoyed spectacular runs.
But there was nothing quite like what I came across earlier this month that brought me to stop.
First, there was one sign, held to the white fence by strips of gray duct tape. “IT WILL GET BETTER,” it read. “I know you’re probably sick of hearing that but trust me, it does. It may take days, months, maybe even years … But it does get Better! I promise.”
And on that sign, were two small hearts.
The next sign, with creative drawings of marine life, said, “I love you.”
Another few yards, in bright, colorful, letters, the next sign read, “It’s cliche, but keep going.”
And the fourth and what seemed to be the final sign, was a distinctive drawing of a woman, flowing, flying hair, with the words, “Live your life for those who never got a chance.”
I don’t know who put the signs up.
I don’t know who they were meant for.
I don’t know the story behind the signs.
I can guess that someone had suffered a loss and was struggling. Perhaps a loved one had died. Maybe someone had taken their own life. There have been several suicide awareness activities around this date. That same day at Kealia Beach there was a celebration of life.
Later, I saw another person stop like I did, take pictures, and continue on.
I wish I could have been there when the person these signs were meant for, came along to read them. I wonder what their reaction was, what they thought, how they felt. I hope it helped.
But I do know someone was hurting, and someone was trying to comfort them. These signs were made by someone who cared. A person who cared enough to try and offer support to someone when they needed it most. And they did in one of the most wonderful ways I’ve seen. And for that, I thank them.
I just hope, when things are darkest, we all take those messages to heart.
It will get better.
Keep going.
Live well.
Love.
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Bill Buley is editor-in-chief of The Garden Island. He can be reached at bbuley@thegardenisland.com
