“The soul would have no rainbow had the eyes no tears.” ~ John Vance Cheney
In one of the purses Shayla sewed with Joanne Wilson, is a bag of skittles. I bought them after my daughter's death, as a reminder to always "Taste the Rainbow," - the slogan for the colourful candies. Rainbows meant a variety of things to Shayla and she was open to sharing with others how important it was to never judge another soul! Growing up, her diverse array of friends including many Gay's, lesbians and transgender people. My daughter did not care if you were straight as an arrow or eclectic as the Rainbow Pride flag that she represented when she joined the Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, and Straight Alliance Club back in high school. She would go to dances and support events that broke through the stigmas, bullying and hatred to those whose lifestyle was as unique as Shayla was. On occasion, I would join her and mingle with people that also accepted me for who I was- someone living with Bipolar. They did not define me as an illness, but rather embraced me as a whole. I know now, reading through her journals, that my daughter loved everyone- no matter what! Her faith was deeply rooted, yet her belief was that she was not the judge of others and never would make anyone feel like an outcast. Since her passing, I have been wanted to see a rainbow and know that she is with me, watching over me still. Yesterday, after over two hours on a bus travelling to the Old Lahaina Luau, I was exhausted! As we were nearing my stop, something caught my eye. I looked over to the right and saw a faint rainbow in the distance. Immediately, I hopped off the bus and walked towards it. I took several pictures, then I felt the spatter of tears trickling down my face. It wasn't simply because of the rainbow, it was "Where" the hues of colour were over top of. It was a business called, " Blackie's Pit Stop." The significance of this is that on Shayla's prayer card, the main photo of her, was taken on Mother's Day; on a pier near a favourite beach of me and Shayla's called: "Blackie Spit!" For me, this was only the beginning of an incredible night that has instilled me, there are no mere coincidences, for my daughter has been with me 'in spirit' this entire trip! As most people know, I had been worried about finding a way back to the hotel once the Luau ended. I needed to use the restroom and I passed up one for the next washroom I found. I walked in and two ladies- Beth and Judy-, were with there 9 yr old granddaughter, Gabby. This young girl was wearing a brilliantly hand sewn dress with Hawaiian fringe, made by her Grandma. I commented on how lovely she looked. We shared small talk and off they went. Soon after, I reconnected with them as they too were attending the Luau. I told them about Shayla and how I was concerned about finding a way back. Even though they lived further away than where I was staying in Kihei, they did not hesitate to offer me a ride! I was thrilled and we agreed to meet up later. Through out the evening, I was catered to with amazing food and fancy drinks, traditional Hawaiian dancing, the brilliance of storytelling and entertained beyond words! One of the songs that came on, made me cry as Shayla and I loved to sing it together: Iz- Somewhere Over the Rainbow. At the beginning of the music, Iz says: "This one's for Gabby." Now, he is referring to Gabby Pahinui; a master of slack key, who passed away years ago. However, I found the irony that there was a Gabby in the audience and she was beaming. Later as couples were called to dance under a beautiful sun setting, I saw Beth and Judy, hand in hand, make their way to the beach area. It then dawned on me that they were together as partners and I knew somehow Shayla had ensured a lovely couple were giving me a ride. After an spectacular show, we were given a small treat as a parting gift. I looked in my bag and was smiling myself as it contained a Banana loaf. In January, when I was sorting through Shayla's belongings, I found her recipe for The Best Banana Bread Ever! Growing up, she loved it when I would make my Chocolate Chunk Banana Muffins and I would tease her that I would leave the recipe to her in my will. The entire evening was infused with my Rainbow child's free spirit; it was her way of letting me know, as alone as think I am...this journey remains connected to my babygirl.
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