Let go of a floating lantern

“I filled my mind with wishes, hopes, dreams, and fears and propelled each one into our group lantern. As I yearned to fill the lantern with that hope, the go-signal gently swept across the huge crowd. On a pulse of energy, the lanterns slipped from our fingertips. Ours took one unsteady lurch before jolting upward. A cool nighttime breeze collected our orange orb and swept it into the dark sky. As more joined ours, each illumination shifted the night sky from dense black to deep blue. The sheer number of hopes and wishes seemed to overpower the darkness. I looked down at Ana as the blanket of lanterns floated higher. The distant pinpoints of light painted slow-moving constellations across the night sky, and I saw the light sheen of tears echoed in her eyes as well.”

“As we arrived at Pauoa Bay, we were greeted by calm trade winds, soft live Hawaiian music, and the smell of ocean in the air. Many tables were set up for lantern decorating. Some families worked quietly, others shared stories or laughter through tears. At sunset, we all walked toward the shoreline together and lit candles. The lanterns, placed gently in the water, began to drift as the sky turned lavender and gold. Dozens of flickering lights slowly bobbed in a rhythmic ocean motion. It was a breathtaking moment. A communal release of love, grief, memory, and hope.”