Category: News, observances, history

“Over the Rainbow”-and a Volcano in Hawaii

This post reflects on my memories of Hawaii. Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” highlights his unique voice and connection to Hawaiian culture. I share my personal experiences in Hawaii, encouraging your future adventures there.

updated December 6, 2025

israel kamakawiwo’ole somewhere over the rainbow

The first time I listened to this song, I had never heard of the artist. I was captivated by his calm, smooth voice, as well as his unique version of an iconic song.

In case you’re not old enough to remember (I’m not either), the song Over the Rainbow was written for the movie The Wizard of Oz in 1939. As Dorothy from Kansas became stranded in Oz, the late actress Judy Garland sang the song, which won an Academy Award and is “one of the greatest movie songs of all times.”

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IZ- THE SINGER

Unlike Dorothy, Israel kamakawiwo’ole was not from Kansas, far from it. He was a native and lifelong resident of Hawaii. (I have been to both places; they are very different.)

He was a popular and beloved citizen and celebrity, and his music represented and extolled the island’s geography and culture.

Unfortunately, he developed morbid obesity. At a reported height of 6’2” (1.88 m) and weighing 757 pounds (343 kilos), his body mass index (BMI) was 97. (BMI over 30 is defined as obese).

I have discussed BMI and obesity in a previous post What is obesity and why does it matter?

Due largely to his excess weight, his health suffered from lung and heart problems, eventually causing his untimely death at only 38 years old. All of Hawaii mourned his passing.

Fortunately, he left for Hawaii and the world a wealth of music to enjoy.

HAWAII- THE BIG ISLAND 

Several years ago my husband accompanied me to Hawaii to attend a medical conference. (If you have to sit and listen to medical lectures all day, that is definitely the place to do it)

Hawaii, the 50th state added to the United States of America,  is made up of 6 major islands.  The conference was on the Big Island, which is also called Hawaii.

One of the largest and most active volcanoes in the world is there at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park,  so it is a must-see. And we did.

couple , flowers, waterfall
leis (flowers) around our neck upon arrival

Exploring the volcano

  • man standing on black rocks
  • a volcanic crater closer view
  • woman at a volcano crater in Hawaii
boats, dock, water
On an island, you’re never far from water and boats
luau drums-Hawaii
musicians at the luau (feast)
dancers in grass skirts-Hawaii
It wouldn’t be Hawaii without grass skirts and hula dancing.
a hammock stretched between palm trees on the beach makes for a relaxing vacation.
Hawaii is often called a paradise for good reason

As For Your Next Trip

Thanks for sharing my memories of Hawaii, I hope you can go there too.

Where are you planning to go on your next adventure? What will make it a memorable experience for you and your traveling companions?

Exploring the HEART of health

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a world globe with two crossed bandaids

Doctor Aletha

Honoring Memorial Day: Understanding the Poppy Symbolism

Memorial Day is more than just the unofficial start of summer – it is a day to honor the brave men and women who died defending our freedom. The poppy, symbolizing this remembrance, is tied to the iconic war poem “In Flanders Fields” by Lt. Col. John McCrae, a Canadian physician deeply affected by the tragedies of war.

updated May 25, 2025

In the United States, we observe the unofficial start of summer at the end of May as a “holiday” weekend. However, Memorial Day is the day Americans set aside to honor those brave men and women who lost their lives while defending our freedom.

As the daughter and wife of United States military veterans, I appreciate all the other families of our country’s veterans. With sadness and appreciation, I remember men and women who left home to serve our nation and never returned.

Presidential Proclamation

“Memorial Day is a sacred day of remembrance, reverence, and gratitude for the brave patriots who have laid down their lives in service to our great Nation.  Throughout our history, brave men and women have been called to defend the cause of liberty on foreign shores in defense of our homeland. 

Their noble sacrifices are marked by flag-draped coffins and the silent sorrows of those left behind.  We must never forget those who have given everything for our country.” continue reading

The American Legion Auxiliary adopted the poppy as a symbol of this remembrance.
We will never forget.
used by permission

Why a poppy?

In the battlefields of Belgium during World War I, poppies grew wild amid the ravages of war. The overturned soils of battle covered the poppy seeds, allowing them to grow and forever reminding us of the bloodshed of war.

Out of this conflict and the poppies came a poem, which has become synonymous with remembrance and honor.

In Flanders Fields

 This now iconic poem was written by a Canadian physician, Lt. Col. John McCrae.

Dr.McCrae was an English and math teacher, and poet before he attended medical school. He moved to England and was practicing there when World War I broke out, and he was called to serve as a brigade surgeon.

I suspect that as a physician, he was deeply pained by treating the wounded, and losing the ones he could not save.

“In April 1915, McCrae was stationed in the trenches near Ypres, Belgium, in an area known as Flanders, during the bloody Second Battle of Ypres.

In the midst of the tragic warfare, McCrae’s friend, twenty-two-year-old Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, was killed by artillery fire and buried in a makeshift grave.

The following day, McCrae, after seeing the field of makeshift graves blooming with wild poppies, wrote his famous poem “In Flanders Field,” which would be the second to last poem he would ever write.”

poets.org

simple cross grave markers in a cemetery

In Flanders Fields

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row, 
That mark our place, and in the sky, 
The larks, still bravely singing, fly, 
Scarce heard amid the guns below. 

We are the dead; short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, 
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields. 

Take up our quarrel with the foe! 
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high! 
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

This poem is in the public domain.

join us in prayer that Almighty God may comfort those who mourn, grant protection to all who serve, and bring blessed peace to the world.

President Donald Trump, Presidential Proclamation 2025

How to observe Memorial Day

The United Services Organization, known as the USO, offers these and other suggestions for observing Memorial Day. Why not try one this year and make it an annual occurrence in your family.

  • Walk through a veterans cemetery or designated veterans area of a civilian cemetery
  • Participate in a Memorial Day walk or race
  • Attend or watch virtually a Memorial Day parade
  • Visit in person or virtually a war or veterans memorial
  • Talk to family members about your relatives who have served our country, especially those who lost their lives in service

On year I visited the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in New Mexico on Memorial Day. Here is my story.

Exploring the HEART of service and sacrifice

I appreciate your time reading this post and invite you to follow this blog and me on social media.

I share information and inspiration to help you transform challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.

Add your name to the subscribe box to be notified of new posts by email. Click the link to read the post and browse other content. It’s that simple. No spam.

I enjoy seeing who is new to Watercress Words. When you subscribe, I will visit your blog or website. Thanks and see you next time.

Dr. Aletha