Diane – Delighted, Delightful, Spirited and Adventurous

Many remarked over the years on Diane’s youthful spirit. Everyone knew her to be younger than her chronological age. Even after she went natural with her final "silver fox" hairdo.

She delighted in so many every day things, this was a wonderful, remarkable gift. Things that frustrate and terrify me horribly, like forgetting something or not being able to think of the word I want. She would simply laugh at herself or make a game out of guessing words that sounded like or reminded her of the word she was trying to think of. Sonoma, Scarsdale…then finally the right one…Sedona.

The most marvelous thing I can think of is how this Hawaii girl loved experiencing the seasons on the mainland. She always "oohed and aahed" over and wanted to collect fall leaves. The first couple years I showed her how to press them in wax paper like we did as kids and she sent her artistic creations to friends in Hawaii.

Then the cold…always breathing out hard to see her breath. She delighted in that and at seeing, touching and tasting snow with childlike wonder. She couldn’t wait for spring, flowers being her favorite. Every new bloom was encouraged while many were brought in for simple, stunning arrangements throughout the house. The striking tulip fields here in Scagit Valley were on her "must do" list every year (do go visit them if you ever have the chance and see Diane reflected in the simple beauty of the vast, rolling waves of color against the backdrop of red barns and misty blue hills).

Then she fell in love with tomatoes and babied them like you cannot imagine. We have some coming on even now, in this terrible year for tomatoes. I think she is tending them still and making certain I will have at least a few to taste and savor. And I will…all the while shedding crocodile tears that she is not here to share them.

When presented with the chance for adventure, unless it was clearly something dangerous or "too far," Diane said YES readily and eagerly. Whatever I proposed, she almost always said, "I love your ideas." Then we were off…to experience Portland, Eugene & the Oregon Coast; Santa Barbara, CA; Victoria, BC; Newport News, Williamsburg & Richmond; Washington DC; Vancouver, BC; the World Pastry Forum in Las Vegas; Spokane, WA; San Francisco; the Int'l Kite Festival in Long Beach, WA; Disneyland & Long Beach, CA; Montana & Yellowstone Park; the Hawaiian Festival in Kalama, WA; Sedona, Grand Canyon & Scottsdale; Alaska; Boston; the Olympic Peninsula; Glacier Park and the 6 main islands of Hawaii.

Thinking back I’m astonished that a few months after breaking her ankle, being diagnosed with cancer and having major thorasic surgery, Diane was up for the return trip to San Francisco she had dreamed of for decades. I know she had a lot of discomfort and pain but I remember her seeming delighted through most of the trip. We saw the sights and basically ate our way through the city (including two fabulous multi-course meals at Jardiniere and Farallon and the best Dim Sum in the financial district).

Thank you so much to Louise for encouraging Diane and accompanying her on her dream trip of a lifetime to Japan and Korea! Thank you also to Emi for giving Diane a taste of New York City!

Moving from Aiea, HI to Everett, WA 10 years ago (in 2001) was a huge adventure for Diane. She had always wanted to explore the mainland and only lacked a companion with which to do so. I was thrilled she chose me and eagerly showed her the joys of driving freely to so many places (keeping trips short initially as she became more accustomed to the distance of wide-open spaces which amazed her).

As a potter, Diane maintained a studio at The Foundry in Waikiki for many years. She had a Masters Degree in Fine Arts from UH where she established lifelong friendships with many artists and creative people whose work she followed through the years. She had always wanted to live in the Seattle area more than anywhere else on the mainland because of the vibrant artistic community. Visiting art museums and craft fairs was one of her great passions. We were subscribers to Everett Community Concerts, Seattle Symphony Pops Concerts, and the Seattle Women’s Chorus.

When Diane moved to Everett, she retired from 23 years in classified advertising at the Honolulu Advertiser. She was excited to start a new career and, true to her nature, looked at many practical, humdrum possibilities. I encouraged her to explore her passions. She ended up pursuing her love for cooking and desire to learn more added to her creative background in ceramics and graduated from South Seattle College’s Pastry & Specialty Baking program. My waistline has never been the same. She was sought after for parties for her many delightful creations, especially her spectacular lemon tarts and fresh mint chocolate cakes.

Our Diane – Devoted Daughter

Diane was devoted to her parents throughout their lives, visiting and caring for each of them most of her adult life because she loved them very much. She was the kind of person to always do what needed to be done without complaint or any thought that things should be otherwise. When she experienced hard times I know it was difficult because her sisters lived far away (on the East Coast). She donated bone marrow to her sister, Paulette, just before Paulette died of Leukemia in 1999. Diane was also devastated by her mother’s suffering after the accident that caused her traumatic brain injury. She visited mom several times every week during the following 2 years until Patsy passed away on the eve of Mother’s Day in 2000.

Diane – My Sweetheart, My Sweet Pea

We were blessed to share 12 years of joy and laughter, heartache and tears. I could not have been better loved or taken care of. Diane was always fussing over me and making sure I ate well, dressed warmly and made time for friends. She kept me in line and rewarded me with amazing surprises. She taught me so much about courage, true devotion, patience and love, being quiet and gentle, creative problem solving, cooking and saying "YES" to life.

Upon meeting, an acquaintance looked me up and down then boldly told Diane, "You got a good one!" We never did quit laughing about that. The most important test was when Diane’s dear friend Bobbie looked me over and without saying a word made it clear I was accepted. I thank heavens for that because my life would definitely not be the same if I had never experienced the ono food at Young’s Fish Market.

On Dec. 5, 1999 Diane expressed these feelings in a letter: "…I really think that someone or thing is looking out for me – the universe has brought you into my life. No one has shown me as much love and caring for me as you do – For the first time I feel my life is becoming complete and full because you are in it! This is a most exciting, fun time…I think this Christmas will be the best I’ve had since childhood…for the first time in years I can see that holidays will be fun and a joyous time! Because I’ll be sharing them with you – what a wonderful life we will have."

And so, we did. I cannot stop thinking about this lovely, demure little girl (and vibrant, na koa wahine) with such sparkling brown eyes, who captivated my heart.  My Ku'uipo.  I cannot yet find a way to say goodbye.  I cannot yet accept it.  For now I can only keep saying...I will love you forever.

Thank you immensely Gail DeLeon for your fond memories of Diane at the YWCA Pottery Studio and Raku Ho'olaule'a video (CLICK THE LINK TO PLAY):  http://smilebox.com/playBlog/4d6a59344e4441344d7a413d0d0a&blogview=true

Diane's favorite color is white.  Her favorite T-shirts say "I only look sweet and innocent" and "Kakimochi Breath."

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