What"My Friends"& Kīlauea Have in Common

For months before we left for Hawaii for our Christmas vacation, my oldest was joking — half serious, half hope — telling anyone who would listen to “Pele, wait to erupt until we get there.” Like the volcano goddess was taking requests.

Smoke was rising in the distance as we were driving that first morning to experience caves and waterfalls. Our itinerary immediately changed when we saw it. And soon we were at Volcano National Park. They waved everyone in- not taking any payment or confirmation of passes. This was a big deal.

And then we were standing there.

Watching lava shoot hundreds of feet into the air.

But what stunned me wasn’t just the sight. It was the sound. A deep, constant jet-engine rumble...powerful and steady and alive. I am actually standing here. This is real. This is happening. This is once in a lifetime..and we are here.

Standing there watching the lava, I didn’t feel fear. (although it was certainly a thought- I have been to Pompeii afterall..)) I felt small and very grateful. The kind of awareness that doesn’t come from thinking —it comes from being present.

"My Friends" doesn’t move fast. It doesn’t try to impress you or try to be clever. It just unfolds honestly. Like something that’s been building for a long time. That’s what this book felt like. It didn’t try to teach me anything. It didn’t try to change me. It just kept me company on the plane ride over to the Big Island.

Some moments don’t feel symbolic until later. Some moments just feel real while they’re happening. And later, you realize they’ve threaded themselves into your memory in ways you didn’t plan. This book did that. The erupting volcano did that. Two powerful things. They were both doing what they were both created to do and I’m thankful I made room for both.

Five stars for both! I hope you get to experience an erupting volcano AND a good story soon!

**thanks Em and Cathy for the almost constants.. "You need to read this book" conversations. I appreciate it!