A Whale Tail

Well, here it is ...finally....the tale told of a beautiful day in Maui when a very brave guy named Gord accepted an offer from his friends to go out in an outrigger canoe for his first paddle since his stroke. His progress has been all uphill since, I am happy to report! Thank you to Melva who was so inspired to write this tale.

A Whale Tail

Iao was becoming very impatient. It seemed he had been traveling for years in this moist red-lined boat. Okay, maybe he should be a little more patient as his mother swam from Alaska to Hawaii.

I know, he thought, I will just do some exercises to pass the time of day. So he began to bounce from right to left. His mother, Lia, began to moan and groan as her baby made the journey miserable.

Down came her pectoral fin against her enormous grey body. Oh, I hope I make it to Ma'alaea Bay. She had been calved there four years earlier.

Lia had a vivid recollection of the human activity in the area. They exhibited such unpredictable behaviour. Some would yell and point from whale watch boats. Others, as in Kealia Resort, were so excited when mother's and calves practiced their breaches, tail slaps and pec slaps. Most of all she knew all humans liked the feeding times of the calves.

The journey came to it's end after thirty hours or so. Lia was happy to be in the warm waters of Ma'alaea Bay. Oh!! Wow, that pain was even more persistent now. Iao was ready for his delivery into the world. The new escort was already at hand. She felt that life was becoming more hectic.

Lia contemplated how she could teach Iao, such a determined calf, to have patience. He always headed for the whale watch boats with great curiousity. His energy was so great she wanted to channel it in the most constructive way. After all it would not be long before he would have to swim to Alaska.

The lesson would soon be learned. It was a beautiful morning in February. The sun had crept over the giant warrior of Mt. Haleakala dressed in his light blueish purple coat. Light pink clouds were floating over Ma'alaea Bay announcing a great day as they slowly moved towards the West Maui Mountains.

There was a commotion occurring on the beach of Kealia Resort. A large blue, white and red canoe was being pulled ashore by a group of very excited men. Some humans were standing nearby with cameras. Others were on their lanais and all were wrought with great anticipation.

All eyes were on a tall dignified man with a halting gait as he walked toward to the canoe.

"What's happening Mom?" asked Iao. "I know this man" Lia said. She would have smiled if she could, instead a large spout broke forth from the ocean. His name is Gordon and he has a great love of the outdoors. He loves the ocean and canoeing with his friends.

Last year he became very ill and was airlifted home. He returned to Hawaii with great determination to relearn some of the life skills he lost. He is a great role model for many humans.

As Gordon and his friends were in the ocean Iao said "Let's go welcome him" and off they went. The energy was great in the water and many whales felt it. They also were close to experiencing a ritual of healing. Many humans watching had tears in their eyes. You see, it was a gift of life shared among mammals.

Iao felt a tear come to his eye and plop into the ocean. "Thanks Mom for all your love and teaching" he said. I think I really like that Gordon, he is brave.