On the Wings of the Wind

Meli Watanuki. Photo by Léo Azambuja

By Pat Killilea, SS.CC. 

The engine roared and the small plane took off down the runway and, on the wings of the wind, took off into the Kalaupapa skies. All of us who could leave our posts had gathered at our friendly little airport to wave goodbye to Aunty Meli Watanuki whose body was on its way to Honolulu. 

On Sunday morning, I had brought her communion and given her the sacrament of the sick as I had done many times over the years. We spoke a few words then and I expected she would overcome this, her latest illness, but later on Sunday her soul flew to Heaven on the wings of angels.

Meli had been born and grew up in American Samoa. At some stage she contracted Hansen’s disease and received the treatments which set her on the road to a full life. What a life! 

In 1969, after visiting her friends in Kalaupapa, she chose to join them here herself. In time, she came down with cancer but defeated that in her dauntless faith. 

She turned 91 toward the end of last year. I loved to introduce her as Bishop Meli and I think she enjoyed that also. 

She loved to dance the hula and now she is dancing in Paradise.