More reflections on Helen Inada…...

Maybe it’s cathartic to write about her, not to forget.

I think of Dylan Thomas “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

Helen fought well until the end….. and the end wasn’t very pleasant or dignified.

Every night, Dale would gently tuck Helen in bed with a teddy bear and a kiss on the forehead. I was struck how kind and considerate Dale was towards Helen.

I am ashamed that I didn’t always treat Helen with the same dignity.

Christmas with Barney and Helen

Christmas of 2006. Barney was sharp mentally. Helen was struggling, her life was difficult and at times very sad.

This was her last Christmas. She died Dec. 20, 2007.

4th annual Hiroshima -Nagasaki Remberence Day

Very small turnout for the Hiroshima atomic remembrance at Lover Point. The organizers ment well but the apathy of Americans is insidious.

Pacific Grove - Lovers Point - Warm Day

This day was very warm, I actually jumped in the water. I was dry within minutes.

Whales in the Bay

Whales could be seen right off the coast of Fort Ord. We rode our bikes to the location of the demolished Steelwell Hall, it will soon be part of the Marina State Park.

Dale and I could see whales breeching. Pretty cool.

ParaSailor in Seaside looking towards Pacific Grove

While cycling on Sunday, we saw this parasailor floating by.

Bike ride to Seaside

This is the view from Seaside, looking towards Pacific Grove.

Helen Inada

Helen passed away on Dec. 20, 2007.

She was at home, in her wheelchair when she lost all control of her bowls. We suspect that is when she expired. Dale was reluctant to accept it; he kept insisting that her breathing was shallow.

It was clear to me that she gone or she was real close to letting go. I called 911 @ 1:30am and was directed to get her on the floor and perform CPR. I was instructed to keep pushing her chest for 400 cycles or until paramedics arrived.

Dale was in the bathroom changing contacts when the paramedics started to knock on the door. I had the phone on my ear and was yelling at Dale to open the door while still administering CPR on Helen.

I could hear knocking on the front door and Dale was not answering it. Holy Cow.....I had the phone in my ear, pressing on Helen and yelling at Dale.

Helen was declared dead @ 2:30am Thursday.

It was sad