In February 2007, a small boat set out from Waikiki Beach, Honolulu, Hawaii to go past the three-mile limit.

On board were James Allmon, married daughter, Amy Allmon Dankel and Jim’s two younger children, Shaun and Leilani Allmon. They were on a mission to strew the ashes of Valerie Allmon into the Hawaiian Ocean, as Valerie had requested nine years earlier when she was dying of breast cancer. Leilani had just turned twelve and Shaun turned fourteen on December 1st. Val died at home in Temecula, CA on December 23, 1998 during the night. Jim had held her in his arms until the coroner came at 5:30 AM.

Just past the three-mile limit, the boat stopped and they held a brief ceremony, read the 23rd Psalm, Lord’s Prayer, and a poem about God’s heavenly garden, where he sometimes picks the rosebuds and the best! Each person said their own eulogy and then the ashes were strewn onto the water. The day was overcast and dreary, as fitting for their mood.

Suddenly a bright light came down from heaven and lit up the spot where Val’s ashes were strewn, while the surrounding water remained dark and untouched by the light.

Leilani had always asked where her mother was. Although, Jim and Amy were devout Christians, Leilani and Shaun were exposed to the Buddhist teaching and she was confused. I had told her that her Mom was in Heaven with God who was holding her in His arms and who loved her very much. She was at peace and happy now and looking down on her family with love and guidance. I told her that the light from Heaven was her Mom and God telling them she was there and that she loved them very much.

It was truly a miracle that touched all their hearts.                                                                                                  “