Belonging to Heaven, page 31
“He is one of the fortunate ones who found people to care for him,” Father Damien said as they walked. “But I worry for the children. There are so many who are sent without parents to take care of them. I think more die from loneliness than from the leprosy.”
Jonathan nodded. The plight of the unattended children wrenched the soul, and it was a worry often discussed by the two men. “We will pray for enough lumber to come so that we can build your house and also a house for the orphans.”
“Your faith is strong, Brother Napela. You truly believe that if a man asks for bread the Lord will not give him a stone.”
Jonathan smiled. “We cannot escape the trials of life, but our Heavenly Father loves us, Kamiano. This I know.”
Father Damien looked at the many patients gathered at the ocean side watching the labor of the ship’s crew. “Even when the sky is dark.”
“Especially when the sky is dark.”
They continued their way to the landing and arrived as two longboats came around the side of the steamship. One was loaded with goods, the other with people. Jonathan counted the number of patients, and then looked down at his ledger, frowning. “The letter from the board of health said that eight patients would arrive today, and I count only seven.”
“Perhaps the queen’s cousin maneuvered his way out of Kalawao. Perhaps they’re keeping him in the Kalihi Hospital.”
“Or some private facility,” Jonathan concurred.
Just then there was a stir among the gatherers, and Kepola called out. “There! Look there! Here comes the prince. He is riding in his own boat.”
Another longboat had come into sight, and the people on the shore strained to see the great ali‘i who was fated to be one of them. Jonathan shook his head. It was obvious to him that Peter Kaeo, cousin to Queen Emma and a member of the House of Nobles, was determined from the outset not to be numbered with the sick. The big man sat in the back of the boat surrounded by an assortment of items: a polished koa trunk, a tall wicker basket, a silver lamp with a silk shade, two bird cages, a saddle, a small wooden wheelbarrow, and a young palm tree. Secured in the prow of the boat was a pig in one bamboo cage, and a dog in another.
Jonathan had met Peter Kaeo on several occasions when he’d gone to Honolulu on business for the colony at Laie. As part of the Kamehameha royal family and a member of the government, Peter Kaeo was well known by the lesser ali‘i from the other islands. Jonathan knew Peter Kaeo’s face well, but he was sure the man would not remember him. Jonathan took a deep breath. As luna, he well understood the protocol of attending to a person of such importance, but as he looked at the other sufferers on the landing, his heart could not fashion a place of greater importance for the man in the boat.
“Has he brought birds with him?” Father Damien asked quietly.
“And a dog,” Jonathan replied, a hint of humor in his voice.
“He’d better be careful with those things when the food supply begins to dwindle.”
The two men chuckled together as the first boat of goods arrived. Jonathan called out to those in the work detail to begin the unloading, and Father Damien went to join them. The boat of patients came ashore, and Jonathan went to meet them and take down their information. As the four men and three women disembarked, Jonathan took note of the varying levels of the disease’s advancement: most had the obvious signs of ulcerations, facial nodules, or enlarged ears, but two of the men showed smooth complexions. Jonathan gave a puzzled look at his ledger—there were to be five men (including Peter Kaeo), three women, and no kokuas. Who were these two men who showed no signs of leprosy?
Jonathan moved forward to greet the new patients, knowing they would be feeling lost in their strange new circumstances. Indeed, the women stared around at their bleak surroundings as though they had been sent to a place worse than purgatory, while the men looked tired and resigned. One of the men with unblemished complexion seemed determined to take control of his situation. He stepped in front of the others as Jonathan approached.
“Are you the resident superintendent?
“I am. I am Jonathan Napela. Welcome.”
“Well, I hardly find that an appropriate greeting. Like being welcomed into a grave.”
Jonathan tried not to be baited by the man’s discourtesy. “And you are?”
“William Ragsdale.”
Jonathan checked his ledger. “Yes, Mr. Ragsdale. I have your name—”
Mr. Ragsdale interrupted. “Is there no receiving station? Must we really stand out here in the open while the others stare at us?”
This time, Jonathan was taken aback by the man’s abrupt manner. He looked to be hapa haole, but his demeanor did not hold the gentle patient qualities of his Hawaiian birthright. Jonathan looked at him directly. “Yes, Mr. Ragsdale, there is a small receiving station at Kalawao, but your boat landed at Kalaupapa and here we do not have a building.”
“Well, that is inefficient. Why hasn’t one been built?”
“It’s up to the board of health to commission the building of another station.”
“Well, they will certainly be getting a letter from me.”
Jonathan had had enough of the man’s arrogance. “If you will excuse me, Mr. Ragsdale, I have other patients to care for.” He turned his attention to the other members of the group, taking down their information, and explaining the basic layout of the settlement. In a soothing voice he told them that they would be assigned a helper (another patient), who would guide them. They would have to share lodging with others until the planned dormitories could be built, and they would be given vouchers for food and supplies. Tension and sadness began to drain from their faces, and by the time their helpers came to collect them, two of the women were weeping with relief. Jonathan made sure they were attended to and then turned and began walking to the landing where Peter Kaeo’s boat was being lugged ashore by the oarsmen. As he walked, one of the newly arrived patients came to his side. “Luna Napela, may I have a word with you?”
“Of course, Mr. Williamson, how can I help you?”
The haole man adjusted his hat to block more of the sun from his face. “Well, actually I’m hoping that I can help you. You see, I have worked at the Kalihi Hospital for several years.”
Jonathan stared at the man. “Are you a doctor? The note from the board said nothing about a doctor coming to Kalawao.”
The man smiled. “No, luna, I am not a doctor; I am just another patient. But, I was a doctor’s assistant. I have worked with the patients at Kalihi and would love to help here.” He hesitated. “My Hawaiian is halting, but if you could use me . . .” his voice trailed off.
Jonathan was stunned. “If we could use you?” He put his ledger on the ground and took the man by the hand. “You are a blessing to us, Mr. Williamson. A blessing. We need your help desperately. There is a small house by the side of the hospital. I will make sure you are housed there.”
Mr. Williamson nodded. “Thank you, Luna Napela.”
“No, Mr. Williamson. You are an answer to many prayers.” Jonathan gently released the man’s hand. “I will have someone show you to our hospital and I will meet you at the house later after I have settled the queen’s cousin.”
Mr. Williamson gave him a half grin. “Mr. Kaeo brought a dog and two birds, you know?”
“Yes, I know.”
“And he insists he does not have leprosy, but some sort of skin disease.”
“The board of health has written of that.”
“Well, perhaps a few months at Kalawao will mold his character to a more humble station,” Mr. Williamson said. He placed his hand on Jonathan’s shoulder. “No worries about a guide! I will find my way to the hospital.” He started off, then turned, and came back. “Oh, I would suggest that you be wary of William Ragsdale. He is a brilliant attorney. He worked for many years as a translator in the legislature. He speaks both languages expertly. He presented himself for exile before showing any symptoms. He’s something of a celebrity with the board of health. I’m afraid he might find life at Kalawao a little boring.” He tipped his hat and was off.
Jonathan was trying to figure the meaning of Mr. Williamson’s warning about William Ragsdale when Kepola ran up.
“Luna! The important man is getting out of the boat, and they are unloading his things! I would be glad to help carry the birds to the wagon!”
Jonathan picked up his ledger. “I am sorry, Kepola, but Mr. Kaeo does not want his property touched by any of the patients.” The smile left Kepola’s face, and Jonathan understood his shame. “But it would be very helpful if you would carry the settlement book for me.”
Kepola brightened. “I would be glad to do that, luna!”
“Now go and stand with the others and watch Father Kamiano and me as we work.”
“Be careful, luna, for you are getting old.”
Jonathan growled at him. “Off you go now!” He turned toward the boat, failing at his attempt to hide a grin.
Father Damien met Jonathan at the edge of the water as Peter Kaeo stepped from the front of the longboat onto dry land. He came forward with a smile on his face and his hand extended. “Napela! It is good to see you again. I wish it were under better circumstances. We in the family were sad to hear of your wife’s illness. My cousin Queen Emma sends her best.”
Jonathan was shocked by the exuberant greeting. “Mahalo, Prince Kaeo. We wish we could see your face at a different place.” He tentatively took the man’s hand feeling as though he may have misjudged him. When he looked over at Father Damien it seemed he felt the same. “Prince Kaeo . . .”
The big man laughed and thumped Jonathan on the back. “Ah, Napela, if you and I start quoting our genealogies we would have to call the kahunas, and we would be here all day. Just call me Kaeo and I will call you Napela.”
Jonathan nodded. “Kaeo, this is Father Damien de Veuster. He has come to live his life at Kalawao serving the lepers. Father Damien, this is Peter Kaeo, cousin to our dear Queen Emma.”
Peter Kaeo bowed to the young priest. “We hear your name spoken in Honolulu, Father Damien. It is a great service you give to my sick people.”
“It is an honor to be among them. They are a good people.”
Peter beamed. “Yes, they are, aren’t they? I ask the Lord to bless them every day.”
“So, you are a religious man, Mr. Kaeo?” Father Damien asked.
Peter laughed loudly. “I try, Father. I try.”
“And are you Catholic?”
“No. Like my cousin Emma, I belong to the Anglican Church.” He turned to Napela. “I must admit that she is much more devout than I am. She has sent me with instructions that I am to use the time here to polish my faith.” He waved at a group of patients that were staring at him, and they waved back, clearly thrilled to be acknowledged by the great man.
“Well, we should get you to your house.” Jonathan said. “It is all ready for you.”
“And what about the family of kama‘aina that the Queen arranged to take care of me?” Peter asked.
“Yes, they will come to the house this evening to help you organize your things and receive your instruction.”
“Wonderful! Wonderful!”
Jonathan pointed to the horse and wagon, secured in the shade of one of the only trees in Kalaupapa. “If you would wait with the wagon, we will load your things.”
“I would offer to help, but my foot is very painful at the moment.”
Jonathan and Father Damien shared a look. “Do not worry. We will have the work done in no time,” Jonathan assured.
As Kaeo hobbled to the wagon, Jonathan and Father Damien went to the shoreline to collect the unloaded possessions of the great man. Together they hefted the crated pig. “I have some good news to tell you,” Jonathan said puffing.
“What is that?”
“One of our prayers has been answered.”
Damien grunted. “Which one of the many?”
“The one about a doctor for the hospital.”
Damien almost dropped the cage. “A doctor has come?”
“A doctor’s assistant. Mr. Williamson worked for many years at the Kalihi Hospital.”
They put the pig in the wagon and went back for their next load.
“Mr. Williamson? One of the patients?”
“Yes. He is a very nice fellow.”
Damien smiled. “To stand in contrast with Mr. Ragsdale.”
Jonathan shrugged. “Well, we can’t have all our prayers answered.” He noticed that Father Damien had stopped walking. He turned back to find him staring out to sea. “What is it, Kamiano?”
“If a man ask for bread, will I give him a stone?”
“What was that?”
Father Damien shook his head. “You think we can’t have all our prayers answered? Just take a look at that, my dear Brother Napela.”
Jonathan turned to look out at the Kinau that was still at anchor. What he saw made him catch his breath. Two additional longboats were headed to shore, loaded down with lumber—lots of lumber. Jonathan looked over at the priest and smiled. “Tomorrow I say we put up the framing for your house and the orphanage. What do you say to that?”
Father Damien smiled back. “Amen.”
Notes
Peter Kaeo, William Ragsdale, and William Williamson were all historical individuals who each played a role in the life of Kalawao and Kalaupapa and therefore in the life of Jonathan and Kitty Napela.
During the years Peter Kaeo was a patient at the leper colony, he and his cousin Queen Emma exchanged many letters. These letters were eventually compiled into a book entitled News from Moloka‘i.
A later patient at Kalawao, Ambrose Hutchinson, wrote in his journal of Father Damien and Jonathan Napela, describing them as “the best of friends.”
Chapter 47
Kalawao, Moloka‘i
October 23, 1873
My dear Brother George,
I write to you on a day of great sadness. I know that there is nothing you can do to aid me in my misfortune, for it will take weeks for this letter to reach you, and by that time the seas of trouble here will either be calm or rough. Still, I needed to pour out my sorrow to you, and to ask for your prayers. Just the thought of you praying for me brings calmness to my soul. The board of health has sent a letter that I am to give up my job as assistant superintendent. The assignment was what enabled me to stay at Kalawao to care for Kitty. With my place stripped from me, the board says that I must leave the island and return home. Home? I do not know where that is other than here beside my wife.
In the dismissal the board says that they have received many letters of my incompetence, drunkenness, and laziness from William Ragsdale. All of these charges are outright lies, but I am not being given the opportunity to defend myself. Mr. Ragsdale is a favorite of Mr. Hall, the president of the board of health, who takes every word he writes as the truth. The actual truth is that Mr. Ragsdale has wanted the post of assistant superintendent from the moment he set foot on the island four months ago, and he was not above telling falsehoods to achieve it. Well, he has achieved his goal, and I am to be sent away from Kalawao. I worry for my dear Kitty. She says that she will die quickly if I leave, and I do not think that Mr. Ragsdale will work well with Father Damien, or care for Kepola and the other children. He thinks only of himself, and he is mean when something is not done his way. The other day we were working with a crew digging the ditch for the water pipes, and Mr. Ragsdale did not think the men were working fast enough. He was yelling and cursing at them, and he picked up a rock to threaten them. I had to shout him down, and he did not like it. I have also reprimanded him on his immoral behavior. He lives with a kama‘aina woman who cares for his every need, and he mistreats her. He is also angry that I sometimes give food from the storehouse to the kama‘ainas. I cannot help this. We have taken much of their land and they are starving. These are only a few of the many reasons Ragsdale does not like me.
Peter Kaeo says that he will write to his cousin for me, but I do not want to trouble Queen Emma with such matters. She has enough to worry about with the political upheaval after the death of Kamehameha V. He did not name an heir, so the legislature elected Prince Lunalilo to serve in his place. Kaeo and Queen Emma have shared many letters over this appointment. Lunalilo is not good at making decisions and he has drinking problems, but that is a letter for another time.
I mentioned that the native people of Kalaupapa are starving—well, most of us at Kalawao and Kalaupapa are starving. The kalo crops all over the islands are failing and there is a great shortage of poi. I have a bit of pa‘i to offer the patients, but mostly it is salted meat or salted salmon, and rice. The Hawaiian stomach does not like such food, Brother George, and it often causes great problems with digestion. The food shortage is also something Ragsdale blames on me.
This is where I will end my complaining, dear friend. I am sorry for all the sad news, but I knew that it was safe to pour my sorrows into your heart. I have written a letter to the board of health asking that I be allowed to stay at Kalawao, even though my position has been taken away. I pray they grant my request.
Thank you for sending the picture of our dear prophet, Brigham Young, and for the Hawaiian Book of Mormon. The Saints here are grateful to have the words of Nephi, and Alma, and King Benjamin. I have my own copy, but it is getting worn. When I open the pages and see the words, I am back in my house in Wailuku, and we are working on the translation. Those were the days when the sun shone brightly on the top of Haleakala.
Mahalo for bringing the gospel to my life.
Your friend,
Brother Jonathan
***
Jonathan opened the storehouse door and heard the wind in the underbrush and the trill of the o-o bird, but he did not hear Kitty’s weeping. Perhaps exhaustion had overtaken her frayed emotions and allowed her the release of sleep. His own emotions raged like a newly trapped animal. He was angry, fearful, and helpless all at once. He was angry at the board of health for taking Ragsdale’s word without question, fearful that they would not consider his request to stay, and helpless against their power. He stepped out into the sunshine and closed the storehouse door. He had to trust that the Lord knew his heart and would answer his prayers. He walked to the house and quietly ascended the back stairs. One of the boards squeaked under his weight, and immediately Kitty called out.
