The Man With all the Banana Trees

by Alexis Lemoine (United States of America)

Making a local connection USA

I looked back at the 700 banana trees swaying in the tropical breeze. I noticed the green barn I spent two weeks eating, laughing, and contemplating under. I was taking note of every plant, flower, and detail to be burned in my memory forever. I continued walking down the double-cemented driveway toward Cordell’s house where I see him standing, holding a piece of bread. His dirt-stained button-down swayed with the wind and he cracked a smile and said, “This is for you. It’s passionfruit bread and it is delicious!” “Thank you so much,” I said shyly, “I’m going to miss you and this place.” “Can I pray with you?” He asks, “I’ve been thinking about your mother and the story you told me about her.” My mind flashed to a memory of my mother. Her left hand placed on my bony shoulder as I guided her along the road across the bayou. She held her cane, which she named “Moses”, in her right hand as she tapped it along the pavement. “Absolutely,” I answered. He leaned over and put his forehead to mine and began his prayer. “What is your mother’s name again? Oh yes. Dear Lord, please restore Tricia’s sight so she may see this beautiful world and beautiful girl you have gifted her with.” My eyes began welling with tears. His forehead felt like the sun against mine and I could smell the sea salt in his gray-dusted black hair. His words hung in the air and it felt as if I changed the setting of reality to slow-motion. I felt surprised the story about my mother stuck with him so much. I pictured him kneeling on his hardwood floor as he lay down his bible at the foot of his bed, and call upon God to hear his prayers. Little beads of sweat began to form in-between our touching heads as he continued on, “Lord let there be a miracle. May Tricia wake up one morning, and as she opens her eyes, be able to see the light of day and everything sweet in it.” He slowly peeled his head from mine and opened his arms for me to fold into his embrace. I immediately felt sad to leave him and farm life behind. I would sit underneath the barn around 6:45 every morning eating toast and eggs I prepared in my outdoor kitchen, and drinking coffee I bought from the local market where Cordell sold his bananas. He would slowly walk up and say, “good morning!” His smile was soft, and incredibly genuine. Day after day I would watch with admiration as he strategically hacked down banana trees with an old machete. He had the energy and zest of a twenty year old, yet he was four times their age. I had come to Hawaii to learn more about holistic healing and at the last minute I decided to spend two weeks working on this farm. I had no special reason for choosing this one other than the fact that they allowed me to. I spent those two weeks working alongside this angelic man, who by nature of himself, was teaching me how important presence and prayer was. “We are all gifted with this precious life. There is so much to be grateful for and to be happy about,” he said, “so be it!” As I drove away I swore I saw a glowing light surround his entire body. Who the hell did I just meet?