The loss of our loved ones

By Kanau Sion

Late Peter Sion in Kings Park

During our four year absence from this blog we had experienced some lows - three tragic losses among others within our close knit, immediate and extended families. The first was the tragic demise of my uncle Peter Sion. You would recall in one of our earlier posts in 2012 and 2013 which featured a story on my mother and her late young brother Peter Sion who visited us in here in Perth in 2012.

Sadly though, late Peter passed on in 2013 after succumbing to kidney failures, almost a year after he visited us here in Perth. Peter unknowingly lived with a disease to both his kidneys brought about by years of alcohol abuse, prolonged overweight and chronic high blood pressure. By the time it was diagnosed, it was far too late to do anything.
Upon learning about it, I flew to Manus Island to spend a short time with him. We spoke about many things including his kidney disease, fears and hopes before I returned to Australia. When Peter passed on, it actually hit me hard because we were very close and referred to ourselves as brothers rather than uncle and nephew. I have never fully come to terms with his premature demise. So sad.

"Two peas in a pod", the inseparable
kayus :Late Peter Sion
& Late John Banama

Approximately a year (2014) after late Peter Sion's passing his tambu (brother-in-law) John Banama passed on. Late John Banama was my aunty's (Mary Pondikou's) husband and father of my cousin Rodney Banama who also lives and works here in Perth. His passing was also approximately two years after the small entourage visited Rodney and his family in Perth (see earlier posts from 2012 & 2013). 

Late John Banama in South Perth

Late John Banama had also been suffering from a rare health condition and after a lengthy battle, succumbed to it in the
Lorengau Hospital on Manus Island. Late John Banama and late Peter Sion were very close in-laws and inseparable. They would regularly meet and have a few "too many" beers together and have great yarns. This was obvious when they visited us in Perth. They were  "two peas in a pod".

Late Daniel's funeral Service in Waigani, PNG.

On the 5th of May 2014, another tragedy struck. Joanne's father Daniel suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at home (in Gerehu) in Port Moresby. Everyone was caught by surprise and it affected Joanne and the children tremendously. It also was a sad day for me because I was so close to him. He was more of a father figure to me than  father in-law.

Jackson International Airport:Joanne's last
moment with her father

Daniel before she returned to Australia 

He gave Joanne and I helpful tips on living life successfully and we will forever be indebted to his wisdom. Joanne and I immediately flew to Port Moresby and assisted in his repatriation to Lawes Village on Manus Island for burial.It was a solemn moment in the village and seeing families and friends come from far and wide to share in the grief gave Joanne and her family a lot of comfort and peace. Death is a tragedy everyone dreads. Death also unites families and friends. This experience was telling.