When Loretta Returned To Pokhara With Her Husband’s Cremains…

Loretta Hullwork, a 72-year-old American citizen, looked beautiful in a pink kurta and red bangles. With a heavy heart and eyes were filled with grief she stood atop Sarangkot hill.

She had ascended these steps a few years previously with her husband, Phil Hullwork. The golden hue of the morning, the calm of the blue sky, the unusual patterns created by the fog, the green hills, and the chirping of birds were all present. But not her partner, who made a promise to hold her hand for the rest of her life. The pictures were now only memories; the blackness in her heart was deeper than the radiance of the sunrise, and the steps to the staircase were unsupported.

Phil Hullwork, a 76-year-old American citizen considered Nepal his second home. This led his wife Loretta to bring his remains to Nepal. Phil, who worked for Delta Airlines in the United States, first visited Nepal in 2007. Hullwork, a nature lover, traveled to numerous locations in Nepal and immersed himself in the country's natural beauty, lifestyle, and culture. The beauty of Pokhara captivated him the most.

Phil was so intrigued by Pokhara's magnificent surroundings, culture, and generous spirit that he began visiting Nepal on an annual basis. Pokhara's relaxed environment and the banks of Phewa Lake brought him comfort and joy. After retirement, he began spending the most of his time in Nepal. Loretta would also take a month off from her employment each year to visit Pokhara with her husband.

Phil Hullwork became unwell on his 2019 visit to Nepal. Loretta traveled to Nepal and transported him to his home country for medical care. He was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Phil passed away six months back while getting treatment. Loretta traveled to Nepal with her husband's ashes for his soul's peace, since he missed Nepal throughout his illness.

Loretta reached Sarangkot Hill with her husband's ashes. Loretta touched the photo of her late husband and offered a bouquet. Loretta's eyes welled up with emotions as she looked at the photograph of her happy husband. With countless emotions amidst silence, she scattered her husband's ashes in the hills of Sarangkot. She united her memories with Phil with the soil of Nepal.

Even in their later years, Loretta expressed one regret as she recalled those days when she felt that every moment she spent with Phil was wonderful and full of love.
“I didn’t want to have children, but now I feel a little lonely,” Loretta said with a hint of sadness.

“I don’t have Phil with me, but I cherish every moment I spent with him and the land he walked on,” Loretta said. “Phil is no longer with us physically, but his spirit will always be in Nepal. His memory will always be alive in Pokhara.”