Pokhara, March 26: American citizen Loretta Holbrook, 72, looked as beautiful as she did in a pink kurta and red bangles, but her eyes were filled with pain and her face was filled with despair. Standing on the hill of Sarangkot, her heavy emotions were like clouds.
A few years ago, she had climbed these same stairs holding the hand of her husband Phill Holbrook. The pictures taken together, the golden color of the sunrise, the peace of the blue sky, the strange shapes made by the fog, the green hills, the chirping of birds, were all there. There was only one companion, one touch, one hand, which had promised to hold her for the rest of her life. Now the pictures were just memories, the darkness of the heart was deeper than the light of the sunrise, and the steps to climb the stairs were unsupported.
Phill Holbrook, a 76-year-old American citizen who considers Nepal his second home, was inspired by Loretta to bring his body to Nepal with him. Phill, who works for Delta Airlines in the United States, first came to Nepal in 2007. During a visit to Thailand, a friend told him about the natural beauty of Nepal, and Nepal became his destination. Holbrook, who loves to enjoy nature, visited various places in Nepal and immersed himself in the natural beauty, lifestyle and culture here. Wherever he went, the beauty of Pokhara attracted him the most.
The beautiful scenery, culture and loving nature of Pokhara fascinated Phill so much that he started coming to Nepal every year. The peaceful environment of Pokhara and the banks of Phewa Lake provided him with comfort and joy. After retiring from the airline, he started spending most of his time in Nepal.
In 2019, Phill Holbrook fell ill after suffering a pinched nerve while traveling to Nepal. Hotel operator and tourism entrepreneur Hari Bhujel paid special attention to the treatment of Holbrook, who was staying at the Lakeside Gaurighat hotel ‘Raniban Arcade’. However, the problem did not improve.
A month later, Loretta came to Nepal and treated him after taking him to his own country. Ironically, before one problem was resolved, he was diagnosed with a ‘brain tumor’. Finally, Phill passed away six months ago during the treatment. For the peace of Phill’s soul, who was still missing Nepal even in his illness, his wife Loretta came to Nepal with her husband’s remains.
Loretta, who reached Sarangkot Danda with her husband’s remains, was accompanied by tourism entrepreneur Hari Bhujel, another friend from Pokhara, Binay Poudel, and Loretta’s friend Sheri. Loretta touched the photo of her late husband and offered a bouquet. Loretta’s eyes filled with tears as she looked at the photo of her smiling husband. With countless emotions amidst silence, she buried her husband’s ashes in the hills of Sarangkot. She united her memories with Phill with the soil of Nepal.
Phil loved Nepal during his lifetime and often requested Loretta to take his body to Nepal. “Phill was a very simple and easy-going person who enjoyed the nature and culture of Nepal,” said hotel owner Hari Bhujel. “We have eaten Nepali food together in our kitchen many times, celebrated Holi, visited monasteries and temples, Phill has many memories,” said Bhujel, who further deepened his relationship with Nepal by fulfilling Phill’s last wish.
Phill openly praised the hospitality of the Nepalis and the way of life here. In particular, he had the habit of visiting the local areas of Pokhara and tasting the local liquor. “Phill loved Nepal so much that he spent almost three months of the year in Nepal. He would stay alone for two months and with Loretta for one month,” said Bhujel.
Loretta, who works for Delta Airlines, would take a month off every year to visit Pokhara with her husband. Even now, Loretta’s constant visits to Nepal are immortalizing Phill’s memory. “Phill’s love for Nepal and Loretta’s dedication have made this moment even more poignant. Phill’s spirit will always live on in the mountains, rivers and hearts of Nepalese people,” said Phill’s friend Binay Poudel, emotionally.
The couple had married after falling in love while working for the same airline. Even in her later years, every moment spent with Phill was unforgettable and filled with love. Recalling those days, Loretta expressed one regret.
“I did not want to have children, but now I feel lonely sometimes,” Loretta said with a slight sadness. “Phill is not with me, but every moment spent with him and the soil he walked on are equally dear to me,” Loretta said. “Phill is no longer with us physically, but his spirit will always be in Nepal. His memory will always be alive in Pokhara.”
