From the NY Times:
HONOLULU – Senator Barack Obama slowly walked up the steps of his campaign plane here on Friday evening, his suit coat slung over his shoulder, as he concluded his one-day visit home to Hawaii.
From touch-down on Thursday to take off on Friday, Mr. Obama spent nearly 22 hours on the ground in Honolulu visiting his ailing grandmother, Madelyn Dunham. He did not say how Mrs. Dunham was feeling and campaign aides did not disclose her condition, but he believes this could be his last time seeing her.
CNN reports:
Since arriving in Hawaii Thursday evening, Obama has kept a low profile, appearing within cameras' range only once, when taking a walk alone through his grandmother's neighborhood near Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu.
Wearing jeans, a black short sleeved shirt, sandals, and sunglasses, Obama was described as "somber and sad," according to a pool report.
As so many of us know, it is unbelievably difficult to say goodbye to a loved one, knowing you probably won't see them alive again. May our courageous candidate be surrounded with love and comfort in the days ahead.
Bless you, Senator Obama. We are so proud of you, so privileged that you are our candidate.
Update: Thanks to Wamsutta for the info that the photographer is Hugh Gentry.
And thank you for these lovely expressions of our shared love for Senator obama and for all who mourn the loss of a loved one.