California resident Michael Murphy was recovering from drug addiction and moved to Hawaii about a year ago because he wanted to experience life and eventually become a writer, his parents, Joe and Dona Murphy, said. "He called it the land of milk and honey," Joe Murphy said. But Michael Murphy's stay in Hawaii was not easy.

For about a year, he was homeless most of the time. Then on Nov. 21, he was killed, struck by a hit-and-run driver while crossing South King Street near Victoria Street. As Honolulu police continue to investigate Murphy's death, his parents arrive today to bring home the remains of their son.

"Our beautiful son will come home with us from his adventure," Dona Murphy said. Murphy, 22, died of multiple internal injuries after the Nov. 21 crash near the Blaisdell Concert Hall, authorities said. Dona Murphy said she wants the public to know her son was spiritual, a free spirit, and a voracious reader, who once wrote, "If I'm moved to see my dream, I have seen victory. If I die fighting for my dreams, I still see victory."

Dona Murphy said Michael left Livermore, Calif., and moved to Hawaii about a year ago and was homeless most of the time while on Oahu.

But his living condition did not affect his feelings for his parents, she said. She said in his last Facebook message, Michael wrote, "Love you all. Life is good, and I am blessed."

Murphy's friend Patric Miller, who also is homeless, said Michael was recovering from his addiction to crystal methamphetamine and opiates but was very intelligent and compassionate. "He was really smart. He always had a book with him," Miller said. "He was really a good friend ... He was the kind of guy, if you had a problem, he'd help you figure a way to make it better, which is a rarity on the street."Miller recalled how Murphy gave up his place in a shelter so that Miller wouldn't have to sleep outside alone.

"We were definitely like brothers here," he said. Miller said he has difficulty talking about Murphy's death. "He quits drugs and then he dies from a hit-and-run ... that's kind of ironic."