Another storm…another natural disaster for much of the UK.
As Storm Eowyn raged we have been away worrying about our boat remotely from down on the South West coast, and once more we are so grateful for the support of the boating community.
This time, as winds howled and waters rose, we were on the North Devon coast for the funeral of a unique family member who would have been 100 this summer.
We walked the beach with Boatdog and enjoyed the lights on the prom before the storm raged, and metal furniture outside our hotel room was hurled across the hotel gardens. I lay awake wondering about our floating home and whether she remained moored where we had repinned her and loosened her ropes in case of winds and high waters.
The message next morning from a boater to say Leicestershire was not as badly affected this time and our boat was fine was not only a huge relief but yet another indication of the strength of the boating community. It’s a community where people care for each other, and that is something our 99 year old relative would have greatly appreciated. He was a firm believer in the butressing stability of family and friendship.
It was a testament to that belief that people from across the many years of his life united on the South coast, despite the difficulties of their journeys because of the storm, to remember him. Some remembered him as a young man. Others had worked with him. Some only knew him in his admittedly lengthy retirement, but their gratitude for the times shared with him was constantly articulated. Thank you, David… for all the memories.
It has made me think – how do each of us want to be remembered? How do you hope to be remembered? How do I hope to be remembered?
Maybe “She weathered life’s storms thanks to the love of and for her family and friends” would be a positive summation for me. What do you hope hope will say about you at the sunset of your life and how are you working to make that a reality?
Pickingupducks 