I always wanted to learn to surf since playing in the sea as a child. Swimming is one of my joys; the sea was my first love, as I went sailing every year with my family, often for the whole summer holidays, since I was six months old until an adult.
Over years, visiting so many interesting and varied places, leaving the boat in different harbours at the end each journey to return to the following year, we sailed a long way; from England all around the countries of the Mediterranean then beyond to enjoy the magic of the Aegean. Amazing, fascinating, sometimes scary adventures. I love seeing a few playful dolphins leaping free right by the boat, and the rare moments of absolute stillness, the full moon over the tranquil sea in the middle of the night, the boat swaying as we sailed with no ships, no land in sight. Just us, the sea, and the skies.
I greatly admire my mother’s care of us all and absolute courage in adversity, and my father’s tenacity and determination at keeping us safe through navigating the sea-ways, and in storms. My brother would always be quick to help at critical moments, say a few calm comforting words and see the humour in the intense challenges, with a quiet joyfulness behind his sometimes serious exterior.
I have a deep respect, and gratitude, for the sea and all she teaches me, like trust and humility.
So, I don’t know if I will ever begin to surf the open sea but rather, to live fully and stronger, I Shall learn to surf these frequent wild inner waves that arise, and always come safely home to the calm shore of love.