One of the great expressions of sailing are the beautiful sunsets and sunrises which offer themselves to the weary sailor as a reward after a long day of weathered sailing or a sleepless night in a rough anchorage. Sailing can, at times, mirror life's experiences.
Today I witnessed my last high school awards banquet for one of my children. On Tuesday, Danielle, Dani K as her friends call her, will graduate from High School. All my children are now over eighteen years of age. August will present a house empty of children as each will be off pursuing goals of education, employment and family. In a very real sense it's as if the sun is setting on a long day of weathered sailing. It's a beautiful sunset that only sailors and crews, past, present can fully appreciate.
In this same week my son Sean and his wife Stacey had a beautiful daughter named McKenzie Mae Kirtley. Holding my first granddaughter in my arms it was self evident this is the beautiful sunrise that always follows a beautiful sunset. Kenzie is the first of next generation of Kirtley's. I couldn't help but wonder where the winds of life will take her and would she develop the ability to beat against them when necessary and sail with them when they lead to safe harbor.
A solitary tear ran down my face as I watched my son holding her and looking into her eyes. It was in that moment I realized the cycle of stormy weather and trouble seas, which I had experienced, had been broken. Sean had never known them, neither knew of them, and "Kenzie" never will.
For this sailor the expressions of this week's sunset and sunrise are like the arrival of a far away port to which I had long ago set sail towards amidst heavy weather and stormy seas. It is sweet in a way words cannot adequately describe and few there be who will understand except those who have likewise traveled.
I am grateful for the Master of us all who is always there to teach us the ropes when we are willing to be taught, there to comfort us when the seas shouldn't be calmed, and there to led us to safe harbor when we are willing to be led.
3 comments:
Beautiful post. You are a great father and example. I know Sean is going to be a great father because of you. Love you.
Lovely message. I know that Sean will do well sailing the waters of fatherhood because of your example. You are an amazing Captain of this crew of ours. Love you!
Aye Matey, speak yer mind!