I saw a great quote this morning: “The highest moments in life are those moments of love we share with our families” – how true that is.
Too often, it is tragic events like this that make you take a step back and reflect on what is truly important.
I wish I’d…
This week, I have felt every emotion under the sun – sadness, anger, and especially guilt for not visiting enough and spending more time with Larry.
“I am proud to be his daughter and know my sisters feel the same. That is the first thing I will tell him when I see him. -Susan”
This was a message on caringbridge.org, a free nonprofit web service that connects family and friends to share information, love, and support during a health crisis, treatment, and recovery. His daughter wrote that Larry had had had a stroke while at sea off the coast of Italy and was in serious condition.
(Update: Captain Wade is back in Maine – The doctors all feel strongly that it was a viral infection. A much better prognosis than they had originally been given when he was in Italy!)
Larry is the Captain of the 500-foot Training Ship State of Maine run by the Maine Maritime Academy, which teaches students to become officers in the merchant marine. Two hundred students take a two-month cruise for sea time and real-life experiences each year.
I tried to make as many cruises with him as possible but could not this year. I met Captain Wade in 1971 aboard the Tanker Mission Santa Ynez when I joined as a cadet deck officer.
Because of this man, I went on to become Captain and enjoyed a successful maritime career.
Right now, I am wishing him a quick recovery.
I know that he already knows this, but I wish I had told him more of my thoughts and what his friendship has meant to me.
My first experience with ‘I wish that I’ was when my dad died, and I was aboard a similar training ship at sea off Europe.
Have you ever wished you’d spent a little more time with your mom or dad?
I can’t tell you how many thoughts and wishes went through my mind after my dad died. It was a rough time for me.
Yes, I have many “I wish I’d,” said this and that to Larry right now. When Captain Wade recovers, we can sit down talk. Unfortunately, you can’t make time travel backward.
Do you have things you aren’t saying to the people who are important to you?
Maybe we’d better start right now while we have the chance.
Captain Wade, thanks for being my friend. Your friendship has touched me and thousands of others.
I’d seen that over 1,500 people had written and checked on your well-being.
It looks like I’ll have to stand in line to give you a “hug” (West Coast thing).
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