Inspiration

[Marlene Anne Sassaman]

A caveat of being questioned or receiving an inquiry in Sea Knots is the resulting inspiration. This morning Lola asked if I am sailing alone. A few days ago a girl from my home base, sent an intriguing message via email. Such communication is received with approbation. Venturing far from family and friends has been a daunting experience. Throughout my teenage years until after I retired from the workforce believing people like me has been difficult. The overwhelming calls, texts and e-mails along with taking the time to absorb such messages yields a change of heart.

To answer the question if I am sailing alone I will give the long answer. (For those wanting a short answer I will indulge you by saying this: Yes.  

On January 15, 2014, the dock lines were untied. It was a bittersweet sail from Everglades City to Luperon, Dominican Republic. For the previous three months I cried myself to sleep more nights than I recall. It was no surprise then, that as soon as I found myself alone at the helm, alone in the galley, and alone in my bunk not a tear was shed. 

A poster sent by a friend was posted in the galley. the poster read, I don]t have time to think about people who do not care for me when there are others who do.  Seeing this simple reminder rewarded me with a new approbation for those deserving my love and attention.  Who were the folks who cared about me? Who would be there should peril strike? 

It seems an intriguing twist of fate has arrived to help answer these questions.